RED CARPET ROXY CHATS WITH HOLLYWOOD STYLIST AMANDA RENO

Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Hollywood wardrobe stylist, Amanda Reno, about her celebrity clients, what makes a good stylist, and her favorite Spring 2011 fashion trends-amongst other things. One thing that you should know about Amanda is that she is an avid animal advocate and works with several rescue groups in the Los Angeles area re-homing dogs from shelters who would otherwise not be so fortunate. In fact, her passion extends into her work, in that she has vowed never to dress her “girls” in real fur-only faux. And her clients regularly end up on best-dressed lists, so it is definitely working for her. Here is an excerpt from our style chat. Enjoy!

Jenna Ushkowitz styled by Amanda for the SAG Awards image: jason merritt/getty

RCR: How did you get into styling?

AR: I was working at Vogue in New York, in my early 20’s and had to move back to LA for a family emergency. When I left New York the editor I was working for linked me up with a stylist who shot out here for Vanity Fair and I started assisting here when I moved back to LA. I assisted her for 5 years and then I moved on and started my own styling business.

RCR: How long have you been styling?

AR: 12 years.

RCR: And who are some of your celebrity clients?

AR: Sophia Bush, Jenna Ushkowitz from Glee, Virginia Madsen, Carmen Electra, and movie producer Brian Grazer.

RCR: What makes a good stylist?

AR: Someone who is organized, someone who has really good taste, someone who knows what is going to look best on your body, and someone who pushes you to try things you might not try yourself.

RCR: Who are your go-to designer from whom you like to pull for your celebrity clients?

AR: I love Chris Benz, ALC, and Alexander Wang right now. I love Rebecca Taylor for day-to-day. For red carpet, I love Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu, and Thakoon. I love supporting American designers!

RCR: That’s great! Is there anything you won’t dress your clients in?

AR: I don’t do anything that is too vulgar or too sexy. And I don’t like anything that shows the midriff. I do not use fur. I won’t buy it, I won’t shop for it, and I won’t style shoots that have it.

RCR: Do you have a dream celebrity client list?

AR: I would love to style Cameron Diaz. She would be my top person I would want to work with.

RCR: Why is that?

AR: She is born on my birthday. I love her and I think her body is the most perfect body for clothes, so I think she would be just a dream. And I like the way she does her hair and her makeup-very minimally-on the red carpet. I love that she is a beach girl. I would really love to work with her.

RCR: What are your favorite Spring 2011 trends?

AR: I love faux leopard anything….and silky pajama pants worn at night. Also, the boyfriend blazer.

Sophia Bush styled by Amanda for the Charlote Ronson MBFW Fall 2011 Fashion Show image: getty

RCR: Who are some of your favorite New York Fashion Week runway shows?

AR: Chris Benz and Lela Rose. And of course Rebecca Taylor-I always go to her show. Marc Jacobs is always a great show and I always love Betsy Johnson’s show-it’s always super fun and cute.

RCR: Are there any fellow stylists who you really think do a great job?

AR: I really like Andrea Lieberman. She dressed Gwen Stefani for years and Jennifer Lopez before this whole transition that she has made now. I really like Deborah Waknin with Halle Berry. She does a beautiful job. And I really love Kate Young and what she does with Natalie Portman and Michelle Williams. She does an incredible job.

RCR: How can the “everyday woman” achieve celebrity style?

AR: Invest in a great pair of heels a crisp white blouse and a tight pair of denim jeans. It’s all in the attitude. Inexpensive gold hoops and bangles to set the look..with a vintage bag of your choice. The bigger the better!

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