Meet today’s FACE of Birmingham, wardrobe consultant and stylist Tracy James of ChicMadeSimple. Tracy has been revamping closets and providing personal shopping services for Birmingham’s women, men, teens and tweens since 2000. She also started the original fashion camp and continues the program today helping young girls develop self-esteem and confidence, while also learning about fashion.
Tell us about your business, Chic Made Simple, and how you got into the fashion styling business.
I've been working as a freelance Fashion Consultant and Wardrobe Stylist with my business ChicMadeSimple for 13 years, but I've been a fashion fanatic for as long as I can remember. At age 3, in a Montessori end-of-the-school-year assignment, I was to draw a picture of what I was most excited about for the summer, then provide the teacher a caption to write below my drawing. Other toddlers anticipated trips to the beach, a vacation to Disneyworld, time with Grandma... My big event? "This summer I am going to wear a shirt without sleeves." As an only child, I was fortunate enough to get a yearly back-to-school Atlanta shopping trip with my mom. Upon returning home, I "merchandised" our purchases around my room, then would bring my parents' dinner guests up for tours of my collection: "And I can wear this with this...and also with this..." (Looking back, many of my future issues probably could've been avoided had my parents not allowed this! Ha!) One more example: in junior high biology class, our teacher with a rather sick sense of humor offered bonus points to "make something" out of the rat pelt leftover from our lab dissection. Gross, yes, but I didn't miss a chance for bonus points. Boys made knife sheaths and pocket protectors. I dyed mine fuchsia (still my favorite color) and made a hair barrette that was the envy of my classmates.
While you would certainly think a fuchsia rat pelt would rocket me to styling stardom, alas, it took several detours and dabbles in other career interests (an internship with CNN, a year of law school at the University of Alabama, 2 years on Capitol Hill in DC) before I landed in fashion. Although I was always the go-to girl in college at Auburn when friends had style questions, I never considered turning my perceived expertise into a career. But after my dad died in December of '97, I was ready for a fresh start. I had some friends at the Parisian corporate office, so I began by assisting with their runway shows and other events. Eventually they trusted me enough with events of my own, so I traveled to different out of town stores producing shows and seminars. I miss those days, and I miss Parisian! Thanks to my work with them, I would fully realize my passion, and in the year 2000, ChicMadeSimple was officially born. The name of my business refers to the fact that I truly desire time with me to be an educational experience for my clients, so that individuals not only discover their personal style, but also realize that this isn't rocket science...with a few tips and tricks, being chic can be simple.
As a wardrobe consultant what kind of services do you offer and what kind of clients do you serve?
When you own your own business, you get to work on whatever projects you choose, so my experience and expertise runs the gamut: from fashion events like runway shows and corporate wardrobe seminars, to photo styling for advertisements, editorial and personal use (headshots, family Christmas cards, etc.), to fashion writing for publications like B-Metro and The Birmingham News, to services for individual clients, like personal shopping and "What Not to Wear" style closet revamps. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of my clients are not wealthy and/or celebrities. In fact, I operate with the strong opinion that stylists should be accessible to the general public; I serve men, women, teens, tweens and kids alike. So many struggle with deciphering their personal style, finding items that fit and flatter body type, and doing all within a reasonable budget. I adore a challenge, so give me a plus-size woman with only $250 to spend for her 25th high school reunion weekend, and I'll rise to the occasion to help her feel her most beautiful. I have a fun, easy going approach - often infused with my sense of humor - that allows my clients feel at ease. Allowing someone into your closet can be an intimate thing, revealing all sorts of insecurities, and I am mindful to always be sensitive to that.
You started Fashion Camp for young girls in the area 6 years ago. Tell us about that.
6 years ago, The Summit approached me with a desire to do something for kids during the summer. I wanted to make sure that the girls weren't just "sold to" - they get enough of that everyday in the media. Instead, the stores became classrooms for lessons. My goal was to create a fun, activity filled day in which young girls could learn about - first and foremost - the importance of individuality, healthy self-expression, positive self-image, and grace... along with practical lessons on coordinating, wardrobing, accessorizing, deciphering and communicating likes/dislikes, and manners....just to name a few! I am extremely passionate about relaying to young girls the message that style doesn't come in a particular size, shape, or price point, but rather that their uniqueness is what makes them the most stylish. After conducting the camp for 4 years at The Summit and 1 year at The Shops of Grand River, this year I spread the love to Colonial Brookwood Village for a late-summer, Back to School edition of Fashion Camp. A day camp with 2 different agendas from which to choose, girls may attend one or both days. Spending time with these young ladies is one of the most rewarding tasks I do all year.
