Fashion stylist Tameka Raymond is one hell of a business woman.
Calling the shots, taking care of her children, and juggling her professional title of a well-respected fashion stylist, Tameka seems to do it all. The Atlanta Exes reality star is currently traveling the nation, hosting her Style Theory beauty and fashion workshop in major cities, addressing concerns of fashionistas everywhere.
We caught up with Tameka during her Style Theory workshop in Chicago for a session of vixen chat. Here, the veteran stylist talks fashion faux pas, her go-to designers for the perfect outfit and advice for aspiring stylists.
VIBE Vixen: What is the inspiration behind the Style Theory tour?
Tameka Raymond: For so long I’ve been asked about style and I always get questions about fashion. So, I decided together a package that will allow me to speak to everyone and answer all the questions I’ve been asked in one stop.
Your last stop of the tour is June 20 in New York. Which city was your favorite so far?
I really enjoyed Houston. The city as a whole is very welcoming as and we had a great turn out. I do like Chicago in terms of everything else, like the restaurants and the food (laughs).
What are some of your do’s and don’ts of fashion?
Oh there’s so many. White bra’s – even with a white shirt you can’t wear a white bra because you’ll see the outline of it. Undergarments are meant to be discreet. Think about it, a white bra doesn’t have a place in society, unless you’re 75 and up or under 12 because it’s a training bra. I’m also over the bandage dress. I think its an overdone trend that is not meant for every body type. You could either be too skinny and it gives a mummy effect or you can be too big. Basically, everything isn’t for everybody. I see things all the time I’d love to wear, but it’s not meant for my frame or it’s not the best fit.
Are you here for Instagram boutiques?
I think they’re awesome, actually. They allow people of every budget and income level to be able to look fabulous. People don’t have an excuse not to look good anymore because many things are affordable and at your fingertips these days. Once upon a time you could only get really cute fashion if you had a bunch of money to buy designer items, but now there’s low end designers that enable everyone to look good.
Who are your go-to designers?
For the high end, I love Tom Ford. I like his designs, even when he was designing for Gucci, prior to having his private label. His looks are very clean and I like clean looks. I don’t do a lot of animal prints, I’m a minimalist. I also like Stella McCartney and YSL is also great. On the low end, I like Zara. I think Zara makes everyone look great. The only problem is you have to find a Zara that’s not dirty with things that’s been picked over.
What are must-have’s every gal should have in her closet for the summer season?
A good cover up (laughs)! When it comes to summer fashion, I don’t think you have to spend a lot of money. The clothes are going to be subject to sun, sand and salt water. In this case, I usually opt for bright colors and breezy fabric.
#StyleTheory #LasVegas. Thank you @1houseofchanel for my lovely blouse. It’s perfect!
A photo posted by Tameka Raymond (@tamekaraymond) on Feb 7, 2015 at 10:18am PST
What advice would you give yo someone who wants to be a stylist?
Rethink it. No, I’m kidding (laughs). If someone wants to be a stylist I’d say try not to follow trends too closely. I’m not a big trend person. And professionalism; stay above the fray, don’t gossip, don’t get in the middle of things even if you’re client is talking about stuff. Remember, you’re there to do a job and your goal should be to keep your eyes on the prize. If you’re trying to get clients, remember you are your own business card. You have 30 seconds to make your best first impression, so make sure it’s lasting and good, because you may not have a second chance.
Photo Credit: Tameka Raymond