Design by HI Leisure Page
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.
Honestly, a peek into what we’re wearing to work is long overdue...
Meet LA Stylist Carolina.
Our resident emoji queen, FIDM graduate, and Long Beach, CA native. Carolina grew up in the industry – accompanying her grandmother to work as a seamstress in Downtown LA and working as a stylist's assistant after college.
Carolina came to Happy Isles after a hiatus from the fashion world, taking time to focus on her spiritual practice and get herself hitched.
(Any HI-related astrology questions go to Carolina immediately.)
Carolina and her husband Eric on their wedding day. Carolina wore a Spring 2016 gown from Oscar de la Renta.
Feeling inspired again by curating her own wedding looks, Carolina cured her post-wedding blues by marrying her love for vintage and her newfound love of the bridal fashion world.
Her personal style is inspired by an iconic cast, including her own mother in the late ‘90s, a young Salma Hayek, the entire Coyote Ugly ensemble, Gisele Bündchen, and María Félix.
A mini & a kitten mule! A classic Carolina formula.
What would you consider your signature work look?
Ahh! So hard to say… I feel like it changes with the weather. In the summer: a mini skirt, baby tee, and kitten heels!
And when it’s “colder”: A midi skirt, boots, and a cute cardigan.
A "winter" look only in SoCal...
What items are the foundation of 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?
A good midi skirt, a plain white baby tee, and a dress!
I always go for this pleated grey midi skirt that I found at a thrift store – it looks good with everything: boots, loafers, sneakers, kitten heels with a cute top!
It makes me feel put together and feminine at the same time.
We think Miuccia would approve of Carolina's midi.
What core seasonal pieces do you rotate in?
Hmmm, I always have a leather jacket and a vintage pair of Levi's ready!
Laidback layers & Levi's.
Carolina’s recs leather and denim...
This vintage Wilsons jacket.
Black Mini Leather Jacket by OUR LEGACY
RE/DONE for your vintage Levi’s needs if you’re not looking to thrift.
But if you are up for a hunt... Etsy is a great resource!
Leather jacket and lace-up Miu Miu shoes. Cameo by Carolina's dog, Neli!
What do you prioritize when you're getting dressed for work?
Self-expression! I truly feel that my outfits are an extension of me. It’s important to me that whatever I’m wearing feels authentic to my personality and that 5-year-old me would think, “SHE’S SO COOOOOOL!”
'00s Mandalay corset from Happy Isles.
What is your fashion philosophy?
My fashion philosophy is rooted in energy and intention! I love making a statement, mixing old with new, and experimenting with different styles and genres.
I believe fashion is a form of freedom – it allows me to express myself without limits or labels.
Carolina's style is all about fashion as a freedom of expression.
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’m a '90s baby, so naturally I gravitate toward anything from the late ‘90’s/early ‘00s, but I love experimenting with old and new!
Some brands I always have on my watchlist are D&G, Blumarine, Bebe, Prada/Prada Sport, Miu Miu, INC, Sonia Rykiel, Rampage, Ungaro, and Cheap & Chic Moschino.
Sonia Rykiel Spring 1996
Miu Miu Spring 1999
What is your most treasured vintage piece?
Probably the dress I just bought [from Happy Isles] for my birthday. It's a ‘00s polka-dot Dolce & Gabbana midi.
It’s always changing, though!
I have a vintage Chanel bag that my mom gave me for my birthday one year – I only bring her out on special nights now.
