Less is More

For a fresh take on fall fashion, we thought it would be fun to find three unique pieces and show how each could be styled in (at least) three different ways. We love to show our clients how they can do more with less. We sourced pieces from both local and national retailers, at varying price points, to create versatility in your wardrobe and enhance your look.

We chose the red-orange Marella Blazer from Dress Code Style in Raleigh, a matching green tank and wide-leg pants from Dress Code Style, and the pecan Tyler Boe faux leather shirt from Charlotte’s North Hills.

We encourage our clients to build a wardrobe that allows for a wide variety of mix-and-matchability, and you don’t need a million things in your closet to do that. Using the same piece over and over doesn’t have to be boring! We hope to challenge you to think outside the box and inspire you to try out new looks.

Refined by Theresa

Personal Styling
Written by Dena Daw

Refined by Theresa: Theresa Jean and Lauren O’Brien

Theresa Jean is the proud owner of Refined by Theresa, a personal styling business based in Raleigh.

“We offer a selection of both in-person and virtual styling services,” said Jean. “Our most basic service is something we call Style Identification, where we work together to establish a cohesive, lifestyle appropriate, unique, and individualized style for you. Every single client is different, but the goal is to determine what works for you, combine that with what you’re drawn to and what you like, and show you an achievable way to execute it.”

Other popular services include a Closet Audit, for clients who have a “closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear,” and a Luxury In-Home Shopping Experience, designed to build a wearable, mix-and-matchable, customized capsule wardrobe.

Jean opened Refined in 2018 — a dramatic career change that has positively transformed both her life and the wardrobe of every client she encounters.

“I spent most of my 20s in jobs that didn’t get me excited, didn’t tap into my creative side,” said Jean. “Once I discovered that styling was a job, and something I had a natural talent for, I decided to go all in. Assisting other stylists in the past, I witnessed how transformative clothing can be, and I wanted to show others how they can use their clothing as a tool to improve their lives. By building my own styling business, I get to help people, be creative, and create a work/life balance that is best for me.”

Refined is not just a one-woman show. In 2021, Jean brought her close friend Lauren O’Brien on board as the project manager and personal stylist.

“Lauren joined Refined two years ago and has played a major role in evolving our business,” said Jean. “She is amazing, and Refined wouldn’t be what it is today without her. She has transformed how we do things and has a portfolio of her own clients as well.”

For those who might be intimidated by the idea of a personal stylist — don’t be. Both Jean and O’Brien pride themselves on building personal relationships with their clients, many of whom have become good friends outside of their appointments.

“We spend a lot of time together in their home, and a lot of back and forth on the phone or online,” said Jean. “I see them regularly throughout the year; I get to learn about them, their families, their lives, and get to see the transformation that comes with feeling really good in what they’re wearing. So many of my clients come to me during a very transformative period in their life — a career change, divorce, a recent birth, or during a big move. I get to help make that transition a little more fun and positive, and I love being able to play a part in these major life events. It’s pretty unbelievable how much a good outfit can impact your attitude, as well as the energy you give off. When you know you look good, you feel good, and it’s obvious to everyone around you.”

refinedbytheresa.com

More From Our Sept 2023 Issue

• Garden Adventurer: Beyond Purple: The Other Beautyberries
• Liquid Assets: Unicycle Pale Ale
• Liquid Assets: Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy
• Restaurant Profile: La Victoria Mexican Food
• Small Business Spotlight: Crumb & Cream
• On Trend: Hair Extensions
• Erica Chats: Finally Feeling Fall
• Less is More
• Nonprofit Spotlight: Shield North Carolina
• Women of Western Wake: Tamani Anderson Powell
• Meet Cary Magazine’s 2023 Women of Western Wake
• Women of Western Wake: Dr. Rebecca Kitzmiller
• Women of Western Wake: Patsy Johnson
• Women of Western Wake: Sheri Erhart
• Women of Western Wake: Leslie Covington
• Things to Do: September 2023