In The Biz…with Stylist Courtney Smith

Courtney Smith (or Coco as her friends call her) had always dreamed of working in fashion. Today she’s living her dream with a career as a freelance stylist and a client base that is second to none across media, commercial and runway projects…and it’s early days yet in the career of this ambitious Dubliner. We had a cuppa with this savvy stylist to get an insight into her working life.

How did your fashion career get started?
I always had part time jobs in fashion retail and was never particularly studious in school – I loved art and home economics so put all my time into after school activities like fashion shows and was constantly sketching designs during classes… studying fashion in college seemed like the natural progression. I did fashion design in Dun Laoghaire but realised it was the finished product I loved – way more than the process of getting there so one tutor suggested I try fashion styling. I got accepted into a post grad course in London College of Fashion where I studied fashion media, styling and writing… It really opened up my eyes to the world of fashion. After that I worked as manager and in-house stylist of a London boutique called Arrogant Cat where I had the opportunity to dress stars such as Alicia Dixon, Girls Aloud members and other UK stars for red carpet events. I moved back to Dublin in 2008 and set up my own freelance styling business.

Growing up did you always aspire to work in fashion?
Yes, It was always going to be fashion orientated. There has been pictures dug up of me as an 8 year old “modeling” my creations – AKA my poor mums clothes all cut up and fashioned as a make-shift outfit. But if that failed I was gonna be a rock-star!

What’s a typical day?
Absolutely no such thing as a ‘typical day’ in my line of work. I could have a very early start with Ireland AM in the TV3 studios, a campaign or editorial photoshoot, filming Xpose on location, blogging/writing, be at my computer doing research and emails, meeting clients in town, pulling clothes from shopping centres for shoots, working on in-house shows and presentations for fashion clients or all of the above on the same day, the list is endless! But it really keeps me on my toes and my life very interesting.

Two adjectives to describe your style?
Just one word – Eclectic (see reasons below)

Style or Trends?
Style one hundred percent. But everyone is always influenced by trends somehow as that is what is available in the shops. But personal style will always outlive a trend or fashion fad.

Style icon?
I wouldn’t say I have an icon in particular… but there are elements of stars styles that I like to take influence from.
I love how Olivia Palermo mixes it up with highstreet and designer, always loved the Olsen twins styles – both for different reasons Ashley is definitely more polished and glam while Mary-Kate does the more grungy effect to a tee. For red carpet looks I love both Diane Kruger and Leighton Meester’s adventurous and quirky take on dressy. But my particular favourite is Nicole Richie – I am a big fan of the seventies influence and love the oversized kaftans, chunky boots and maxi dresses. I would take inspiration from lots of different places rather than pigeonhole myself under one particular style cliché.

Favourite trend this season?
Need you ask – the return of the seventies! (and a splash of colour)

Favourite beauty product?
Clarins Flash Beauty Balm

Can’t live without…?
My chocolate fix (and my parents… always there for me!)

Today I’m wearing…?
Was shooting Xpose today so am dressier than usual; Maje sequin sleeve jacket, pink and cream oversized stripe t-shirt and bright pink fitted trousers both by Zara, lots of vintage rings by Shutterbug.ie, mum’ vintage charm bracelet and wishbone bracelet by Lucas Jack, python boots by Nina Divito.

Favourite hangout?
For food… I adore Alfies on South William Street, I always order their scallop dish, its got to the point where I don’t even need a menu. If I’m doing cocktails with the girls it’s definitely Samsara on Dawson street for Eldercot Martinis (Heaven in a glass). Otherwise on a normal weekend I am in the local pub with good friends.

Friday night treat?
A big glass of red wine!

Your perfect weekend is…?
Anything with friends…

Last time I laughed out loud was…
Listening to Dermot and Dave on 98fm on way home today… killed myself laughing at their sketches… I think the people in car beside me thought I was crazy!

What’s on your iPod?
I just got a fab ipod shuffle from the lovely people at Littlewoods and it is now my gym buddy so only upbeat (and motivational) songs allowed. Work by Ciara and Missy Elliot, I can Transform ya by Lil Wayne, Ring the alarm by Beyonce, etc.

What advice would you give anyone trying to break into the business?
Keep trying – nothing happens overnight in this industry so keep knocking on doors and honing your craft with more and more practice. Collaborate with other people in the industry as you will teach each other different things and grow from it.

If you could write your ideal job description, what would it be?
What I am doing right now, being my own boss is awesome and I really am living the fashion dream… it took a lot of hard work to get where I am – Although if Anna Wintour called me tomorrow I wouldn’t say no!