Although I’ve never needed this service for myself, I noticed that more and more women around me are hiring stylists because they have difficulty piecing outfits together for themselves. Whether it’s a matter of women in business being too busy to shop for work and events, or just needing help figuring out how to make your clothing more versatile so you wear them well, this is a service that proves very beneficial. Nicole Russo has been providing this service for many years working as a top stylist at Net-a-Porter, and is now venturing out on her own with a new business called Let’s Get You. Nicole doesn’t follow trends, rather she looks to improve upon her client’s own personal style, by helping fill in the gaps to make a cohesive, sophisticated collection to be worn many ways, many times. She is as friendly and kind as they come, and has impeccable taste, encouraging her clients to take risks in their wardrobe. In 20 minutes of looking in my closet, she was able to pull 5 looks that I would’ve never thought to combine, and I am so excited to wear them this Spring!
What are your Must-Have styles for Spring/Summer 2019?
I created a list exclusively for Mama and Tata readers. You can view it here.
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
I have been a personal shopper and stylist for nearly 9 years. Let’s Get You was started in 2017.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
A friend of mine was starting a senior role at a major bank and asked me to take her shopping to prepare. I’d never done anything like it, but it was felt natural. It was like breathing! From there, I nuzzled my way into the fashion industry, built my clientele, and even gallivanted during NYFW while working at NET-A-PORTER. I always wanted to do something creative and entrepreneurial, but also positively impact a person’s life. Being a full-time stylist lets me be all those things.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
My mission is to democratize high fashion and make chic dressing accessible. My down-to-earth, immersive approach educates and empowers people to find ease in their shopping and closet. A lot of stylists chase trends or encourage overconsumption to produce a more advanced style. With me, it’s about creating a sophisticated wardrobe that easily supports the person you are and want to become.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
I don’t aim to change people, I cut diamonds! I’ve always accepted clients for who they are. On the technical side, I understand and can explain body shapes, fit, retail trends, proportions, and color combinations better than anyone.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
You know how the average person wears 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time? I reverse engineer that so 80% of your wardrobe is worn all the time. My services save time, eliminates frustration shopping and getting ready, while building confidence, risk-taking, and creativity. This positivity rolls over to everything a person does and the new perspective brings out unseen possibilities.
What is your favorite part of your job?
When post-process, the glee-filled client texts start rolling in.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Totokaelo. I don’t know how much of a secret it is but it’s a boutique that constantly surprises me and makes me happy.
How do you benefit mamas?
Mothers are super busy women who pour so much into their families and work they often have little left for themselves. I give them the ease to show up as their sexiest, happiest, and most present selves without doing any of the legwork.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
Her husband kept commenting on how other men were checking her out.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field.
Maria Riskakis - NYC, stellar makeup artist and mom of two. She has worked with Charlotte Tilbury, Victoria Secret, countless celebrities. More importantly, she made me a believe I could wear a smoky eye!
Eva Dayton - Owner, Consignment Brooklyn. A cool, real chick with an insanely beautiful boutique that sells luxe consigned merchandise. Her commitment to driving sustainable fashion is chic.
Shiona Turini - Constume designer and Contributing Editor. She’s a mom who wears midriffs and is unabashedly herself.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Do good work and be nice to people.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Build a wardrobe that you love and works for your lifestyle so daily dressing takes no time. Below is a simple method to get that started.
Wear It Once: if an item doesn’t feel good to wear before you leave the house, but you refuse to part with it, force yourself to wear it out that day. Two things happen: you remember why you loved it or you remember why you hated it and delightfully let it go. This tactic alone curates an ideal closet.