BIG APPLE BUSINESS: Style Made Simple by Allison Berlin

Style Made Simple began in 2004 to provide everyday men and women with the same wardrobe luxuries enjoyed by celebrities. Why should one have to be on TV or be gracing a magazine cover to look one’s best? Allison began testing this theory while moonlighting with her corporate fashion job at Bloomingdale’s. She marveled at how much more confident clients became after learning how to put a good outfit together. “People don’t always understand the correct fit, or even have the time and patience to deal with it! But when you help them put together the best look possible, they can’t thank you enough. It’s worth spending a little more with a professional to avoid costly fashion mistakes and frustrating shopping trips.”

It’s recommended that clients begin with a wardrobe consultation to break some bad habits. It’s like a fashion intervention where clients purge what is outdated, ill-fitting and unnecessary from their wardrobes. While this can be overwhelming, clients not only realize that there’s no need for 10 shirts if they only wear 2 but are grateful for that push in the right direction. After the consultation, they are treated to a private style session. Taking place in a private fitting room at a store of choice, clients enjoy a pre-pulled selection of items chosen specifically with their needs and budget in mind. Allison’s professional eye manages every step of the process from color and fit to outfit combination and accessorizing.

While private styling is the core of Style Made Simple, Allison recognizes that not everyone needs a total wardrobe makeover. Some want to learn where great new shops are located, some just want a fun day of shopping with their friends and some have an important event they need to look their best for. With this in mind, Style Made Simple launched Custom Shopping Tours and Bridal Styling. It’s an ideal way to discover the coolest little shops from NoLita to the Meatpacking District or enjoy a customized shopping itinerary. Experienced fashion guides will suggest what to buy and how to wear it, and gain access to exclusive discounts at the stylists’ favorite haunts.

With over 10 years of industry experience, founder Allison Berlin works to translate runway trends into everyday, wearable looks and help her clients discover their own personal style by means of private consultations and shopping tours. Through Style Made Simple, Allison and her team bring clients the unique combination of personal knowledge of the fashion industry and an understanding of individual client's needs. 




"Because of my professional background, I have always helped friends and family with their styling and shopping needs, and soon realized that having access to a professional stylist should not be limited to just celebrities – this is a luxury that everyone can enjoy." 

Recently named one of NYC's Best Personal Stylists by Page 6 Magazine, Allison has worked with top Manhattan socialites as well as celebrities including Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berry, Liev Schreiber and Rosie Perez. In addition to styling for Stacy London of What Not to Wear, Oprah Magazine and Victoria's Secret, Allison has appeared as a fashion expert on many national shows such as The Today Show, E! News, The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet, CNBC, Fox, Fox News and more! 

Prior to starting Style Made Simple, Allison honed her skills in the Bloomingdale's Fashion Office as a trend forecaster, market editor, and print advertising stylist. We are pleased to present Allison's Style Made Simple to our Whom You Know readers! View Allison's editorial portfolio at: http://allisonberlin.net.

Peachy Deegan met Allison Berlin recently and spoke with her about her business.

Peachy Deegan: What inspired you to be a stylist?
Allison Berlin: I think I was born with it. I remember coveting a purple corduroy mini skirt at Bloomingdale’s when I was five.

What looks did you want to emulate most when you were growing up?
Anything I saw in Vogue- early nineties. I would beg my mother to buy me the big September Vogue and spend days going through it. That whole 90’s look is coming back but I don’t think I’ll ever reprise bike shorts under my ruffle mini, unless I find myself in an American Apparel ad.

What is the biggest mistake men make in terms of styling?
They don’t try. They think it’s cool not to care about their appearance—not iron a shirt, wear pants a size too big, own 10 light blue shirts, etc. I just got back from Tokyo where the men take their fashion seriously and really put themselves together—and they look great.

What is the biggest mistake women make in terms of styling?
Fit. You’d be amazed how many women don’t understand what fits their body type, or that tailoring can save a garment. Many women don’t realize that you can’t wear the same pair of pants with flats and heels. You need to buy 2 pairs of the same pant to make that work.

What are the hottest spring trends and what kinds of body types do they work for?
To be honest, a lot of fashion trends this season are also fashion don’ts—harem pants, crop tops, ‘mom’ jeans, etc. It’s not the best season for wearable fashion. That being said, I think there’s still a lot out there: boyfriend blazers, slim ankle length trousers, ruffled blouses, Liberty florals, color blocking. You have to slim to wear slouchy pants, over-sized tees and bandage dresses. Real women with real curves should stick to what works: pencil or a-line skirts, ankle length or full-length trousers, sheath dresses, fitted jackets and tops.

How does one balance trendiness with being polished?
Pick one trend piece per look and stick to it. If the over-sized blazer is your favorite trend then wear it with slim pants, not ripped boyfriend jeans and a fedora. Wearing multiple trends at once is the fastest way to go from stylish to victim. You’ll be amazed how far subtlety will get you.

What were your favorite shows from February's fashion week and why?
Roland Mouret, Balmain, Dries Van Noten, Lanvin. They all offer something different but essential to the fall wardrobe--from Balmain’s disco party to exquisite draping and 40’s styling at Lanvin. Dries is a masterful with color and print and Roland Mouret cuts a mean dress.

Are you using any of those looks with your current clientele?
Roland Mouret’s dresses are huge this season and you’ll find draping in some spring collections.