Stylist Program

There are a million girls who’d kill to be Samantha Durbin. Make that ten million. In fact, we bet most anyone in NYC, London, Florence and San Francisco (all fashion capitals she’s lived in by the way) would do anything to have her life. From the best education, the best connections, the best job, and undoubtedly one of the best wardrobes, Samantha Durbin has it all.

True, it would be easy to write off Samantha as one of those lucky souls who’s had everything handed to them on a silver Tiffany’s platter—that is until you meet her. And then you realize that not only is she lucky, she’s also incredibly talented, savvy, and most importantly, deserving of all her success. And for no other reason than she’s worked ridiculously hard to achieve it.

A graduate in Advertising and Marketing Communications from New York’s elite Fashion Institute of Technology, Samantha’s early career began as a magazine style assistant, advertising account manager and freelance stylist. Throw in a few odd jobs as a restaurant hostess, a knife salesman and a retail sales associate, and she unknowingly had the makings to one day become one of the Web’s most read fashion journalists.

As the editor of FabSugar.com, one of the many wildly popular sites under the Sugar Inc. umbrella, it’s Samantha’s job to report on all the haute news and gossip that makes fashion happen. From red carpet reports to sneak peeks of next season to Fashion Week reviews, it’s all in a day’s work.

But unlike other top-notch style sites that require readers to have a ten-pound glossary and an Ivy League degree, Samantha’s clever writing makes this otherwise unattainable world of glamour completely accessible.

Which is just one of the reasons USAToday called on her to review Michelle Obama’s many looks during Inaugural week. In fact, Samantha is quickly becoming the industry’s go-to girl whenever sharp and tactful comments are needed. (Run a quick Google search on ”samantha durbin“ + fashion and you’ll see what we mean.)

So you see, we weren’t kidding when we said Samantha has a life to die for. Thankfully though, she was kind enough to fill us in on the best way of getting one of our own.

Hometown: Oakland, CA
Cities you’ve lived in: New York City, London, Florence (Italy), San Francisco
Describe your style in high school: Total eclectic — one minute skater, next raver, then b girl. I was voted best dressed though!
Describe your style now: Beach party chic
Celebrity style you currently adore: Diane Kruger
What are your favorite looks for a big night out: Long, lean dark denim flares worn with a sexy top and a fab hat; tee shirt mini dress, killer shoes, and neon accents; cropped jeans, killer shoes again, exotic print top, and a sharp blazer.
If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?: Matthew Williamson
Who are the new / emerging designers to look out for: LA—based Whitley Kros; they’re youthful and funky bohemian. However, Jillian Lewis of “Project Runway” fame is still my vote, as she mixes cool knits with modern femininity. Also, Robindira Unsworth is a Sonoma County-based jewelry designer who’s goods are gorgeous, eclectic, and affordable!
What are the Top 5 favorite things in your closet: J.Crew cardigans, Paige cropped jeans, a light-wash $9 jean jacket, maxi dresses, scarves bought during travels, anything turquoise and costume jewelry. It‘s hard to narrow down; I‘m not a minimalist.
Favorite places to shop: Swell, Shopbop.com, J.Crew, Saks, Topshop, Urban Outfitters, Tobi.com, Madewell, Zara, and consignment shops
Biggest fashion myth you’d like to expose: One can wear white-anything year ’round; you just need seasonal accompaniments.
Moment you knew fashion was your calling: When I was caught playing in mom’s closet, circa 6 six years old
What is your education / training background: Bachelor of Science, Advertising and Marketing Communications, the Fashion Institute of Technology
Please explain why FIT is the end-all, be-all in fashion education: It’s a very hands-on school, i.e., internships, industry-working professors, and it’s the heart of fashion Mecca: NYC!
Please explain FabSugar’s history / mission: Fab has been up and running for about three years. It’s Sugar Inc.’s fashion portal. Our mission is to deliver everything fashion and shopping related at light speed. Fab is a friendly place, where readers can soak up and comment on the latest trends, celebrity styles, runway coverage, news, deals, and daily fashion fun.
What advice can you give to new college grads who are pursuing a career in fashion journalism?: It’s more competitive now then when I was in college so I would say aim to get a Bachelors degree (at a fashion school or not). Try to do as many internships while in school as possible—this will help you make contacts and figure out what direction you want to go. Look on Mediabistro.com, Craigslist.com, company websites, WWD’s job listings, or just go after specific companies you really want to work at. An LBD never fails for an interview—punch it up with unique accessories, but your personality and resume should do all the talking. Expect to make nil money! If you’re really passionate about breaking into fashion, salary shouldn’t matter.
What spring/summer trends are you excited to try? : Exotic prints, neon, accentuated shoulders, big earrings, icy lavender, and the tailored and cropped pant
What trends are you hoping to forget? : Good girls trying to look like bad girls, cropped leggings (long ones are much more flattering), beige on the red carpet...
What’s your secret for looking stylish / cutting edge on a very strict budget?: Shop cheap for trendy pieces, save up for classic, beautiful accessories. Comb vintage and consignment shops for interesting pieces and gently worn designer goods. Do swaps with your friends; just make sure you trust them to swap back. If an item is calling your name, but too pricey, watch it online until it goes on sale. Lastly, master your monthly shopping budget!