Woman Of The Moment: Carly Walko
From styling high profile clients to producing live runway shows, Daniel Rainn sits down with Carly Walko to talk about her career in fashion. The most rewarding part of her job? Helping women feel like their most confident self. We chatted with Carly about what fall trends you need to know and see how she would style a few of Daniel Rainn's new fall arrivals.
How did you get into styling?
After graduating from college, I was undecided on my career path but had a passion for clothing and retail. I loved the idea of making women feel great in what they were wearing and always loved putting outfits together. I started at Bloomingdale's in the women's department, then was assistant to the head personal shopper at Neiman Marcus and finally landed my dream job as the Director of Retail for three privately owned Nicole Miller boutiques. From producing live runway shows to styling my clientele, I have literally done it all.
How would you describe your style?
My personal style is a little tricky to categorize. I would consider myself a mix of classic, modern and edgy. I am most comfortable in a pair of jeans and a white tee, but I also love a cocktail dress paired with sky-high stilettos. I embrace trends but only the ones that feel like "me". I never want to feel uncomfortable in my own skin. My fashion mantra for myself AND my clients is....wear what feels GOOD!
What do you think are must-haves for the fall season?
Anything CAMO! Designers make such stylish wearable pieces in this print now. Some of my bestselling pieces have been camo skinny jeans, camo tees and camo lightweight jackets. Camo is a fun trend to hop on, I am a HUGE fan. 
A BLAZER! Blazers are nothing new for fall but in 2019 they are more specifically a little over-sized and unstructured AND I am really loving the deep rich fall shades. Also, plaid is HUGE! If you wear a lot of monochromatic outfits, a plaid blazer can really add some depth and interest to your look.
CROPPED DENIM! The slightly shorter cropped denim trend hit us like a ton of bricks this past Spring. Thankfully, it is sticking around for Fall. I personally love this trend and how it lets us show off our cute booties.
What are your three staple pieces of clothing/accessories that have to be in your closet all year long?
A perfect white t-shirt. I use this piece ALL YEAR. In the colder months, it is my bottom layer and in the warmer months I will create a head to toe look with my tees by adding fun accessories and shoes! A perfect pair of skinny jeans. Here, it is all about the fit. They must be comfortable, with stretch and the perfect rise (which can be different for different bodytypes). The perfect pair of nude pumps. I wear these year round. I usually guide clients to a classic pair with a pointy toe and three inch heel. Personally, I am a fan of the "splurge" here because there isn't much you CAN'T pair with them.
Describe a day with Carly?
Well, in a nutshell.....crazy, chaotic and never the same! I drop my little men to school and then most days I will then spend an hour or so checking emails/responding and posting some fashion inspo to my social media. Some days I squeeze in tennis (my favorite sport and activity) and other days I get right to work. Work can mean a million different things like cleaning out a client closet, bringing clothing to a clients home, pre-shopping for clients or often times setting up a Pop-Up Boutique in a clients home. My job most definitely keeps me on my toes and I wouldn't have it any other way!
How do you juggle what you do, especially as a mom?
Organization and lists are essential. I am a visual person so I have to write out activities and commitments for the week ahead to make sure I remember them! But more than that, honestly, I couldn't do ANY OF THIS if I didn't have the help of my husband, my parents and my sisters. Although the business is mine, it is definitely a family affair. I am very grateful to have their love and support.
What the most rewarding part of your job?
Without a doubt, helping women feel like their most confident self. Clothing is so much more than just the fabric on your body. A great fitting outfit can truly transform how you feel and that is an amazing thing to be a part of!
Fall Styling Tips With Carly
The Alley blazer is a total must-have! I love it with just a t-shirt, jeans, heels almost as an outerwear piece. I also love it paired with a printed blouse for more of a "working girl" vibe. Truthfully, this blazer will be worn countless times for fall.
Both the Fiona printed tank and long sleeve Eleanor blouse are beautiful prints. They really don't need much "styling" other than pairing them with your favorite skinny jeans and heels/booties. I love the rich fall colors and you can take the two I have featured back to so many colors like black pants, denim and even white!
