Fashionista Diaries

Shopping has always been overwhelming for me with all of the different stores and options. I have a hard time deciding what looks good on me! Accessorizing is a challenge that is usually just neglected. I always admire women who pair different colors, patterns and jewelry; however, I could never dream of how to put it together myself. One of my colleagues is a walking example of this. After a few days of fabulous outfit after fabulous outfit, I asked her to share her secret. The answer? Carla Blackwell, stylist extraordinaire!

With a black tie wedding around the corner I enlisted Carla's innate fashion sense and expertise. In about one hour, she found a boutique dress (40% off mind you) and completed the look with shoes and accessories. The shopping experience was enjoyable and actually relaxing as Carla pulled everything for me to try on. Carla listened to my likes and dislikes and adjusted accordingly. It was the most efficient shopping trip and most importantly, I felt beautiful in my new purchases. Carla has agreed to help revamp my closet and full wardrobe and I cannot wait for my updated look!

Wendy, SM Client

I am one of those women that never knew what types of clothes looked good on her shape. I am not a size 8 and I don't have a flawless figure. I would see clothes in the store that I would really like and be frustrated that they didn't fit the right way. I even stooped to sole online shopping so that I could try things on in my own home without the frustration of being in the store. I always admired Carla's style...the way she wears clothes that seem to fit perfectly, the way she is able to mix and match colors and patterns that I would never put together myself, and the way she carries herself with confidence. In my first shopping experience with Carla, I told her that I wanted to "update my wardrobe". She took me to stores had clothes I could fit and put together a mix and match of pieces that would sustain a new seasonal wardrobe, all within about an hour! The best part about it was that these clothes were all within the budget I gave her so I didn't have to feel a financial burnout afterwards.

The most memorable experience I had with Carla was shopping for my wedding after-party outfit. I was not worried about any other aspect of my wedding - all the details were down and I already had my wedding dress. But I had no idea what to wear to the after-party! I wanted to wear something fun, flirty and most importantly - something I could dance in. Carla knew this was one of the most important days of my life and took me to an exclusive boutique where I felt pampered and didn't have to lift a finger! Along with the wonderful staff there, Carla pulled pieces for me that she knew would make me feel the way you are supposed to feel on your wedding day...like the most beautiful girl in the world.

LaFawn, SM Client

I have known Carla for many years and have always been impressed by how "put-together" she always is. Every detail of her outfits from handbags, jewelry, shoes you name it, is always just perfect. So when I decided that I needed some wardrobe refreshing, of course I called on my gal. First, she took an inventory of what I had and let me know what I should keep and what I needed to toss. Then, after discussing a plan of action, came the fun part. She helped me shop for pieces that worked with my existing wardrobe and helped me pick out new ensembles as well. She showed me pieces that I never would have picked myself but are so "me". She gave me the tools I needed to continue to build my wardrobe when shopping on my own and, most of all, she gave me the confidence to feel fabulous every time I leave my front door!

Jill, SM Client

Carla came to my rescue! I needed make-up and clothing to wear to a formal summer wedding. Carla spent about 6 hours with me over the course of one day. She really helped to keep me focused on the task. Carla encouraged me to try out different brands and made me feel as though I was contributing my own personal style and taste to the project. I had my make-up done and also got a great dress and shoes. We even shopped for accessories that I could wear at the event or add on later. She brought her personal knowledge of the various designers and her keen eye for fit to the table. This enabled my shopping excursion to be efficient and within budget. Her winning personality made the project easy going and enjoyable. I would recommend Carla whole-heatedly to anyone in need of make-up and/or clothing, especially if pressed for time or working with a limited budget and/or a looming deadline. We had a great time and I feel that my purchases were all things that I will definitely wear again.

Jeannen, SM Client

I would totally recommend Carla. I was invited to a party and needed a dress. I could not find anything that popped. I was always used to staying in my comfort zone, but knew I wanted to step out and wear something fun, flirty, and classy. We went shopping into stores I would of never went too and she picked out dresses that were unbelievably adorable. The accessories she picked were exciting and pretty. She gave me that confidence I needed.

She made the shopping experience so fun. After that, I just wanted to take her shopping with me every where, and ask for her advice.

I have also experienced shopping with her and other friends and watched how she picked out such cute outfits for them. She definitely has an eye for fashion.

Sophia, SM Client

Carla has been the single greatest influencer of my style during the 10+ years I've known her. She encourages me to take risks and try things on that I never thought would be right for me. I trust her opinion and love shopping with her because she always seems to find those hidden treasures on the rack that I never would have spotted on my own.

Michelle, SM Client

Carla Blackwell is two words Fab Ulous! Not only did she transform my wardrobe, she transformed my confidence too!