Styling Oprah
Meet Kelly Hurliman, Oprah's show stylist, who makes it her business to get dressed without stress.
How would you describe your style?Relaxed and a little eclectic. I find inspiration in so many things, so my style is often changing. But even though I love fashion and am surrounded by beautiful designer pieces, I am actually quite frugal and believe that less is more. One thing's for sure—you will rarely find me in heels. I'm on my feet all day and there's nothing worse than being in uncomfortable shoes!
How would you describe Oprah's style?
Classic and tailored but always comfortable. She gravitates toward clean lines and pieces that are soft and well made. She's willing to try something new but isn't into trends—she knows what suits her.
What's the best part of your job?
What isn't great about my job? Just getting to watch the show every day has changed my life. But getting the opportunity to do something creative every day for a living is by far the best part for me. It's what I've always wanted and for that I am truly grateful.
What is your favorite Oprah outfit?
Wow...that's tough! I did love the 2007 post-Oscar® show dress. Rachel Roy made it for us, and it looked great onstage. It was one of those times when everything works together—set color, lighting, hair and makeup and a great dress.
What's the one thing that would surprise people most about your job?
That we don't do fittings! I usually get the last three minutes to dress her before you see her walk out onstage. I've come to learn that to Oprah, it's just like walking out to any normal job—no trying on clothes for hours and no fuss...there's just more important things to get done in a day.
Wow...that's tough! I did love the 2007 post-Oscar® show dress. Rachel Roy made it for us, and it looked great onstage. It was one of those times when everything works together—set color, lighting, hair and makeup and a great dress.
What's the one thing that would surprise people most about your job?
That we don't do fittings! I usually get the last three minutes to dress her before you see her walk out onstage. I've come to learn that to Oprah, it's just like walking out to any normal job—no trying on clothes for hours and no fuss...there's just more important things to get done in a day.
What's your favorite style tip?
Shop for the life you have, not the one you want. Trust me, I believe in dreaming big, but especially in these economic times it's important to spend money on what you really wear. If you have a bunch of dresses stuck in the back of your closet, don't buy another!
Take stock in your daily routine and have chic, comfortable pieces to wear in it. You'll always feel better if you take that extra minute to put on something that makes you look good, even if you're just running errands or walking the dog.
What is the biggest fashion faux pas women make?
Definitely wearing big, clunky sneakers with an outfit! There is nothing stylish about them, and they are for the gym only. If you absolutely can't part with them, wear them with a cute workout look and call it a day.
What about on vacation when a lot of walking is involved and you just want to be comfortable?
There are so many cute alternatives now. Geox (ShopGeox.com) and Cole Haan with Nike technology (ColeHaan.com) are fantastic options. They have rubber soles, so they feel like a sneaker while giving the look of a flat.
I'm a big walker when I travel, and my all-time favorite sandal is the Gizeh by Birkenstock (Birkenstock.com). They come in fun patent colors, are under $100 and once broken in, they'll take you anywhere in comfort.
Kelly's top ten closet must-haves!
Shop for the life you have, not the one you want. Trust me, I believe in dreaming big, but especially in these economic times it's important to spend money on what you really wear. If you have a bunch of dresses stuck in the back of your closet, don't buy another!
Take stock in your daily routine and have chic, comfortable pieces to wear in it. You'll always feel better if you take that extra minute to put on something that makes you look good, even if you're just running errands or walking the dog.
What is the biggest fashion faux pas women make?
Definitely wearing big, clunky sneakers with an outfit! There is nothing stylish about them, and they are for the gym only. If you absolutely can't part with them, wear them with a cute workout look and call it a day.
What about on vacation when a lot of walking is involved and you just want to be comfortable?
There are so many cute alternatives now. Geox (ShopGeox.com) and Cole Haan with Nike technology (ColeHaan.com) are fantastic options. They have rubber soles, so they feel like a sneaker while giving the look of a flat.
I'm a big walker when I travel, and my all-time favorite sandal is the Gizeh by Birkenstock (Birkenstock.com). They come in fun patent colors, are under $100 and once broken in, they'll take you anywhere in comfort.
Kelly's top ten closet must-haves!
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