Style Expert Daisy Lewellyn is currently on her book tour for her new book Never Pay Retail Again. While hitting New York City this week Daisy will be stopping by Good Morning America and hosting an official NYC launch party at the Tracy Reese flagship store. Continue reading to learn more about Daisy and her new book.
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and how you got started as a fashion stylist?
I am a Style Expert, TV Personality, Author, and many many more things in the wondrous worlds of fashion, beauty, & lifestyle. During my college days at the historic Howard University, I attended FIT in NYC for an exchange program. I landed my first internship working under the legendary Sydne Bolden at Honey Magazine. As soon as I graduated from Howard, I made a mad dash back to NYC. It was Sydne who gave me my very first official fashion job assisting her at In Style Magazine. It was a fashion girl’s dream come true. I can remember walking down the hallways of In Style and hearing harps and angels singing. In Style was and still is an amazing magazine with talented editors and writers. From In Style, I went to the infamous Conde Nast, yes Conde Nast, and worked for Glamour Magazine. My experience was phenomenal. We shot all of the major celebs: Sarah Jessica Parker, Drew Barrymore, Beyonce, oh the list goes on. I learned all of the top tips and tricks on pulling for A-list celebrities to styling moms and career girls and making them look like a red carpet fantasy meets poparazzi’s hottest ticket item. I worked alongside industry icon Suze Yalof Schwartz who groomed me into becoming a TV Personality. We worked on all of the major shows and networks including Today Show, Good Morning America, The View, and more. During my Glamour days I was a participant in a reality show called Dinner Takes All on TLC, and from there I officially fell in love with the camera. It has been a never ending love affair ever since. As a Style Expert & TV Personality, I work on everything from TV makeovers, to attending conferences and schools for speaking engagements, to healing the lost fashion souls all across the globe with my infamous Closet Makeovers. I work with networks and shows like Style, E!, Rachel Ray, & FOX on style segments showing women how to Never Pay Retail Again, Shop Smart Spend Less & Look their Very Best. I feel guilty at times because I just love my job so much. I get to bring my NYC & LA expertise and help all types of women of every size and lifestyle with every kind of budget look and feel their very best. Life is truly grand.
What inspired you to write your book Never Pay Retail Again?
This year I am celebrating my 10 Year Anniversary in the fashion industry. Over the past decade, I have gathered tons of valuable information. I honestly assumed most women knew the info as well…but realized that majority of them didn’t. From working with such great companies, I have been fortunate to have access to insider secrets of shopping a designer coat for 80% off retail, to becoming BFF with the right girls in fashion who come with all of the perks (did someone say discount hint hint). I merged my experience, my love for fashion, with the sad depressing daily news that repeatedly told consumers to stop shopping. Stop shopping!!!??? What do you mean??? I figured it was time to show women how to shop for great high end pieces by not living in debt and using your Gucci Bag as a pillow, or eating top ramen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Never Pay Retail Again is destined to be every girl’s best kept secret. Not only does it talk about shopping smart, but it helps you get in touch with your Shopping Personality, and gives a detailed guide on how to train your eye to identify a cheapie, something not worth the purchase based on the essentials of a good quality piece. I say it is the Mother’s Day Gift of the Year, and if Mrs. Claus is a smart cookie, she will have Santa pre-order millions for all of the stylistas in need of a great stocking stuffer.
Name three splurge items that your wallet will forgive you for.
Everyone loves a great deal, but there are times when paying retail can be a wise investment into your present and future social life, career, hey I can even foresee marriage proposals stemming from the right purchase.
Top 3 Investment Purchase
A Great Bag-And I am not talking just based on the price tag, I mean a great bag that combines the perfect formula for a true investment pieces that will never go out of style. Look for great hardware, smell-free leather, a bold strong color or new neutral in a cognac brown or solid shiny black, nice shape, and super important, something that looks good on your body type. Yes bags have the power to make you look ahem, fuller, or survey says…Skinnier!!! Your choice, my book gives the scoop on specific skinny accessories.
A Fabulous Cocktail Dress-the solution to looking great on a date, throwing on a cardigan & sporting to work, and to a wedding where you will and the blushing bride will turn heads.
A Smashing Cocktail Ring that screams darling my driver is waiting for me in the back. Jewel tones sparkle and shine no matter the season or occasion.
What is one of the most memorable moments in your career?
Wow I have had so many memorable moments in my career. I was very excited when I got the call from my Dream Team, Lisa & Meg of LJK Literary that we were signed with Simon & Schuster for the shopping guide. I felt like this was a wonderful opportunity to reach so many women at one time, with a universal message of Looking Good & Feeling Fabulous. The fashion journey has been a true joy ride.
What are some the projects you are currently working on?
I am preparing for a nationwide book tour in cities including Los Angeles, NYC, and more. My Good Morning America appearance on May 4th will kick off the fun including shopping parties, book signings and events that will take place all throughout May and June. Also my new blog on daisylewellyn.com will offer amazing fashion videos and segments, tips on looking terrific from day to day, and even a special section for all of my aspiring Rachel Zoes and Nina Garcias called the Career Corner. I’m ecstatic about my line of products that are in the works. Stay tuned for a line of effortless chic products. After all, I have to stay true to my name: The Queen of Effortless Chic
Where can you find the Queen of Effortless Chic
EMAIL: INFO@DAISYLEWELLYN.COM
YouTube: TV Reel
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