She got lucky and met a music video producer, who introduced her to a stylist, and from then on she knew that was what she wanted to do. She first worked as a freelance assistant, then for MTV, and was then appointed fashion editor at The Source magazine, where she claims, “I had no idea what I was doing.” She was responsible for filling 14 pages every month–which included not only styling, but coming up with ideas and concepts, coordinating shoots, contacting photographers, casting models, pulling pieces, etc.

To Be a Stylist
According to Mariel, these are the top 5 attributes stylists need:

1. Passion: It’s hard work, long hours, lots of stress, so if you’re going to continue you have to really love what you do.

2. Persistence: Keep at it-Mariel’s been in the industry for 9 years and it has grown a lot more competitive because it’s now recognized as a legitimate career.

3. Experiment: Try different types of styling projects-celebrity, editorial, commercial, corporate. The more versatile you are, the more successful you will be.

4. Patience: It takes time to build a good portfolio, keep at it.

5. Psychology: Your clients need to trust you, so you have to build a good relationship with them. They’re counting on you to make them look good in the public eye.

“Your tools are your contacts.”

Last but not least: Be resourceful. Use your resources-if you know a boutique owner or designer that will let you use their clothing in a shoot or can call in good models or make-up artists at the last minute, or have a relationship with a good photographer, your contacts can help you get a step ahead. In the styling business, “your tools are your contacts.” Know how to use your tools to everyone’s advantage.

When you’re first starting out

• Test.Contact local photographers, models, hair & MUAs and start meeting with them, sharing ideas, coming up with concepts. Even working stylists will test to diversify their portfolio, try unexplored concepts, work with specific models/photographers, etc.

• Assist. Assist professional and freelance stylists & designers. Research working stylists and contact them. Mariel gets hundreds of these types of emails every day and has a partner and assistant for screening and responding, but “I read every single one of them.” If they like someone but aren’t able to work with them, they may pass on the information to someone else who can. She also notes that she has different assistants in different cities.

• Market yourself. Create a website to show examples of your work, add credibility, and give people a way to contact you. Experienced stylists do this, too. 

• Constantly keep building your portfolio with updated work.

Resources
Online lookbooks like Style.com are great tools for marrying what you want to do with how you are going to do it. This is a way of simplifying your final creation so that looks from the runway correspond to looks in the showroom, ie. jacket from Look #1, shoes from Look #4, etc.

Tabloids and celebrity gossip websites almost instantly post photos, so you can see who wore what immediately. This is vital when pulling pieces for celebrity clients, though the designer’s showroom/PR should also know (and inform the stylist) when pieces have been worn by other celebs.

Insider info
As a celebrity stylist in a competitive market, Mariel’s design background gives her an edge because of her ability to alter pieces and create truly one-of-a-kind looks for her clients. Everyone has instant access to what’s out there, so it’s her job to make it original for “her girls.”

Rihanna has a West Indian flair and likes her clothing to reflect that. Ciara’s body is sick–and since she’s such a strong dancer, they like to show off her body so you can see her movement. For the Love Sex Magic video with JT, Mariel chose a tight leopard bodysuit that Ciara was a little wary of at first, but in videos it’s okay to go a little over the top.

In order for her to get a feel for each client’s personal sense of style, Mariel has to do a little research of her own. From listening to an artist’s music, to referencing old pictures, this research acts as a tool to help her get a deeper understanding of who her client is and what they will be drawn to in terms of fashion. Also, artists will often reference certain genres or specific inspiration for the way they envision their image. For example, Ciara might tell her that she wants a look reminiscent of Control-era Janet Jackson, or Rihanna might reference early-80′s Grace Jones, etc.

But what if…
Sometimes things just don’t work out. If for whatever reason a client doesn’t like a particular outfit, Mariel simply finds another. However, she will encourage or direct an artist to a particular piece if she feels really strongly about them wearing it.

The Rules
From a stylist’s perspective, here’s a loose set of “rules” for dressing: Lighter colors for morning TV shows, over-the-top outfits for tours and music videos (you have to consider movement as well), bold colors and strong silhouettes (but not so bold as to be misunderstood by general public) for red carpet events.

The Process: Creating the “a-ha!” moment

The process of styling is a creative but stressful one. It usually starts with the establishment of an event, and Mariel has to collaborate with the other creative contributors involved (the photographer, director, etc.), so that everyone involved is creating the same vision.

Next, she will make a list of what she needs and which designers she’d like to incorporate into her styling.

Then comes the massive amounts of phone calls and emails, deciphering the details, and keeping the lines of communication open. The best part is saved for last–getting out “in the field” as she calls it, which is better known as SHOPPING! She’ll buy items from stores like Saks (Mariel styled us with the hottest trends from the Saks Fifth Avenue Fall Want It! Collection presented by MasterCard)or contact designer’s press reps directly depending on the event.