Meet the Stylist: Catherine Sheppard

Catherine Sheppard is a Los Angeles based fashion stylist and owner/founder of The Life Styled®, a company which provides styling services to personal clients and media! As one of the industry’s top style professionals, Catherine has crafted a unique expertise in helping clients identify and create the perfect style to reflect their most authentic identity. With services ranging from Fashion Feng Shui consultations and Closet Detox, to finding that perfect outfit for a special event, Catherine has attracted a diverse clientele from all over the world. Catherine's styling work extends beyond her individual clients to wardrobe styling for media and editorial, and her work has been seen on magazine covers, television, fashion shows, and brand lookbooks. As a style expert, talk show contributor, wardrobe stylist, and editor/author of The Life Styled blog, Catherine is continually inspired by her clients and the beauty in styling people’s lives for the better!

Simply Stylist chatted with Catherine to find out more of her story and some of her favorite things. See what she said below!!

1. Tell us the story behind your favorite wardrobe item

My favorites do change from time to time. Right now, it's my lates handbag purchase - my black Valentino rockstud dome satchel. It was love at first sight, and, of course, now I think I need every rockstud piece they make!

2. What's your most memorable 'panic moment'?

I was styling a brand lookbook on location with a team I had never worked with before, and all of the shoes I ordered for it did not make it in time. It was definitely my biggest panic moment yet, but I can assure you that was the last time I did a shoot without a Plan B option for every piece! We have to have those freak outs so we can learn from them, right??

3. How did you recover from it gracefully?

I acted like it was no big deal and made it work with a few more pairs we did have on set. We even did some shots where the mdel was barefoot, and it actually looked beautiful and intentional!

4. What is your favorite era for fashion?

This a tough one, but I'd have to say either the 20's or the 80's. Any decade when dripping with sparkles was celebrated is an inspiring one in my book. Even though the 80's had its share of fashion moments that we laugh at now, a lot of my favorite vintage sequined pieces came from that decade.

5. What was your big break?

I always feel like every new project is a big break, but the first year I started styling, I was invited to do several fashion segments on a local live talk show. It was a big challenge at the time, but a great way to build my confidence as a fashion expert from the very beginning!

6. Whose closet would you most like to raid?

Probably Beyonce's. She always looks so good in everything she wears, and she rocks the perfect glam/edgy combo that I love so much!

7. Who are your favorite designers?

Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone, Balmain, Valentino, and Givenchy.

Be sure to stay connected with Catherine through her blog, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!