Updating your look every season can be a hassle, but sometimes, a little extra help in that department can go a long way. Whether you’re looking for simple personal style help or a full wardrobe purge, these motivated women can assist you on your journey. Check out these local Hoboken, Jersey City, and NYC wardrobe stylists who can help you enhance your look:
ABStylist — Amy Berenbak
(Photo Credit: Amy Berenbak)
Amy Berenbak started her career in retail at Cosabella, Bloomingdale’s, and Diane Von Furstenberg, just to name a few. She grew up raiding her mom’s closet and always mixed and matched outfits with the perfect accessories. She knew she wanted to start her own wardrobe styling business after perfectly curating a birthday gift for her close friend’s wife. Berenbak saw how excited she was after receiving the present and knew this was the next chapter in her career. Over the past 15 years, Berenbak has witnessed style change in Hudson County and NYC before her eyes. She loves shopping in stores like Viola Vita, Peper + Parlor, and Alba Boutique.
How did you start your career in wardrobe styling?
From as early as I can remember, I spent endless hours dressing up in my mother’s closet. My mom would leave for work and I would mix and match outfits —I t was my happy place! It was the ‘80s, so the bigger the accessories the better! After 12 years of working in wholesale and retail {at Cosabella, Bloomingdales, and Diane Von Furstenberg}, I wanted to do something that combined my creativity and passion. I was asked by a close friend to shop for a birthday gift for his wife. The gift was a Cosabella lingerie set, fun tops, and jewelry. I loved the hunt of shopping for this particular gift, and after seeing how excited she was after receiving it all, I knew this was the next chapter in my career.
Who’s your style icon?
Rachel Zoe, Victoria Beckham, Sienna Miller, and Danielle Bernstein of We Wore What.
How do your services work?
Many people have a closet full of clothes that they have no idea what to do with. That’s where I come in! I encourage my clients to start with a closet makeover. Here I help my clients assess what’s in their closet. From there, I help create stylish outfits and take pictures for my client’s personal photo library of what looks great with items they already own. During this time, I gain a better understanding of my client’s true personal style. We come up with a shopping list within the desired budget, set forth by my client, to begin updating their wardrobe.
My mission is to make my clients look and feel amazing. The goal is to build a wardrobe that works cohesively with the items you already own. Most importantly, I show clients how to shop smart, where to splurge, where to save, and where to shop. I go back to my clients closet and help them create outfits by combining their new purchases with pieces they already own.
What’s one tip for someone looking to find their personal style?
Fashion is ever-changing. To find your true style, embrace the style that speaks to you. Once you have clarity over your style, you will feel and look effortless.
Once you have clarity over your style, you will feel and look effortless.
Gianna Nucci Style – Gianna Nucci
(Photo credit: Gianna Nucci)
Gianna Nucci, a stylist in the NYC/NJ area and an FIT grad, never thought wardrobe styling could be a career path until she started working for a retailer doing creative project management. She knew after a few photo shoots that she wanted to be a stylist, but for everyday people. Nucci started blenderstyle as a side job, booked clients, and finally went full time in 2017 after nine months of launching. To Nucci, the Hudson County and NYC area really makes her feel like her wildest dreams can come true and the potential is limitless.
How did you start your career in wardrobe styling?
I honestly have always loved putting outfits and looks together, similar to how a chef gets excited when they are given different ingredients to create a meal with. Even as a little girl, I was obsessed with dressing my dolls for hours at a time. I never really thought personal styling could be a career path until I moved back to the NJ/NYC area and was working for a large retailer doing creative project management. Stylists would come into our office to style shoots and I had an epiphany: that’s exactly what I want to do, but for everyday people. So, I started blenderstyle on the side, began spreading the word and booking clients, and finally went full time after about nine months of launching.
Who’s your style icon?
As cliché as this may sound, Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and The City. She unapologetically dresses how she wants. The way a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes excites her is so endearing and relatable to someone like myself who loves and appreciates fashion.
How do your services work?
I have multiple service options ranging from digital styling or shopping to my most premium package where I literally deliver an in-home boutique shopping experience to client’s doorsteps, with a few other services in between. It really depends on what the client needs, but we always start with a phone call to really identify their problem areas and discover which service would best fit their needs and budget.
What’s one tip for someone looking to find their personal style?
My tip is to be aware of what inspires you. If you see a look you love on someone, really identify what it is that you’re attracted to. Is it the colors? Is it the structure or fabrics? Is it the outfit formula? Once you learn to take away from your inspirations and attractions, you’ll have no problem implementing them into your life and wardrobe. And, if you do have a problem, give me a call!
Be aware of what inspires you.
