The HI team knows that style is personal. From NYC to LA, our passion for fashion connects us, but it’s our stylists’ signature touch and deep connection to their personal style that makes our team perfectly suited to helping our brides curate wedding weekend looks that feel totally tailored and uniquely them.
Meet NY Stylist Natalie.
A career in professional dance took NY stylist Natalie all across the country before a series of major hip surgeries landed her back home in Southern California.
A chance-connection at physical therapy (fashion-fate, if you will) connected Natalie with Happy Isles at the perfect moment. With her sights set on NYC and a new, exciting chapter in dance afoot, Happy Isles presented a much-needed creative outlet during Natalie’s recovery.
A true fashion enthusiast, Natalie is always shopping. She loves the thrill of the hunt and has a knack for finding pieces that are perfectly weird, new or not. But it’s no wonder vintage is her greatest love – Natalie has a weakness for things that are totally unique and credits her Grandma Lauren with much of her style inspiration.
She describes her Grandma Lauren as the most “unapologetically herself human,” with fashion choices that were “bold, kooky, and playful” – her influence is unmistakable in Natalie’s own sartorial point of view. (Exhibit A, B, C, etc. below...)
What would you consider your signature work look?
Probably a pair of oversized – but beautifully tailored – pants, a vintage boot or kitten heel, and a button-up or playful top. I love to play with the masculine and feminine and experiment with the juxtaposition of shape and fit.
I always incorporate some slightly “grungy” jewelry.
The Adidas jacket in action.
What are foundational items in your work wardrobe? Is there one piece you always reach for when you're scrambling to get out the door and don't know what to wear?
My current go-to is this fitted 90’s Adidas track jacket, which has the perfect slight crop and brings a cool edge to anything I wear it with. I can truly pair it with most pants, skirts, or shorts, so if I am in a rush, it is the first thing I put on.
I also have a pair of JW Anderson jeans that have quickly become my default pants when I want to look cool and put together without having to try!
What core seasonal pieces do you rotate in?
For colder days when I still want to have a skirt moment, I will pull out this gorgeous wool skirt that I thrifted forever ago, and I play with more layering.
When the sun finally comes back, I’ll pull out these super fun, blue, silk, knee-length shorts that I adore. I love a longer short for summer in general.
Long shorts + High boots = basically pants.
What do you prioritize when you're getting dressed for work?
Honestly, when I get dressed, I’m always asking: “Who do I want to be today?” I start with the vibe I want to channel and prioritize feeling confident in whatever I’m wearing. I always look to add a playful edge to my look.
Sometimes simplicity wins out, and sometimes I feel like experimenting and playing dress up in my closet! For work, I find a middle ground between feeling exactly like myself and looking pulled together and professional. I always want to feel cool no matter what.
Patterns and textures are all a must for Natalie.
What is your fashion philosophy?
If you show up with confidence, you can truly pull anything off.
When putting together an outfit, I will generally start with one piece I am super excited to style, and build from there.
I love layering textures, shapes, colors, and eras. Playfulness is a must. (Here, here!)
Everyone at HI is passionate about vintage – what kind of vintage pieces fill your closet? Certain eras or brands? What are your favorite items or brands to hunt for?
I tend towards the ‘90s, era-wise, but some 80’s pieces definitely sneak in there as well! I am always hunting for vintage Prada, Blumarine, and Paco Rabanne.
I have a few gorgeous vintage Dolce & Gabbana tops that I absolutely love – one from HI! And I always have my eye out for fun pants, belts, and perfectly worn t-shirts.
What is your most treasured vintage piece?
My absolute favorite bag is a black vintage Prada Cleo with a textured chain detail on the strap. I had been hunting for this for years. I finally found one and bought it for myself for my birthday! I also treasure my black vintage cowboy boots with the perfect, super pointy toe. They have the perfect silhouette and truly work with most outfits!
