Tell us about your career.

Hey Kata and readers!  I am a Personal Shopper.  So I shop…professionally.  I work for a major retailer, helping their clients in lots of ways.  Most of my days are spent styling clients for events and hunting down hard-to-find items.  I have worked in lots of areas of the fashion industry, and I love that what I do now allows me to work with “normal” people to create a wardrobe that they love and feel confident in.

Tell us about this beautiful outfit you are wearing?

These sequin pants are one of my favorite pieces in my closet, so I knew that I had to wear them for TYF!  Neutrals have been a big trend as of late, but that does not necessarily mean boring.  I love the look of different shades of grey together or grey and camel.  The grey silk striped skirt, charcoal jacket, platinum pants, and nude pumps all work together and stay interesting because of all of the different textures.  And layering on the jewelry is also fun!

You have a very distinct sense of style. Why do you think having your own style is important and how do you insert you own sense of style into your career wardrobe?

The “importance” of style and fashion is certainly overrated, but it sure is fun!  Getting dressed every morning is something that we all have to do, so might as well explore what works for you.  How do you want to present yourself to the world?  Build a wardrobe with that in mind and you will be set.

My work wardrobe is pretty much the same as my “weekend” wear, since my career is styling.  I do own a skirt suit, just in case I have to go to court…Luckily, I have never worn it.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned about being a young female professional?

Be nice.  There are always going to be people above you, and people below you.  In New York, I was the lowest of the low, and I had a LOT of bosses, some nice, some scary.  I quickly learned that the scary ones were usually just passing down the crazy that their bosses were passing out.  Diva has a weird trickle down effect, so make sure it doesn’t get past you!  Being an asshole doesn’t help anybody.

 For young professionals trying to get into the world of fashion/styling what is the one piece of advice you would give them beside having an eye for style?

Move to New York.  You don’t have to stay forever, but you should immerse yourself in the fashion culture, even if it is just for a few months.  If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.  True story.

And now just a fun question. If you could have dinner with one person, who would it be and why?

I would probably  have dinner with my mom, I can’t imagine that there is anyone cooler.

And of course if you want to get some similar digs that Michelle is sporting checkout the pieces below.