Bryn Taylor Style — Bryn Taylor
(Photo credit: Bryn Taylor)
Bryn Taylor began her wardrobe styling business in 2011 and styles clients all over the country, but especially in the North Jersey and NYC area. Before that, she originally worked as a production assistant for a small fashion designer and took continuing education classes at FIT on styling in her free time. Taylor then started assisting established stylists on photo shoots and personal styling appointments when she decided to start something of her own.
How did you start your career in wardrobe styling?
About a hundred years ago I took a continuing education class at FIT on fashion styling as it sounded interesting. I was working for a small fashion designer as a production assistant but wanted something more creative to do in my spare time. I had no clue what styling even was when I signed up. From there, I fell in love with it and started assisting established stylists on both photo shoots and personal styling jobs. After years of assisting, I decided to take the plunge and begin my own personal styling business.
Who’s your style icon?
I am more than mildly obsessed with French women’s style, so I would say Emmanuelle Alt, editor of Vogue Paris, is my current fave. I love her take on uniform dressing with a laid-back cool vibe.
How do your services work?
My services are broken down into three phases: closet edit, personal shopping, and outfit creation. With new clients, we begin with a thorough edit of their current wardrobe, followed by shopping sessions devoted to finding new pieces that complement and complete their edited wardrobes. As a final step, I combine new pieces with their current pieces to create new outfits for work, weekend, and anything in-between. I then photograph everything and put together look books for clients’ everyday reference.
What’s one tip for someone looking to find their personal style?
Stay realistic about your lifestyle and tendencies in order to make that aspirational style stick.
Stay realistic about your lifestyle and tendencies in order to make that aspirational style stick.
Jennerally Speaking – Jennifer Alexander
(Photo credit: Jennifer Alexander)
Jennifer Alexander has had a love affair with styling ever since she was young. Two years ago, she transformed her passion into a career as an in-house stylist for a consulting agency. Now Alexander is her own boss, styling clients, and launching her new site Jennerally Speaking within the next few months. The website will showcase her work, styling tips, and her podcast which features local fashionistas and their experiences.
How did you start your career in wardrobe styling?
I’ve had a love affair with styling since I was a kid. Growing up, I was always the girl playing in her closet, sharing clothes with friends, and giving styling advice. Two years ago, I decided to transition my passion into a career. I have been a style writer on and off since college and have worked retail for years {most recently the famed alba boutique}. Through these experiences, I was approached to become a fashion contributor and in-house stylist for a consulting agency.
After some time, I knew I had to follow my gut, expand upon my success and go into business for myself. I created a private styling business and will be launching my site Jennerally Speaking very soon. Here clients will be able to see my work, get styling tips and listen to me profile local fashionistas on my podcast!
Who’s your style icon?
My personal style icon I would say is Bridgette Bardot. Each look has been so different as she ranges from wearing classic pieces to channeling some real boho vibes. The consistent factor in her wardrobe is that she shows her personality and exudes femininity and strength.
How do your services work?
I’ve cast a wide net to accommodate a variety of clients and their needs. I always start by having a free consultation to assess a client’s lifestyle and needs. I can’t tell you where you need to go without knowing where you are starting from. From there we are able to determine which services would provide the best fit.
Clients are able to hire me to hunt down a specific article of clothing, to revamp their entire wardrobe, organize their closet, or to style looks for a vacation/specific event. I can also be hired on retainer to assist with ongoing styling needs. This can range from in-person styling, personal shopping, or remote style consultations through FaceTime or text.
What’s one tip for someone looking to find their personal style?
Comparison is the thief of joy. You cannot define your style based off of someone else’s body shape, lifestyle, budget or interests. You can be inspired by someone’s style, but ultimately your look needs to accommodate your body, your needs, and reflect your message. After all, if you get a compliment, you should get the credit for the walking art you’ve curated.
“Comparison is the thief of joy. You cannot define your style based off of someone else’s body shape, lifestyle, budget or interests. “
Be Brilliant Styling — Liana Galardi-Murgola
(Photo credit: Lianna Galardi-Murgola)
Liana Galardi-Murgola always dreamed of working in fashion, but worried she’d be a “starving artist.” She went to law school and worked in a law firm for two years until she realized she wouldn’t be fulfilled if she didn’t pursue a career in fashion. While working on the sales floor at Nordstrom, she built a loyal client base who she styled from head to toe for their full wardrobe and special events. After leaving Nordstrom, she worked backstage styling runways for New York Fashion Week, lookbooks, and editorial shoots. Four years ago, she went back to working for herself full time through Be Brilliant Styling. The company host an International Women’s Day runway show, Stand for Education, and its own not-for-profit community project for adolescents, The Brazen Beauty Project.
