Style Secrets: Debra Goldstein & Olivia Baniuszewicz

Dolls, it is no surprise that, when seeking the perfect BFF, we expect the contenders to embody two very important prerequisites – the willingness to provide us with boy advice in the wee hours of the night when we are on the verge of tearing our lustrous locks directly out of our heads, or simply plagued with the urge to scream at the top of our lungs or punch a pillow out of frustration; and the ability to help us choose entire ensembles that will flatter our forms, accentuate our amazing physical qualities, and keep us looking fabulous regardless of the situation at hand. It is these two very elements which serve as the backbone to blissful bonds in the gal pal department. And I have found two individuals who possess both traits, and then some, in the form of Debra Goldstein and Olivia Baniuszewicz.

Regardless of whether you’ve actually met them or not, Debra and Olivia are a twosome who will forever be your BFF’s. As the authors of the revolutionary book Flirtexting: How to Text Your Way to His Heart, a pretty in pink dating guide that is incredibly indispensable if I do say so myself; Debra and Olivia are full of boy advice that they have no problem proffering at the drop of a hat. But their knowledge does not end with boys, and boys alone.

While the techie side of dating is now a large part of their lives; both Debra and Olivia have extensive knowledge of the fashion world. Debra is the founder of Fern Estelle, a styling and personal shopping service, and Olivia is the former account executive for various fashion houses. Together, they have already provided us with the tools we need to break hearts; but now they’ve been so kind as to share a few of their secrets as well – of the style variety, that is!

What is your number one style secret and why?
DG: My number one style secret is no secret at all: Less is more. (Revolutionary, I know.) We've heard it a million times before because it's a trick that really works.

When picking out an outfit, I start by choosing the one piece I want to highlight the most. Whether it's my favorite Miu Miu pumps, a colorful beaded necklace, or a cute new top; I make sure that the rest of my outfit blends, so that that one piece sticks out.

The great thing about dressing this way is that you can make your wardrobe last a lot longer! When I get tired of wearing the same tops and dresses over and over, instead of running to the store to buy more, I just create a new look around a cool necklace or bag. Wearing a classic pair of jeans and a white t-shirt always works and never goes out of style. Add some fun costume jewelry you forgot about, or that cute hat you never wear, and you've got two new outfits that didn't cost a thing!

What is your number one style secret and why?
OB: My style secret is to mix mix mix! Check out things in your closet that are polar opposites, and that you would never think could go together, and explore the unknown. You may be surprised of how insanely awesome this mixed look could be. I sometimes will stare at my closet and play dress up with opposite looks. I geek out when I get a great mix and unveil a brand new outfit – but with the same stuff from my closet.

I suppose the way I dress is the way I think. I don't dress all one designer because I don't think all one-way. My style, like my thoughts, is multi-dimensional. For example, I'll mix designer with H+M; old vintage earrings with a new dress; shiny patent leather shoes with matte skirt; bohemian sweater with classic pencil skirt; solid black dress with pop color shoes; complicated tangled chain necklaces with simple white mini dresses. So next time you feel like you have nothing to wear and need to go spend money on a new look, try mixing it up in your closet first.

Today I think I’ll make like Debra and keep it low-key with a sparkly bib necklace paired with a slouchy KAIN Label Pocket Tee. Tomorrow, however, I’ll be heeding Olivia’s advice and mixing it up with DKNY’s pure DKNY Pleat Front Pants topped with Sauce’s playful Bear Tee. How will you be working Debra and Olivia’s style secrets into your wardrobe, kitty cats?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Micah Jesse and Debra Goldstein for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Ring Around the Rosie Giveaway for your chance to win a Sterling Silver Trinity Ring with Pink Swarovski Crystals from Jewels of Denial.