Industry Spotlight: Michigan Startup Solves the Problem of What to Wear

If you're one of those people who could care less about putting an outfit together or if you're on the opposite end of the spectrum where that's all you think about, listen up. A local startup has solved both of those problems. Stylists, you now have a platform to legitimize your business and start managing your clients a little more efficiently, and for the busy men and women who just don't have time to figure out their outfits, you have a way to do so with an expert. Read more about The Styled Life and how it answers life's most important question: what am I going to wear today?

Image from The Styled Life

DGG: Tell us about The Styled Life.

The Styled Life: Remember Cher Horowitz’s closet computer in the movie Clueless? How many of us lusted after that machine that would tell us precisely what to wear each morning?! It has been a dream ever since to bring that exact feeling to every closet. We all struggle with what to wear when faced with the contents of our closet and we all want to feel confident in the image that we present to the world.

THE STYLED LIFE was created to solve the struggle of figuring out what to wear. We have bridged the gap between professional stylists wanting to help clients feel great about their look and members searching for someone to put their clothes together for them. It is the only monthly subscription service that will actually take your own clothes and show you how to wear them. No more laying clothes out, stressing about a special occasion, or wasting time trying stuff on and not liking the way it looks.

Through a special photographic process, each article of a wardrobe is documented and uploaded to a personal virtual closet.  From here, wardrobe items are catalogued by category, type, color, and brand.  Our members can request outfits from their personal stylist, ask for shopping suggestions, assign outfits to their calendar, and ask a stylist to plan out outfits to pack their suitcase for a trip. Every time a new item is added to a closet, the stylist gets an alert to create new outfits so that our members know exactly how to wear it.

DGG: Why should a local stylist choose this as a platform versus managing it his or herself?

TSL: The job of a personal stylist is to help their clients feel great about themselves in what they are wearing, whether it is done in a fitting room at a store or in the comfort of their own home. Men and women desire to look their best each and every day; the image we portray directly affects how we feel and how others view us. The demand for personal stylists is on the rise, yet the time in each day does not change. How else can you meet the needs of your growing number of clients if you cannot be in 10 places at once? This is the exact reason why we created the solution to the struggle.  

With The Styled Life, stylists can access their clients’ closets from any mobile device. They are available when their clients need them and can offer advice, style outfits, and give shopping suggestions. The ability to view the wardrobe contents of any client allows a stylist the freedom to run their business on their time and still serve their clients at the highest level.

DGG: What are your plans for the future? Where do you see The Styled Life in 5-10 years?

TSL: In the next 5-10 years, we will be able to touch millions of wardrobes. Personalized shopping experiences are on the rise, and for good reason. Stitch Fix, Trunk Club, Wantable...all of these style subscription boxes are gaining attention and followers because women, and men, are understanding the power of their image. We live in a quick world, where first impressions are extremely important. The clothing that we choose to wear each and every day can have a major impact on our life interactions.  

The Styled Life takes what the style subscription boxes have to offer and adds one more unique touch: honoring your current wardrobe. With this personalized step, we are not selling you new products. Our stylists are not filling a box with clothes we think you will like based on a style quiz you completed. Instead, we are making informed decisions based on the contents of your closet. We are creating a personalized relationship to best serve your lifestyle and outfit struggles.  And we are NOT a subscription that you will take a break from because our styling professionals are saving you precious time and money. By creating outfits from your wardrobe that you love to wear, we are increasing the value of your investment in the items that are hanging in your closet. And who doesn’t want to make the most of an important investment?

The Styled Life will be a household name as it is going to change the way men and women shop and get dressed each day. Imagine being able to walk into a retail store and instead of wondering what you should buy, you can invite the sales associate to pull up your closet. The associate can then pinpoint exactly what your wardrobe is missing. This will not only help you make smarter decisions as a consumer, but also see a greater value in what you purchase.

We are excited to see what the future brings and have already seen the life-changing impact that our system has on our members’ lives.

DGG: What advice you would give to budding personal stylists?

TSL: You cannot serve everyone and you do not need to. Be focused. When you become clear about what you have to offer and who you offer it to, you will identify your exact client and can find them so much easier. Think about who you love working with and get to know your ideal client. Study them. What type of client are they? What do they look like? What are their struggles?  What do they like to do in their free time? What do they do for work? Where do they like to hang out? Really take the time to understand the people you want to serve. This will help you become clear on your own services and what you have to offer your clients.

