I’m Carissa, a fashion stylist, designer, runner, and mom of three based in Winter Park, Florida. I have a passion for helping people discover their personal style, no matter their season of life! 

We make a perfect pair

This may not come as a surprise for someone who has built a career around fashion, but I owe my start to a pair of shoes. Not just any shoes, but a beautiful pair of vintage platform heels. Let me explain…

In 2006, I did a fashion design internship at Nanette Lepore in New York City as part of my degree program at Colorado State University. I knew I wanted to go back to the Big Apple after graduation — I just had to make sure my job application stood out. I went thrifting (one of my passions!) and found this incredible pair of vintage heels. I sent Nanette one of the shoes with a note: “Just trying to get my foot in the door!” After I interviewed, I followed up with the matching shoe and another note that read, “We make a perfect pair!” I was hired and returned to NYC to start my dream career.

Over the next six years, I worked in various roles at Nanette Lepore, from production assistant to lead designer — each of which deepened my appreciation for fashion and how quality clothes are made. At the time, Nanette Lepore was one of the few design houses that primarily manufactured its garments in the United States, with much of the production taking place right in Manhattan’s Garment District. 

While there were many “OMG!” moments during my time at Nanette Lepore — from styling celebrities to designing runway looks for New York Fashion Week — it was the day-to-day experiences that helped shape the way I approach fashion design and styling. I learned the importance of a good-fitting garment, how to recognize quality products, how certain fabrics and shapes complement different body types, and most importantly, how fashion impacts the way you present yourself to the world. I’ve carried these lessons with me as my style shifted when I became a mom, started designing and crafting various goods — from baby moccasins to tie-dye tees and reinventing thrifted wares — and launched my own personal styling business. 

Because I know we all want to put our best foot forward (if you know what I mean)! 

My fashion philosophy 

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved the art of getting dressed — mixing and matching garments and accessories to create looks that made me feel comfortable and confident. This is the same service that I provide to each of my clients. 

To me, fashion should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. When you work with me, you’ll receive personalized service that fits your style, budget, and existing wardrobe. We’ll build on what you have, fill in any holes with a unique shopping list, and yes, take a step or two out of your comfort zone. 

I believe in mixing high and low, reinventing the things you already own, playing with accessories, and building your own personal capsule wardrobe that will make getting dressed feel fun and easy. But most of all, I want each of my clients to feel confident in expressing their style, no matter your season of life or the season of the year.