Stylist Program

For some people, deciding what to “do” or “be” is a lifelong journey that drifts through a myriad of intersecting paths. For others the revelation explodes from abrupt inspiration, creating such a profound clarity that their earlier life is all but forgotten.

But if you’re Ashley Reiner, the moment arrives during the 5th grade when you’re asked to dress up for career day. While most of her classmates looked to teachers or doctors as enviable role models, Ashley arrived as a fashion designer.

“Better believe I was the best dressed!”

Call it a self-fulfilled prophecy or even a borderline obsession, but when you flash forward to nearly a decade later and you’ll find Ashley at the helm of an emerging fashion empire. Designer, stylist, journalist, fashionista... she’s left no glamorous stone unturned. And at just 20 years old it’s astonishing to think of what the next 10 years will bring.

Having studied at FIDM in San Francisco and currently finishing her degree in Houston, Ashley writes a popular style blog for the local “Examiner”. Fun, edgy and trendy, her diverse reviews cover everything from high end Balenciaga thigh-highs to the iconic street art of Keith Haring.

In fact, her fondness for juxtaposition carries over to her own personal style (a hot pink leather jacket paired with a demure mini dress is one of her staples) as well as to the offerings of her future fantasy boutique. Although still in the planning process it’s easy to imagine Ashley’s storefront filled with avant—garde vintage and original creations—all displaying her own unique sense of youthful sophistication.

“Believe it or not, fashion is really being influenced from the streets. Especially in today's times, the youth are some of the most innovative and creative fashionistas out there. I love looking at what vintage pieces are up for sale on eBay and how people put together outfits on Lookbook. We are influencing high fashion as well as making it ours by DIYing our own versions of runway outfits.”

Hometown: Houston, Texas
The first tend you obsessed over: The movie “Clueless.” I remember feeling really cool watching teen movies with my older sister. I loved Alicia Silverstone as Cher. No one ever made a plaid suit look so good. After all, "It’s an Alaia!"
First designer piece ever purchased: Beige and black Chanel Cambon flats.
Favorite celebrity style icon: I love the Olsens and Nicole Richie, but I really would like to be my own style icon!
What are your current projects: I write a fashion blog for the “Examiner.”, as well as have an internship with Dress for Success—a non-profit organization that helps underprivileged women find job—interview appropriate outfits. Next semester, I will begin working on my final runway collection prior to graduation.
Describe your current personal style: Fabulous and daring. I wear things together that the average person would never think of. Juxtaposing pieces, like I’ll buy a skirt and wear it as a dress—I am always trying to think creatively in every aspect of my life. I stand out and I love it that way.
Favorite designers: Nicolas Ghesquierre, Preen, Alice McCall, and Miuccia Prada (she’s always one step ahead of the curve).
Favorite stores: eBay, vintage and thrift stores, Topshop, Chanel and Pixie Market
Favorite accessories: Any emerald jewelry; it’s my birthstone. And my gold necklace that says my mom’s name. She is my true inspiration.
Your go-to outfit for around town: My vintage hot pink leather motorcycle jacket with a mini dress. I love conflicting pieces thrown together. And I definitely get noticed when I wear that jacket.
Your go-to outfit for a night on the town: A black bandage dress with shoulder cut outs paired with some wedge boots.
What is your current trademark style: Wearing vintage mini dresses paired with tiny jackets. A lot of the time I shop in the children’s section to find tiny-fitting ones, like my tuxedo jacket with an extra long tail, or my fav denim jacket that I bleached.
Are you more inspired by music, art or film?: Art. I have the most respect for artists. People like Keith Haring and Peter Max continually inspire me in life and in fashion. I also have a passion for fashion photography. I could look at these images of models in gorgeous clothes all day long. The awkward poses and sceneries tell a story, and to me, it’s an art all of its own.
Top trends to follow this summer: Bandage dresses, shoulder pads, anything and everything studded, fringe and tie dye/dip dye/bleaching. I am constantly DIYing everything I own; from studding bags and my sister’s Converse shoes to tie-dyeing a white body dress.
Trends to forget about: Leggings, Hammer pants, polka dots, printed maxi dresses and sequins (they are really overplayed now).
Favorite music: Britney Spears, Goo Goo Dolls, Maroon 5 and Lil’ Wayne
Favorite style shows: Sex in the City and Project Runway
Favorite style magazines: Women’s Wear Daily, Teen Vogue, Elle and Nylon
Biggest fashion truth: Never be too revealing—if you bare your legs, cover up your midriff. It’s all about feeling sexy and then you’ll look the part.
Biggest fashion myth: Being too matchy-matchy. There is no such thing as wearing too much of the same color. I am currently obsessed with the monochrome look a la Victoria Beckham. It’s so classy and fabulous.