Fashion Tips

Lately our team, at Sealed with a Kiss Designs, had the pleasure to work with the amazing Fashion and Product Stylist, Reah Norman. Reah assisted us in developing our new styling “how-to” tutorial video for the extremely anticipated Anastasia Interchangeable Wrap. We particularly chose Reah for this project due to the fact her specialty is in Plus Size Fashion Styling. She has grow to be the west coast “go-to-girl” for all plus size women. Reah was so much enjoyable and such a joy to have work on the project that I talked her into doing a unique interview with me so that I could share with our readers/customers a small about her and her profession.

So Reah, to start off I’d enjoy for you to tell our readers/buyers what exactly it is you do and how long you have been doing it?

I am a photo stylist and I specialize in fashion styling for plus size, as properly as item and prop styling. I am hired by magazines, clothing designers, advertising/PR agencies, and corporate divisions of retail stores to choose suitable wardrobe, props, and accessories to be utilised in photos, videos, television, movies, live performances and fashion shows. I also work with plus size models to select wardrobe for portfolio development, test shoots, and special events.

What made you decide to step into this profession?

Since I was young I’ve had an eye for styling, photography and I have been drawn to clothing and fabric. My first job was working at a drycleaners, and then I went onto working in Visual Merchandising. I studied photography, art, and fashion throughout high school and college, and I ultimately received my B.S. in Merchandising and Photography. After graduation, I moved to Los Angeles and attended a post graduate program in Visual Communications at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. I knew that I wanted to be a stylist and I was confident that studying these disciplines would permit me to refine my eye for detail and generate my style as an artist. I have worked on staff, as well as freelance, with several firms, designers, and business experts and my styling work has been featured in print ad campaigns, business catalogs, and newspaper advertisements.

What do you feel are some of the differences between styling for principal stream fashion and plus size fashion?

There are not a lot of stylists in the industry who are willing or interested in tackling the plus marketplace. Styling for plus models is exclusive because their bodies are distinctive. Most straight size models are between sizes -4, and given the nature of a body that size, they are usually able to wear most garments. With plus models, there is excellent care that goes into garment selection based on body sort and size. Also, plus size women require to be more cautious of trends and styles they choose. There are specific tricks that stylists use to attain proportion on a plus woman’s body.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is comfy, functional, and trendy. I adore jeans, dresses, sweaters, and accessories. I tend to buy more fundamental items and then dress them up with trendy jewelry or scarves. I enjoy scarves! On the average day you will see me in wide leg jeans, converse, a “boyfriend” cardigan and, of course, a scarf. Throughout the summer I love to wear dresses and sandals. I live in L.A., so my style is definitely reflective of the “So Cal” way of life.

As a plus size woman, what is your greatest obstacle in shopping for yourself?

Personally, my biggest obstacle when shopping for myself is that I can’t find what I want to buy in my size! As I am shopping, searching by way of magazines, and trend watching, I am continuously wanting to see far more mainstream designs and styles created for plus. It is frustrating to see stunning styles and designs in the “missy” and “junior” sections of the department stores, then go to the “plus” section and the styles and designs just do not compare. There is a huge chance for the plus marketplace, and trendy styles and silhouettes are not represented as properly as they really should be.

What is your greatest obstacle when styling plus size women?

With seasoned plus models, I locate they are typically comfy with their bodies and professional about trying different colors and styles, but when working with new models or plus women who are not models it can be difficult to get them to “step outside the box”. As individuals, we do not genuinely see ourselves the way that other people see us and as a stylist I try to offer a fresh perspective as well as educate my clients on styles and colors that are flattering to them.

As a stylist, how do you feel about the availability of stylish plus size women’s fashion?

I think the market is growing slowly but surely and a lot more businesses are listening to their buyers, however, I am normally disappointed in the selection and availability of stylish, fashion forward plus size fashion that is out there right now. Considering that 50% of all girls in America age 18 and over wear plus sized clothing, it is an abundant marketplace that is not being catered to. Plus females who are “fashion forward” are desperately waiting to have more alternatives and are typically confined to shopping on the internet, rather than becoming able to walk into a store, try on, and buy. Hopefully firms will continue to listen to fashion forward plus size consumers and develop fashions that are effortlessly accessible, cost-effective, and wearable.

What is the greatest fashion mistake a plus size woman can make when selecting their wardrobe?

The greatest fashion mistake that a plus size woman can make is wearing the wrong size! A typical misconception is that wearing tight clothing will make you look smaller and wearing baggy clothing will hide your difficulty areas. The truth is that wearing clothes that are too tight will only add attention to the location where the garment is clinging and make that area appear bigger. In contrast, wearing clothes that are too big will add bulk to your silhouette. Usually try on garments in a few various sizes, remembering that the number on the tag does not matter simply because manufacturer sizing is various for every single brand. Your clothing should usually closely follow the contours of your shape and enhance your curves.

What is the number 1 item that you feel every plus size woman really should have in their wardrobe?

The number 1 item that every single plus size woman ought to have in their wardrobe is a flattering pair of plus size jeans. If you choose a nice pair of denim that is flattering to your shape and height, they can be worn for practically any occasion. Generally, dark denim in boot cut, flare, and wide-leg styles are flattering for plus body sorts.

What contribution would you like to bring to the plus size fashion industry?

I hope that as a stylist I can contribute to the plus size fashion industry as an educator, role model, and mentor. I really get pleasure from connecting to actual girls all over the country and helping them feel fantastic about themselves by offering them a fresh perspective on plus fashion and style. I have discovered my niche with the plus business and I hope to continue partnering with plus related organizations, designers, and business leaders to reach out to society and media and showcase curvy ladies in a positive, flattering way.

Do you see the plus size fashion market growing in primary stream recognition anytime in the near future? If so, how?

Yes, I definitely see the plus size fashion market growing in principal stream recognition more and a lot more each day, even though it is not happening as rapidly as we would like it to. There are larger, mainstream retailers, like Forever 21, launching plus lines, and when other businesses see their instant success, they will hopefully follow in their footsteps. Also, there is an upcoming trend of tv shows in America that focus on plus size way of life, such as FOX’s dating show “A lot more to Love” and Oxygen’s “Dance Your Ass Off”. I think that as these shows gain popularity, so will the supply and demand for plus fashion.

Lately there have been a number of high fashion designers expanding their sizes to incorporate plus size ladies. What are your thoughts on this?

Thankfully, high fashion designer’s expanding their lines to plus size women is usually the direction the marketplace is headed. As long as plus buyers adore the designs and continue to buy these items, then designers will continue to cater to plus size ladies and other designers will follow in their footsteps.

For our clients who are interested in plus size styling, what’s your finest suggestions to get them began in the right direction?

My advice for your buyers, who are interested in pursuing a career as a plus size stylist, is to do your homework and know your marketplace. With any career, you should have extensive knowledge of your prospective clients and what services you can give them that will aid their business grow. Stylists are there to make their clients look their best, whether or not that client is a model, a celebrity, or a organization. The greatest way to understand the tools of the trade is to work as a stylist assistant or intern, which makes it possible for you to see all aspects of the business and gain your confidence although working with a expert.