After 19 years experience in the fashion industry, Claire Fabb has more than earned her right to tell us what is hot and not in the world of style.
Her successful personal styling and wardrobe consulting business – Yellow Button – has helped women around Australia to transform their wardrobes and feel confident in their own style.
Now she has launched her own blog – Style by Yellow Button – and we’re just a little bit excited.
We spoke to Claire about her new venture and how you can follow in her footsteps.
RESCU: What was the inspiration behind creating Style Yellow Button?
Claire Fabb: Style By Yellow Button was created originally as a website for my styling business, Yellow Button. When designing my site I looked at options and decided a blog was perfect as I could use it to capture everything that I loved. It then became a creative outlet where I could use it as my own ‘inspiration wall’.
RESCU: What’s the best thing about your job?
Claire Fabb: I wake up everyday and I get to do what I love. I feel really fortunate that I work with some incredible people of whom I both admire and respect.
RESCU: As an expert stylist, from your experience conducting numerous workshops, collaborating with brands to even giving fashion advice on The Morning Show, what are some timeless fashion rules and tips all women should know?
Claire Fabb: Don’t walk out of the house in something you’re not quite sure about, you’ll be self-conscious and uncomfortable. Dress to impress yourself- not your boyfriend or your mother or your peers. Embrace your inner style and if you don’t feel like you can quite put your finger on it, then get someone who can help.
RESCU: You’ve interviewed some of the biggest names in the fashion business. What was the most memorable interview you’ve done and why?
Claire Fabb: Giuseppe Zanotti was a highlight. He was hilarious and told me some great (unprintable) stories!
RESCU: You have two young daughters, how do you juggling motherhood as well as a demanding fast paced career?
Claire Fabb: Coffee and little sleep! Just kidding. It’s about prioritising. You can’t always do EVERYTHING and unfortunately you sometimes have to miss out on things. My children come first, work second.
RESCU: What advice would you give to others wanting to create their own blog or website?
Claire Fabb: I think the main thing is to be authentic. The best way to be original is to be yourself. Don’t copy other peoples blogs, ideas or content. Work out what appeals to you the most and what you’re good at. Let that be your focus and work around those points.
RESCU: How did you embark on a career as a personal stylist? (qualifications, first job opportunity etc)
Claire Fabb: I started off working in a boutique whilst in high school and continued there during university until I went travelling at the end of my degree. I started working on the shop floor and over time ended up running the store and buying product each season.
Once I finished my Business Degree in Perth I moved to the UK, then Melbourne and dabbled in the corporate world. Fashion was always my first love so I returned to it in a a PR/marketing role all the time whilst styling on the side. Then I started Yellow Button once I had my two girls.
RESCU: What do you think makes a successful personal stylist (personal traits etc)
Claire Fabb: You have to like being with people most importantly. Listen, really find out what your client it wanting then offer advice and different options taking into consideration their budget, body type and what they feel comfortable wearing
RESCU: What advice would you offer someone wanting to be a personal stylist?
Claire Fabb: Most importantly, work in retail. Get on the (shop) floor and gain as much experience as you can dressing people with different shapes, wants, needs, budgets and personalities.
No two people are ever the same and working in retail gives you a wonderful education in so many different areas.
RESCU: What’s a typical day entail for a personal stylist?
Claire Fabb: No two days are ever the same. I have my regular clients whom I dress seasonally, for events and travelling and then I also work with Westfield Sydney through their Style Suite. I host styling events, workshops, shop for my clients and work with brands who offer their clients, customers or staff styling experiences.
RESCU: When do you find the time to blog?
Claire Fabb: Ha ha this is a good question! Styling means I’m barely in front of the computer at all. So usually I blog at night – red wine in hand.
RESCU: What are your must-own summer fashion items?
Claire Fabb: Denim shorts, white shirts, great sunglasses, a great pair of sandals, good quality leather bag, a selection of singlets and t-shirts in cotton and silk and a dress that can be dressed up and dressed down. It’s all about effortless chic this summer.
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