How did you start your career in wardrobe styling?
I always dreamed of working in fashion, but thought I’d be a “starving artist.” I thought I should go to Law School instead to “be successful” and make a difference for others. My first job out of college was at a law firm, and after two years I realized I was not going to be fulfilled if I didn’t try pursuing a career in fashion.
I got a job in luxury handbags at Nordstrom starting out on the sales floor and ended up building up a loyal client base that I styled head to toe for their full wardrobe and special events. After leaving Nordstrom I worked in several freelance fashion jobs including backstage styling runways for NYFW, lookbooks, and editorial shoots. Then I spent a few years in wholesale sales management, and four years ago I went back to working for myself full time.
Who’s your style icon?
I love Blake Lively’s style, but Stacey London is my all-time icon. She has fantastic style, she really cares about people, and she made a difference for so many on What Not to Wear. I love how real she is with her online following now.
How do your services work?
I start out with a complimentary 30-minute Style Discovery call on the phone or video for anyone who is interested in working together. For this, you’d fill out a short style survey, which creates a custom digital style profile in our exclusive styling software. Then we review the survey together and talk about how I can be of service based on the client’s specific goals/needs.
For most people, we start out with a “Dress for your Body” consultation which includes a customized “Style Manifesto” recapping everything we talk about so clients have a reference to use for future shopping/DIY wardrobe sorting. Then depending on the client’s goals and size of their wardrobe, we would either do the Total Transformation, or they can choose to book services individually
My goal is to coach and educate my clients so they’re left empowered and naturally knowing what works for them, and having peace of mind that they can look effortlessly flawless and chic for any occasion.
What’s one tip for someone looking to find their personal style?
The best personal style is the one that is uniquely you. Think about what you want your clothes to say about you when you walk into a room, and how you want to feel when you put something on. Focus on things that give you that feeling when you wear them. Also, pay attention to colors and styles you’re naturally drawn to when you get dressed.
Focus on things that give you that feeling when you wear them.
Nesta Simone Style – Nesta Simone
(Photo credit: Nesta Simone)
Nesta Simone has styled brides and women attending special events for years. She’s worked with luxury fashion brands where she helped real women look amazing and feel empowered. Simone says it’s so rewarding to style working moms, career women, and budding entrepreneurs in the Hudson County and NYC area. With two kids of her own, she knows how hard it can be to keep your style in check.
How did you start your career in wardrobe styling?
My background stems from working and styling brides and women attending special events. I worked with luxury brands like Monique Lhuillier and LaPerla where I was able to work with real women helping them look amazing and feel empowered. This is how I transitioned into styling today.
Who’s your style icon?
Solange is definitely at the top of my list. Her effortless, eclectic vibe inspires me in my own style. I also have to say, my mom. I am obsessed with the ‘70s era of style and I loved how my mom dressed back in her day. I wished she kept all of her clothing for me!
How do your services work?
My most popular service is my Edit Shop Style package. This entails a full closet and style overhaul. It begins with a three-hour closet edit, going through every piece in your closet to weed out what works and what is unflattering. Followed by personalized Digital Shopping Look Book I curate with all new pieces I carefully choose for you. The package is completed with a three-hour Styling session where I show you how to create multiple outfits from your new pieces and existing pieces in your wardrobe. I give your wardrobe a breath of fresh air, a streamlined closet so you can get dressed and get out the door in five minutes. Most importantly, my goal is to leave you feeling totally empowered and loving the way you look!
I also have a service called Event Styling. This service is for women who may be attending a special event/gala and may need someone like myself to find them the perfect look from head to toe. This entails image consulting, pulling looks and creating the final look completed with accessories, hair ideas, and make-up artist if needed. My other services include Bridal Styling for engagement shoots and other events surrounding weddings and Style Rebranding for entrepreneurs who need to revamp their image so their look is aligned with their brand.
What’s one tip for someone looking to find their personal style?
I would say the most important tip is finding pieces that make you feel the most confident. Fashion will always have trends, and every trend may not be for you. So, I would say when you are trying on new items, be in tune on how it makes you feel. You will either light up or feel uncomfortable. Always follow your gut and look for pieces that flatter your body type and makes you truly smile.
When you are trying on new items, be in tune on how it makes you feel. You will either light up or feel uncomfortable. Always follow your gut and look for pieces that flatter your body type and makes you truly smile.
