Dec 15

Dec 15 Q&A With Personal Stylist: Ella Barnette

Trena Morrison; July 2019

Meet Ella Barnette, a personal stylist on Martha’s Vineyard and in Palm Beach who’s full of ambition, drive and has a great sense of style. We spoke with Ella about her style inspirations, working with clients and her go-to styling tips.

1.) WHEN DID YOU FIRST DEVELOP AN INTEREST IN STYLE AND FASHION?
I remember discovering style and fashion in my mother’s closet as a young child. Watching her get dressed up to go to an event was always a very exciting experience for me. As soon as I was old enough to get a job I started working at The Great Put-On in Edgartown. That was when I felt the real spark for all things Fashion. I loved working with clients and beautiful clothing so much, I ended up working there for almost 10 years!

2.) DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE:
My style is always evolving and I like to step out of my comfort zone every few years. My current personal style is a mixture of sophisticated chic with an edgy and feminine side.

3.) WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR FASHION INSPIRATION?
I am always inspired by powerful women who don’t ask for permission. Fashion should be fun, and I love when people don’t take it too seriously. Classic movies and international styles are also a great source of inspiration for me.

4.) WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING WITH CLIENTS?
I love developing an honest, personal relationship. My clients trust me and my judgment, and that is a very special bond to have. I really enjoy developing the relationship that exists past the fitting room walls. I work with my clients inside of their homes and in their bedrooms! I am always honest with my clients and they know that.

5.) WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO STYLING TIPS FOR YOUR CLIENTELE?
I have a few styling tips that I tell clients. For example, learn your body type. Size does NOT matter but knowing your body type can be very helpful. If you learn some tips on tricks for what looks good on you, getting dressed will actually be something you look forward to. My golden rule is to always be true to yourself. Fashion should not only be how one looks; it should convey how one feels. I always want my clients to feel their best, not just in terms of external beauty but, internal beauty and confidence. That is the best tip of all.

6.) WHAT TRENDS YOU ARE COVETING RIGHT NOW?
My current favorite trends are Tie-dye, Slip dresses & Neon.

7.) WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS?
Over the next 5 years, I am planning to settle into an office space and showroom. I would love in the near future to have developed a small team so we will be able to work with more clients and offer wide array services and pricing options.

To learn more about Ella and the styling services she offers, visit her website at www.ellabarnette.com and be sure to follow her on Instagram at @ellabarnettestyle for some serious style inspiration.