FASHION INFLUENCER & STYLIST WE LOVE :
TARA WEST
About her-
She draws from a deep local and national network of brands and boutiques for her personal shopping and styling services, and is highly regarded by all the top brands and department stores. Tara's calm approach focuses fully on you - your style, your personality, your budget and your timeline.
That end-of-summer heat wave is alive and well, which makes it hard not to start thinking about fall! I love this time of year because I can start to break out thicker pieces and play with textures and layering. I styled 4 show stopping looks that are perfect for any fall occasion.
I am obsessed with the sweater and floral satin combo! The layered aspect of the look makes it perfect for the chilly weather, not to mention it’s such a fun way to play with proportions and lengths. I accented this outfit with killer leather booties, but I have a feeling a platform sneaker would look amazing, too (wink wink). Fall is a great season for playing around and getting creative with your wardrobe!
In my opinion, you can never go wrong with a simple midi dress, bonus points if it’s leather! I paired it with a stunning pair of animal print pumps: mixing neutral tones with a statement piece is a surefire way to make a simple outfit pop. You can easily layer this outfit for the chilly weather, too: just toss on your favorite cardigan or sweater and you’re ready to go!
Can you tell I’ve been having a leather moment lately? When you find a skirt this versatile and trendy… it’s hard not to love! The A-line shape makes it effortless to pair and easy to wear. I kept the accessories and styling simple to emphasize the detailing in the skirt, but the possibilities are certainly endless!
Fall is my favorite fashion season for a reason, you have the freedom to play with prints and textures in a way that’s unique to this time of year. Even if you’re not comfortable with a show stopping leopard piece , you can easily show off your unique style with just a subtle accessory! This look is perfect for dinner with your significant other or even a night on the town with girlfriends."
TW- I’m from L.A. so I like to say I was born into fashion. As far back as I can remember I always had a passion for styling; it came very natural to me and it was a great creative outlet. After high school, I pursued a degree (and career) as a Marriage and Family Therapy and was a practicing therapist for over 15 years. Soon after having had my third child I wanted a career change and felt it was time to pursue my true passion as a fashion stylist. Five years into my business, I feel so lucky to have the job that I’ve always wanted while connecting my clients with the style they’ve always dreamed of having.
TW- My styling process with a client typically begins in their closest. This is a place where I get to know the person and their clothes. This is a fun process, which usually ends with getting rid of items that don’t fit or are out of style. From there we decide what new items they should consider adding to their wardrobe. My goal is to utilize as much of their already existing wardrobe as possible. Finally, I shop and style outfits based on the outcome my client is looking to achieve (along with a personal look-book for easy reference).
SG- What does Fashion and style mean to you?
TW- Fashion and style can have a positive impact on attitude and self-esteem. I believe if you feel good about the way you look when you walk out your door then you’re in an overall better position to positively impact the way you perceive (and want to be perceived) in your world.
TW- When I arrived from LA almost 18 years ago, I felt as if the fashion scene in Boston was a bit conservative. Recently though, Bostonians are taking a real interest in stepping up their fashion by taking a looser approach to their look. This could be, in part, to the winning/more confident attitude that has swept through this area – not just in sport but in business, education and arts. Bostonians are hitting their “style-stride” and the fashion industry is taking notice.
SG-What are your favorite Boston fashion events?
TW- I would be hard-pressed to name a specific fashion event in Boston to recommend. If the focus on fashion in Boston continues to evolve as it currently is, my answer will surely change.
TW- Outside of helping my clients, I’m really excited about my fashion blog, Instagram and rewardStyle affiliation, which showcases my style in first-person. Social media has been a transitional, unnerving yet critical component to growing my business. It’s taken me from “behind the camera” of styling others to photographing my own style (with me as the focal-point). My transformation to social-media is on-going and I am very focused on building my brand and audience by delivering quality, reputable and relevant fashion content.
Photographer- Wendy Tam at Wendy Tam Photography
Make Up and Hair artist- Teddi Lopez
Collection featured on Tara West- Gond Collection
|
ABOUT THE WRITER
|
Sandhya Garg is a Project Runway designer. She studied and specialized in women's fashion at London College of Fashion, UK and has worked at Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Liberty London, Alice Temperley to name a few. She has her own successful resort dresses, special occasion dresses, wedding guest looks, swim coverups label. While on Project Runway Season 13, she won 2 challenges and was fortunate to show her collection at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. The brand has been featured in Marie Claire US, Ftv.com, Elle Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Vogue online to name a few. She designs limited edition high end printed spring dresses and swim coverups. Beautiful prints are inspired from around the world to be worn during travel, resort stay or cruise holidays. |
Leave a comment