Stylist Program

Call her Al, call her Giggles, just don’t call her—or her style—boring. Sunny, funny and crazy energetic, Allie Bauer of Battle Creek, MI, was selected as the first winner of Swell’s Featured Stylist program. Allie’s natural charisma and hard-to-ignore love of beachy-bohemian fashion made her a clear standout from the long list of applicants. Plus, you’ve got to love a girl whose early styling attempts include tie-dying her Barbie’s hair with magic markers. But it wasn’t long before Allie moved on to life-size dolls, as she was awarded the coveted role of dresser and stylist to the bridesmaids in her sister’s wedding. (You see, her family was already all-too-aware of Allie’s passion for fashion when they learned Elle and In Style saw more of her school desk than her text books.) And while her early career ambitions included becoming Britney Spears or a pilot or a veterinarian, she now hopes to attend a school with a design and merchandising program. But then again she may just continue on with her easy, breezy, laid-back lifestyle and follow whichever direction her heart takes her.

A big fan of Marc Jacobs (her first designer purchase), Erin Wassen’s new line for Rvca, and Golden State, most days you’ll find Allie running around in a contradicting mix of things comfortable yet sophisticated, and fun yet risky—but not risqué because that would be tacky. For inspiration, Allie looks to the red carpet looks of Charlie Theron, and the casual, everyday grace of trendsetter Rachel Bilson. (And should she be curious about what not to wear she looks no further than Miley Cyrus.) However, if Allie was handed her dream styling assignment she would get to dress Kirsten Dunst—for the purpose of giving her wardrobe a slight retooling. Gazing into her crystal ball Allie sees a bright future ahead of her, and anticipates modifying her own signature look with more mature pieces from Dolce and Gabbana. But this isn’t until she’s way old, you know, like 40 or something.

Below are a few more insights into Allie, and her own tips for looking amazing all year long.

Favorite Fashion Sites: www.whowhatwear.com, www.style.com, www.wwd.com
Fall Fashion Must-Have’s: Sweater dresses, ankle boots, scarves, and long leggings. Anything that will keep me warm, but still look great and not frumpy in Michigan winter.
Five Favorite New Trends: Plaid!!!, fitted leather jackets, bandage dresses, the boyfriend jeans, and the girly flowy, flowery looks!
Five Trends That Must Die: Penny loafers (they still aren't cool), parachute pants, leather skirts/pants, denim in a mass of rainbow colors, and 'shudder' shades.
TV Show With The Best Clothes: Gossip Girl or Sex and the City
Biggest Fashion Truth: It doesn't have to be designer to be "cool.” If you love it, buy it and rock it!
Biggest Fashion Myth: No white after labor day...I love white, it never gets old...it always looks so clean!