DGG: If you could style anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

TSL: Oprah. Just to be in the presence of a woman who has built an empire, while never losing sight of what she has to offer others, would be incredibly empowering. Styling to me is more than just fashion and trends, it represents connecting with my clients on a deeper, more transformational level.  To have the opportunity to connect with Oprah on this level, while influencing her style decisions (not that she needs it!) I know would provide immeasurable insight.   

DGG: How do you take your coffee?

TSL: Black and strong.

DGG: Sarah Slutsky or Erin Walsh?

TSL: Sarah Slutsky.  

DGG: Classic or edgy?

TSL: Depends on my mood and who I want to be that day. I love playing around with my style and wearing outfits that are unique to me.

Local Designer Series: Local Designer Wears Many Different Hats on Path to Success

Local designer, Deanna Zapico of Designs by Deanna Zapico has done it all. From styling, to on-set costume design and custom gowns, she's used her creativity and sewing skills to her advantage to make a professionally fulfilling life for herself. If you are a local designer or fashion industry professional feeling down, this inspiring interview will should give you the motivation to keep on keeping' on! 

DGG: Tell us about yourself, Deanna.
Deanna Zapico: I've had a very unconventional and creative childhood with my mother as a commercial artist and my father, a classical musician. This couldn't help but influence me. I graduated from the College for Creative Studies majoring in Advertising Design in Detroit. I've been sewing since age 5 learning from both of my grandmothers and my mother, and I created my first wedding gown for my cousin at the age 20! I am engaged to be married this June to a wonderful man, Frank Arvan. Of course, I’m making my own gown. I also sing in my Father’s Chorale that he’s directed for close to 40 years. (He’s 84)

I was an advertising art director for about 12 years, working an average of 55 hours a week, then left the agency life to spend more time with my 2 sons, Ian and Andre. I have been designing custom gowns since my first gown at age 20, so it was natural for me to continue designing and sewing gowns from my home studio. I divorced in 2008, (a financially difficult year for most) I created a website for my business, www.customweddinggown.com and continued creating custom gowns and sewing and styling for television commercials from contacts I had made in advertising. Fortunately for me, 2008 the film industry came to MI due to Governor Granholm's tax incentives, and I was picked up almost immediately to sew and creative costumes with some huge talents.

DGG: Tell us about Designs by Deanna Zapico.
DZ: Along with designing and creating custom gowns, sewing and styling for TV commercials, and repairing gowns for a dry cleaner, I’ve also worked on over two-dozen films. I had the pleasure of working with academy award winning costume designers and sewn for many famous actors, from George Clooney, Ben Affleck and Henry Cavil to Rosie O’Donnell, Whitney Houston and Amy Adams, the list goes on. My latest big film was "Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice," which comes out this March. Other bigger movies include "Up In the Air," "Sparkle," "Real Steel" and "Scream 4."
 

If all this wasn't enough to keep me busy, in 2014, I was chosen to compete in a Detroit Garment Group/ Detroit Institute of Arts fashion design contest, Beyond the Armor, which was special exhibit at the DIA featuring the lifestyle of the ancient Samurai as inspiration. For this I created an evening gown with a leather armor bustier and a long red silk dupioni skirt on which I designed and hand painted a Japanese dragon that completely wrapped around the flared bottom. I loved creating this one!!

DGG: How do you want to be remembered?
DZ: I would love to be remembered first as a wonderful mom and partner, and then an extremely versatile and talented designer who has been able to persevere through difficult times.

DGG: What was the toughest hurdle you overcame in your career?
DZ: My toughest hurdle so far, and I emphasize so far, had to be making enough money to live on after my divorce and literally continuously balancing 4 part time jobs. Creating custom gowns for private clients, sewing and styling for TV commercials, repairing gowns for Janet Davis Drycleaners and creating and sewing costumes for Hollywood. I don’t regret how hard I’ve worked; only not spending enough time with my younger son, Andre. I’ve learned how to wear many hats and juggle many skills over the last 8 years. I’m sure I will face more tough hurdles as the film industry winds down and I continue to grow and balance my other skills.

DGG: If you could give budding fashion designers three pieces of advice, what would it be?
DZ:
1) Be persistent!! Don’t give up on an idea if life throws you some difficulties.
2) If things don’t turn out the way you’ve planned, ask yourself what can I learn from this diversion? (And that’s all it is, a diversion) Who can I meet that may open new doors to help further my goals?
3) Be prepared to have many different jobs until you can support yourself on designing alone!!

DGG: Where do you see your company in 5 years?
DZ: I would like to expand by designing and manufacturing a vintage inspired collection of simpler wedding gowns that I would make available for purchase on my website.