Samantha Brown Style — Samantha Brown
(Photo credit: Samantha Brown)
Samantha Brown, an NYC-based stylist, says this area is the most incredible resource for fashion. She started her career as an intern at Badgeley Mischka and Nylon magazine. Brown climbed the ranks over the years to become the director at a company called B Live, the in-house video company for New York Fashion Week. She initially wanted to be a fashion designer, but eventually decided to break into styling. While struggling to stay afloat with her clothing consignment business, she attended a course taught by Stacy London who recognized her potential and helped her grow in the industry.
How did you start your career in wardrobe styling?
My styling career was in the works for many years before I even knew it. In college, I interned at Badgeley Mischka and Nylon Magazine. From there, I climbed the ranks from intern to director at a company called B Live, the in-house video company for New York Fashion Week. Initially, I had wanted to be a designer, but I remember observing one of the stylists at Nylon. She was both a creative, a tastemaker, and calling the shots — that’s when I knew I wanted to break into styling. I then launched a clothing consignment business. While struggling to stay afloat, I was given my chance after attending a course taught by Stacy London. I will be forever grateful to Stacy for seeing my potential.
Who’s your style icon?
I don’t have one specific icon, to be honest. I’m inspired by so many people and so many things. From traveling to interior design, art and the streets of New York City…there’s so much to be inspired by here. That being said, if you gave me the chance to raid Steven Tyler’s closet, I’d assume I died and went to heaven.
How do your services work?
My services are totally customizable to meet the needs of my clients. I own a full-service styling agency that offers closet clean-outs, closet styling sessions to work with what you have, closet edits to clean out what’s no longer serving you, personal shopping, event styling, photoshoot, runway, and commercial styling and shopping tours. I’m in the business of getting men and women dressed every day, so whatever you need, I’m here for you.
What’s one tip for someone looking to find their personal style?
Just try it on. I can’t tell you how many clients are resistant to something I’ve pulled initially: “Oh, that will NEVER work for me!” and then, Voila! They put it on and are in shock at how great they look. Don’t be intimidated by something on a hanger. Just. Try. It. On.
Don’t be intimidated by something on a hanger. Just. Try. It. On.
Tiffany Piñero Style — Tiffany Piñero
(Photo credit: Tiffany Piñero)
Tiffany Piñero loves the unique mix of clients Hudson County provides. Some are over-the-top, some want help to brand themselves through a wardrobe, and some are mom-bosses who just want to look put together. Piñero, an FIT graduate, volunteered at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week when she realized she wanted to know more about how a collection was created. That’s where she witnessed first-hand the magic of the stylist. It was a right place, right attitude moment, as one stylist hired her immediately following the show. Piñero started her own business in Hoboken in 2014, and the rest is history.
How did you start your career in wardrobe styling?
I always enjoyed putting a look together from a young age. I majored in Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology and when I started volunteering at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week I thought I would get more of an idea of how a collection was created. I did, but I also witnessed first-hand the magic of the stylist. I was in the right place with the right attitude as one stylist had me intern for her immediately after and that’s how I started in styling!
Who’s your style icon?
I am very into old Hollywood like costume designer Edith Head and Elizabeth Taylor’s style. Their femininity and glamour have always sparked something in me. I just recently went to the Cher show on Broadway and her styles created by Bob Mackie are truly legendary. I actually got teary-eyed seeing them on stage {sorry for the spoiler!} I remember these over the top ensembles being taped to my bedroom wall catapulting me to want to be a fashion creative.
How do your services work?
As far as personal wardrobe services I work with clients in two capacities. I help them get a fresh start by doing a major closet overhaul and evaluation. I call this a Wardrobe Rejuvenation. Together the client and I go through everything, try on everything and we only leave A-List pieces. With what’s left I create outfits and photograph the client wearing them so they are readily available for reference when an occasion occurs. Finally, I leave them with a shopping list of what the client will need to help their wardrobe evolve and feel more current.
The other capacity is personal shopping. I work with clients in person and digitally to acquire key pieces and create full looks for their lifestyle needs. I work with women, men and have been asked to style entire families so although a baby stylist may sound silly – I’ve done it. Special occasion styling for engagement shoots, choosing a bridal gown, and bridesmaid styling has become a popular category and that has provided me some of my favorite client images.
Read More: City Kidz: Hoboken’s Frist Streetwear Boutique for Kids
What’s one tip for someone looking to find their personal style?
Fit is everything. I think the one thing that makes a person hate an outfit is when it is uncomfortable or unflattering. Fussing with a strap or feeling self-conscious about the length of a skirt takes away from your natural confidence. When you are wearing something you know fits well there is an undeniable swag to your step. Make going to the tailor a natural thing!
When you are wearing something you know fits well there is an undeniable swag to your step. Make going to the tailor a natural thing!
Have you worked with one of these awesome stylists? Let us know in the comments!
