Happy Friday! This week’s focus comes to us with a dual degree in fashion: Designer and Stylist, Amanda Schiller! After moving here from Austin, Texas, she loaded up her resume with opportunities at DVF and Marc Jacobs which landed Amanda her current gig as a designer for Rachel Roy. When she’s not knee deep in ready-to-wear sketches, Amanda is gifting her fashionable charm as a personal stylist. Read below to learn more about this Manhattan mover and shaker and add her as your own personal stylist for feedback from an industry expert! Oh, and a little piece of knowledge from Amanda before we get started,”It’s all about what you want to be the star of your outfit,” she says in reference to getting dressed everyday.  

GO TRY IT ON: Congratulations on your gig as a designer for Rachel Roy! Can you fill us in on your history as a designer?

GO TRY IT ON: How would you describe the Rachel Roy brand? 

GO TRY IT ON: You have such an edge to your style. Are you able to push the boundaries with your designs?

AMANDA: My style has definitely evolved over the years. Sometimes, yes I can push the boundaries and if it works for our customer and brand, we’re able to do it. We always have “our girl” in mind when designing. Sometimes I love something because I’d wear it, but it’s all about what works for RRR. If we all love something thats out of the box for us, we can do it to see how our girl reacts. Hopefully if she loves it, we do more!!

GO TRY IT ON: Lets talk about your hair! How do you have the courage to be so daring with your hair?

AMANDA: I did this ombre look in the summer! Prior to that it was bright red and it started to fade which so I wanted a new look to match my tan (which is now 100% gone thanks to winter!) It’s just hair (think of it as an accessory) and shouldn’t be a stressful or terrifying. Changing it up is a fun and easy way to get a whole new look!

GO TRY IT ON: When you get dressed everyday, do you put one outfit on and go with it or change a million times? 

AMANDA: I usually know a piece from my closet I want to wear and put it all together which takes a few tries, especially in winter. Black tights? Colored tights? Boots? Flats? Chunky necklace, no jewelry? It’s all about what you want to be the star of your outfit! If i’m in the mood for accessories, I’ll pick a big, bold, chunky necklace and pair it with a more subtle and “cool” look.  As far as who I seek for advice, on a daily basis, I use my best judgment because I don’t have anyone around to ask (which is why GO TRY IT ON is awesome).

GO TRY IT ON: What is your favorite trend right now, both in beauty and fashion?

AMANDA: I love the sheer pieces out there! You can really wear it anywhere depending on you style it and especially in the winter, sheer is great for layering. I love the long chiffon printed or solid chiffon maxi skirts/dresses with chunky sweaters over them.  A great slouchy beanie with it makes it even cooler. And I always wear boots and love them with the soft pieces to add a little more edge.

GO TRY IT ON: Where do you shop? Describe your go-to shopping spree with both an unlimited budget and then, with a budget.

AMANDA: Of course, so much of my wardrobe is RACHEL but I love places like OAK, Alexander Wang, Philip Lim, Allsaints, Zara, Urban Outfitters, and all vintage/thrift stores! If I had an unlimited budget, I’d splurge on all Rick Owens and Stella McCartney. When I’m on a budget (which I usually am!) I go to Urban for party pieces and great basics to layer, Zara for both classic and trendy “of the moment” finds, and American Apparel for mesh goods (tees, pants, dancer-esque). Oh and Free People for my boho moments!

GO TRY IT ON: What is one undercover store, online and offline, that we must know?