DGG: If you could dress anyone in the world in your designs, who would it by and why?
DZ: Amal Clooney, both gorgeous and smart. And because the fashion publications can’t wait to see what she has on next. And Sophia Loren or Princess Diana. While they’re no longer with us, I choose Sophia for her gorgeous, sexy full figure and Diana for all of all the attention her wardrobe has received and is still receiving.

DGG: Describe your style. 
DZ: Sensual and refined.

DGG: How do you take your coffee?
DZ: I usually order a skinny, sugar free caramel latte at Starbucks.

DGG: Custom design or stock design 
DZ: I love creating custom gowns! (Realizing, of course, that I have yet to create a line.)

DGG: Gucci or Versace?
DZ: Alexander McQueen - Sensual and refined - but Versace for its flamboyant colors and sexiness, and also because the Versace family is from Calabria, Italy where my mother’s family comes from. Gucci for its classic designs.

Industry Spotlight: Fashion Buyer and International Retail Consultant Turns Small Business Owner in Detroit

Roslyn Karamoko, creator of Détroit Is the New Black, has made her way through the fashion industry working for companies like Saks Fifth Avenue, and really doing it all. Styling, buying and consulting are all careers listed on her resume, and now she can add business owner. Karamoko’s world travels have landed her right here and Detroit, and fortunately for us, she decided to set up shop (literally) and stay a while.

DGG: Tell us about yourself, Roslyn.

Roslyn Karamoko: I grew up in Seattle, Washington and went to college in Washington DC. I love to travel, explore new and hidden gems in the city, and hang out at Belle Isle.

DGG: Tell us about your journey in the industry.

RK: I majored in fashion merchandising at Howard University and moved to New York upon graduation. I worked briefly as a styling intern for Bad Boy records before landing a job as a merchandising assistant at Saks Fifth Avenue. I completed the buying and planning development program and went on to become an associate buyer, then planner in the women's outerwear office. After Saks, I moved to Singapore to work as a retail consultant for an online e-commerce start-up called Zalora, which has since grown to become the largest online fashion retailer in Southeast Asia. During my time with the company, I sourced international high-street labels from the U.S. and Europe to sell throughout Southeast Asia. 

DGG: What are the pros and cons of being a fashion buyer?

RK: The pros are being able to stay abreast on the current trends and the fast-paced environment. It's super exciting to attend market twice a year and see all of the fresh products each season. The cons are managing OTB (Open-To-Buy) budgets and writing orders. Ultimately, you're responsible for sales, and this doesn't always correlate with your individual tastes and/or aesthetic.

DGG: What advice do you have for someone looking to have a career as a buyer?

RK: I would advise them to find a buyers training program through a major department store. Other than Saks, Macy's has a great one and I believe Sears has a program based out of Chicago for those not in NY. Also, Limited brands (Victoria Secret, The Limited, Bath and Body Works) have a great training program that offers a solid foundation for anyone looking to get into retail buying/merchandising. 

DGG: When and why did you start Detroit is the New Black?

RK: I started Detroit is the New Black in 2014. I wanted to offer a message of optimism for the city as well as create a cosmopolitan/upscale feel. I think it's a nice alternative to the Detroit product that's out there, and it reflects a fresh perspective. Long term, I want to create a sustainable fashion label for Detroit that has a warehouse and manufacturing facility in the city, which will create jobs and inspire locals looking to work in fashion to stay in Detroit. 

DGG: What has been the most rewarding thing about starting your business?

RK: I would say the overwhelming response to the brand. I feel blessed that it's resonated with so many people from varying walks of life. I've always sought to bring people together through fashion, and I feel I've been able to strike that balance with the brand. 

DGG: What advice do you have to give about starting a business?

RK: I would say have a solid business plan to start out with, but be flexible as things always change. Also, be resilient and stay the course. There are certainly challenging days when you feel like giving up, but remembering why you started should always give you new motivation to keep moving forward. 

DGG: Tell us about your store in midtown and what you have to offer, besides your iconic shirts!

RK: The store is a high-low mix of luxury labels and local designers. I wanted to create a shop that offers aspirational runway pieces, but still have affordable items for everyday wear. 

DGG: Describe your style.

RK: Classic, easy, signature. Usually black. 

DGG: How do you take your coffee?

RK: Black. 

DGG: Bergdorf Goodman or Barneys New York?

RK: Bergdorf. 

DGG: Crewneck t-shirts or V-neck t-shirts?

RK: V-neck