What is your “must-have” purchase for fall 2013?
Much to my dismay, I told myself last fall that this year I would finally replace my all-time-fave, go-with-everything metallic Donald Pliner Couture boots. When I discovered them (maybe 7 years ago?), I liked them so much I bought them in both color offering (pewter and bronze), something I rarely do. With a pointed toe, stiletto heel, sleek vamp, and fitted shaft that doesn't bunch - they are perfect. The boots are still super stylish, but are looking a little worse for the wear. For the past couple of seasons, I have been touching up scuffed toes with a custom mix of paint from the craft store! Sigh. During an interview with Mr. Pliner himself a few years ago, I put in my request for a repeat of his masterpiece design, but so far he has only produced similar versions with heels too low for this chick. So let the search begin...
Which celebrity's closet would you most like to have?
Victoria Beckham. Her wardrobe choices are feminine, but with an edgy vibe or fashion forward element. And she shares my penchant for flirty dresses and sky high heels.
What fashion item would you never be caught dead wearing?
I am not a fan of the high top, platform, and often bedazzled, sneakers that have been trending. I fortunately dodged that trend in the 80's, so I'm going to "just say no" to the revamped 2013 version as well.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
I'm going to cite three, not only because they all came from the same friend, but also because I've applied them to my life recently.
1) "Bet on yourself." Some great things have happened when I've stopped second guessing myself and taken a risk.
2) "The success you achieve depends on the decisions you make and the company you keep." Every action matters, and being surrounded by positive people who applaud good life choices is invaluable.
3) "Just be." Too often I over think, over analyze, and agonize, when in reality I need to step back, relax and just "be."
*On a lighter note, my favorite styling advice is without a doubt courtesy of the indelible Tim Gunn (with whom I've had the pleasure of working), "Make it work!"
What advice would you give to others?
In a word, forgive. As the saying goes, "Resentment is like swallowing poison and waiting for the other person to die." I've witnessed grudges turn individuals bitter, and I've personally felt anger and hurt so terrible I thought it would eat me alive, which is exactly what it will do if you don't let go. Choosing to forgive is valuing peace over vengeance and sometimes, fairness. But in my experience it has been the right choice every time. Resentment is a luxury not worth the price.
What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
In town, a yoga class. Out of town, a solo walk on the beach.
Favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?
An intimate dinner party with friends, filled with debate, story telling and laughter. And I don't miss a Black Jacket Symphony show at Workplay.
Favorite local restaurant?
Urban Cookhouse for lunch and Chez FonFon for dinner
What are you listening to these days?
I'm pretty addicted to Pandora, constantly thumbs-upping and downing songs to customize my selections, which are wildly eccentric, from The Civil Wars and Mumford & Sons to the trip hop I often select for fashion events, like Massive Attack, Zero 7, Rob Dougan and Morcheeba. I also enjoy Birmingham Mountain Radio, especially now that it has made it to FM. BMR's Scott Register is to be applauded for progressing Birmingham's music scene.
What books are you currently reading?
I've been in the same book club with girlfriends for over 10 years. We take a break in the summer, during which time I love to read the articles in Vanity Fair, Esquire and Town & Country. Our last book selection was The Light Between the Oceans by M.L. Stedman, which we will discuss when we reconvene in the fall.
Do you have any personality quirks or irrational fears?
Oh my! We al have our share, don't we? I'll mention one that is more of a tick: when I'm nervous or bored, I have the habit of clicking my earring back to soothe myself. It has to be just the right kind of back, because it has to make just the right kind of clicking sound to be satisfying. Now before you start suggesting medication, let me attest that there IS an explanation for this tick, and of course, it's all my parent's fault. When I would cry as a baby, to get me to stop, my mom would click her nails together in my ear and say, "Listen, do you hear the bug?" Worked everytime. I can't say it's that powerful anymore, in fact it's a bit annoying and has messed up some pretty snazzy earrings, but it's a Tracy quirk nonetheless!
If your house was on fire what's the one thing you would grab?
Honestly, I'm not a sentimentalist, so I would just be thankful to get myself out of harm's way. In addition, throughout my life, and especially in the past couple of years, I've realized that the most important things in life are not ones that can be grabbed in a few seconds. And when you have experienced losing those true valuables (a parent, a marriage, a stepchild, a dog), anything else just seems superficial.
Name three things you can't live without (excluding friends, family and God!)...
My dog, big salads, and good sheets.
To read this article on StyleBlueprint Birmingham, visit this awesome lifestyle blog here!
To read this article on StyleBlueprint Birmingham, visit this awesome lifestyle blog here!
