By Joy A. Kennelly
THE SCHOOL OF STYLE
Although I'm not a stylist, I've represented a few, dressed customers when I worked in retail, have assisted stylists who styled my clients for their red carpet appearances, and assisted with pulling clothes for fashion news segments when representing the Beverly Center, years ago.
Remember Actress Yari DeLeon? I assisted Stylist Jennnifer Margolin to help her pull this look together for Yari's red carpet appearance with the Lincoln Lawyer.
As a result, I understand this world and enjoy it because I also studied Fashion Merchandising and worked in retail for many years. I would never want to be the key stylist though because it's too much responsibility!:)
That's why I enjoyed popping in to hear Stylist, Luke Storey, during his School of Style at the Downtown Standard as he taught this past Sunday.
Here's some of the students who attended.
Here's Luke's bio to give you an idea of his styling qualifications (caught him in action teaching.:) 
"Luke Storey is a wardrobe stylist currently based in Los Angeles. In his 14 years as a stylist Luke has worked with a diverse range of artists such as Marilyn Manson, Foo Fighters, Sarah Machlahan, Daughtry, Rilo Kiley, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, No Doubt, Kris Allen, TV On The Radio, and many others.
Luke has also appeared on the hit television shows The Hills, America’s Most Smartest Model, and Glam God.
In 2008 Luke founded School Of Style, a school for aspiring stylists. During a series of courses Luke teaches every aspect of the business and art of wardrobe styling. School Of Style currently offers classes at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles, and Ace Hotel in New York City."
Similar to the Musicians Institute (where I taught social media and produced social media seminars), this school gives students a leg up in the fashion industry (just like Musicians Institute does for musicians. All musicians should check out MI's open house on July 20 in Hollywood. Register quick cuz it fills up fast: http://www.mi.edu/open-house)
It's not just the education, but also all the connections you make when joining an established vocational school in the industry you're pursuing. The School of Style creates great opportunities and more.
If you love fashion and want to cut ahead of the pack to learn what it takes to become a successful stylist faster, then you may want to consider taking School of Style vocational courses because I don't think there's another intensive like this, but correct me if I'm wrong.
Plus, the Downtown Standard is so cool you'll enjoy being there regardless. (Here's the ping pong room, and the rooftop pool is really fun too.)
For the short time I was there, Luke spoke on what will get you fired, what will get you hired, the do's and don'ts of styling from the business angle and more. He's funny, tells it like it is, and pulls from his years of experience which I liked. Plus, his words of wisdom apply to any industry even if you decide a career in styling isn't for you. 
And lastly ladies, he's a cutie so not hard on the eyes.:)
When I spoke to students at the break they said they enjoyed learning about how to price their services, pursue assistant work, build their stylist portfolio and billing tips too. A few I spoke to had gone to college to pursue other degrees and careers, but decided to pursue fashion because they enjoyed it.
Fashion Blogger and Film/Commercial Wardrobe Stylist, Anika, who was in attendance said, "You can really make anything you like to do happen." She feels her social work background comes in handy for styling because it helps her to easily build rapport with clients.
Another stylist I met was Bree Cooley who surprised me because I thought everyone attending was a student, but she's actually someone who attended to recruit for her styling business.
She has 17 years experience working in the film industry as a Wardrobe Stylist & Costume Designer if you're looking for an internship.
You may recognize her from her fashion blog too: www.stylistdiva.com.
Because she's plus size like me, I asked her all my personal styling questions to which she graciously answered.
She told me contrary to what the fashion industry and editorial mags (my slang, not hers) would have you believe, over 65% of women are over size 14.
So there ya go Ambercrombie and Fitch CEO! LOL Abercrombie & Fitch's plus-sized controversy heats up; celebrities weigh in
That goes the same for all the myopic Hollywood producers who think only size 0 are relatable to America. Get a clue.
The majority of American women like to eat and we're not going anywhere any time soon! LOL
Oh, and if anyone knows Melissa McCarthy, please give her Bree's info because she gets your body type girlfriend! And her parting words of advice for all the plus size girls in the house, "Be confident in who you are. Be healthy. Own your body." Great advice for everyone to follow.
Taking Luke's courses not only helped accomplished stylists with connections, but also those who were just getting their feet wet like Visual Merchandizer, Tony who enjoyed the Do's and Don'ts and proper etiquette for this career. He especially enjoyed hearing the Superman analogy which you'll just have to attend to hear in person.
School of Style offers aspiring stylists the tools they need to get discovered and learn what they need to know. Check it out!
And tell Luke and Lauren Joy sent you: www.theschoolofstyle.com
Oh, and if you are really interested and have time tonight, Wednesday, July 17, 2013, check out this cool class they're offering!
And in other fashion news....
ASHLEY BY DESIGN
"The Ashley DeRamus Foundation, a Birmingham-based charity founded for and dedicated to the education, advancement and quality lifestyle of children and adults with Down syndrome, is pleased to announce the debut of its fashion line specifically tailored for females with Down syndrome – a perfect fit that is hard to achieve off-the-rack.
'We came up with the idea for a fashion line for girls with Down syndrome because it has been so hard to find clothes for Ashley over the years, making shopping more of a hassle than an enjoyable experience,' said Connie DeRamus, mother of Ashley DeRamus, the 30-year-old founder of the Ashley DeRamus Foundation who has Down syndrome. 'Those with Down syndrome tend to have different body types than most clothing lines are made for, and we wanted those with Down syndrome to feel just as confident as anyone else, so the idea for the fashion line was born. These clothes are meant to fit without alterations and to make those who wear them feel beautiful.'
Along with her mother, the line was designed by Ashley, the inspiration and namesake of the foundation. They will both travel from Birmingham, Ala., to debut the fashion line at the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) Annual Convention held July 19-21, 2013 in Denver, Colo.
While there, the Ashley DeRamus Foundation will display their designs at a booth equipped with dressing rooms and full runway for those to try on and model the new styles, which can be purchased at the convention or online at www.ashleybydesign.com.
(Side note, was hoping to have some designs and a picture of Ashley to share with you, but the publicist never responded. I hope you go to their website to see a few though.:)
Ashley DeRamus, the 30-year-old founder of the Ashley DeRamus Foundation who has Down syndrome, and her mother Connie came up with the idea for a fashion line for girls with Down syndrome because it has been so hard to find clothes for Ashley over the years, making shopping more of a hassle than an enjoyable experience. Those with Down syndrome tend to have different body types than most clothing lines are made for, and Ashley and Connie wanted those with Down syndrome to feel just as confident as anyone else, so the idea for the fashion line was born. The new styles are meant to fit without alterations and to make those who wear them feel beautiful."
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