It’s ironic that Elise Gray has such a dreary-sounding last name when she’s actually one of the sunniest people we’ve ever met. As our April 2009 featured stylist, Elise’s submission package outshined her competition with a distinct je ne sais quoi that hit us over the head. We soon learned what her inner circle has always known: Elise is energy personified.

Her signature style can also be described with "e" adjectives: Eclectic and electric. Favoring a "mish mash of things", Elise loves mixing varying prints with bold colors, explaining that "it adds to the fun of putting outfits together. Not everything has to match."

Growing up in Santa Clara, CA, Elise’s love for style and design began at an early age. Like many young girls she would spend hours sketching her fantasy wardrobe. But being the creative over-achiever that she is, the illustrations quickly evolved into detailed and coordinated ‘fashion packets’ she would present to her family. Years later, these oodles of doodles would serve as her launch pad for acceptance into the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

A free spirit at heart, Elise is eager to go wherever the wind takes her — just as long as it’s in the direction of a career in fashion design. Hoping to land a dream internship as an assistant or team member for a popular clothing line, her ultimate goal is to open a trendy boutique featuring her own clothing and jewelry creations.

Favorite Designers: DVF, Yves Saint Laurent, Betsey Johnson, Zac Posen, Stephen Sprouse, Marc Jacobs, Coco Chanel, Versace
Favorite Stores: Nordstrom, Forever 21, Roxy, Aldo accessories
Favorite Fashion Magazines: Teen Vogue, Elle Girl, People Magazine Style Edition
Favorite Fashion Websites: Style Sight, Celebrity Style Guide, Lulus
Favorite Music: Incubus, The Maine, Beyonce, Rihanna, The Beatles, anything fun that you can tell the singers are passionate about the lyrics
TV Show With the Best Dressed Cast: The City, Gossip Girl
Who or where do you look to for style inspiration?: I get easily inspired by anything and everything. It could be something I saw on TV, in a magazine, on the streets or at school. If I see it and I like it, I try to recreate it with my own little spin.
What is your go-to outfit for around town?: Jeans, a flowy and comfortable top, boots and a chunky sweater
What is your go-to outfit for a night on the town?: Leggings, a fun, long, oversize tank with boots, and some fun jewelry
Person, living or dead, most deserving a makeover: Paris Hilton
Crucial trends to follow this spring: Jumpers, bold jewelry, flowered embellished sandals, racer back tanks, peace sign screen tees, and tie-dyed pieces.
Crucial trends to forget about: Gladiator sandals, high-waisted pants, long cardigans
Secrets to looking stylish on a strict budget: Taking old pieces and mixing them with newer ones, or going through your closet and writing down outfits that you think would look good together. Most likely you’ll find clothing that you’ve completely forgotten about. Also, making your own screen printed tees. I do it all the time; it’s so simple, easy and cheap!