Catching Up with Elysze Held

In South Florida, the name Elysze Held is synonymous with style. As the founder of Style Out of the City, Elysze has her finger on the pulse of Miami’s vibrant and ever-growing fashion scene. Elysze’s career in fashion has spanned over 30 years. She has been a stylist, fashion director and visual merchandiser for clients including Levi Strauss & Co., Victoria’s Secret, Macys and GAP. She has dressed models, supermodels and celebrities, and designed award-winning store windows.

We caught up with Elysze at the Donna Karan trunk show and Champagne Brunch at Saks Bal Harbor (just your typical Thursday morning for this fashionista) where she was on hand to pull looks for a client. We wanted to tap into her vast style resource, and see what tips and tricks of the trade she would share with you.

So, Elysze, lets dive right in. What are some of your basic rules of fashion?

You know, it’s interesting, my clients always ask me for my top 10 fashion rules, and I always say the same thing: your rules are going to be different from everyone else’s rules. It’s all about your lifestyle, body type, and where you live. Think about it, a woman living in Miami won’t be dressing the same as a woman in New York City. The look is different, the climate is different, not to mention what she does for a living and what her body type is. If she’s a mom-on-the-go her wardrobe staples are going to be different than a working professional’s would be. Once I nail these criteria down, I can build you a wardrobe that you won’t have to think twice about.

So for South Florida women, what advice do you give for day-to-day dressing?

The most important thing is to make sure your clothes fit. I can’t stress that enough. It is more important than fabric, price or brand recognition. It can be a $1,000 designer dress, but if it doesn’t fit you well, it’s not going to look good. Obviously in Miami we have a much warmer climate, so stick to light, breathable fabrics, and have a little fun with it – great accessories can make your outfit. I’m loving the rich-hippie look for spring, pile on the long necklaces. A great go-to outfit for this weather is a maxi dress or skirt with a flat sandal, very on-trend for spring.

So when we need to run out and pick up some of these items, where should we go? What are your favorite places to shop in Miami?

Well, Saks Fifth Avenue in Bal Harbor is a favorite of course. They have such a great array of designers for all ages and price ranges. Mayda Cisneros boutique in Coconut Grove is also fantastic. I love Mayda because if I can’t find exactly what I’m looking for, she’ll make it for me! She does wonderful custom work.

What about for the girl on a budget?

If you’re on a budget your best bet is to check out resale stores like Cosign of the Times off Lincoln road. They have fantastic merchandise, and you can get it for a fraction of the price. It’s also a good idea to invest in a fabulous bag. But don’t get suckered into buying the “it” bag of the season, just look for something comparable in your price range. Also, black always looks chic. If you dress head to toe in black, as I often do, it doesn’t matter how expensive your clothes are, the overall look is going to appear polished and high-end. And be sure to get a great blazer, it will pull any look together easily. But make sure it fits perfectly at your shoulders and wrists, remember fit is key.

Elysze with designer Roberto Cavalli.So what is your closet stocked with? Who are some of your favorite designers?

Well, I love Donna Karan, she makes such timeless pieces and uses incredible fabrics. Her spring collection is amazing. I’m also loving emerging designer KoufmanFranco, I’ve been pulling lots of their pieces for my clients. Their designs have impeccable fit. I just fitted one of my clients in a black KaugmanFranco dress with a leather choker collar – it was stunning.

Tell us a little bit more about what you do for your clients.

What don’t I do?! (laughs) Style Out of the City is a full-service styling business. I do everything from closet therapy to personal shopping, and I’m currently the stylist for Deco Drive’s on-air hosts Lynn Martinez and Louis Aguirre, which is so much fun. My clients come to me because they know I am unflappable, and they can count on me for honest advice. I also don’t operate under the same rules as most other stylists do. For example, I don’t take any commission from the stores and designers I work with. My business is all relationship based. I have great relationships with some of the best stores in Miami, so when there are new lines out or a great new piece comes in they’ll call me and I’ll go pull looks for the client I think is best suited for the clothes and for the occasion they need it for.

What's 'Closet Therapy'?

Your closet plays such a pivotal role in how you see and experience your clothes. You may have a closet full of fabulous clothes but still feel like you have nothing to wear. That’s where I come in. I help my clients get their closets organized to suit their daily lifestyles, so you actually enjoy getting dressed and picking out outfits. I also help you identify what to keep and what to sell at consignment stores, and which staple pieces you need to invest in. The #1 problem I hear from my clients is that none of their clothes work for their actual lives. I help them figure out what is going to work for day to day, and what their staples pieces should be. Then we organize the closet accordingly.

Speaking of organizing closets and investing in new pieces, spring is on its way. What should we be looking for this season?

Coral is huge for spring. Anything in coral tones is very chic. From clothes to accessories, it’s all about coral. Long skirts and high wedge sandals are also must-haves. There is a real nod to the 70’s in spring fashion, think Bianca Jagger. Wide leg pants in a fluid fabric are a great investment piece. White lace is huge, and a great cross-body bag is a must.

You know everyone in Miami, who do you think are the most fashionable women in this city?

There are so many stylish Miami women it’s hard to choose! But I would have to say Adrienne Bon Haes, Iris Apfel, and Claudia Potamkin are my top three. Adrienne’s look is so eclectic and unique – you will never see anything she wears on anyone else. She just has such a fantastic sense of style. Iris is my style icon. She is incredible. She’s had a great career in fashion and her taste is impeccable. And Claudia is just such a knockout beauty, her look is very boho-chic, and she pulls it off amazingly well.