Periodically the Queens like to interview folks that we find interesting and inspiring! In this installment, we shine the light on our dear friend Whitney Fields, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot! Whitney styled us for when we were featured on the TODAY show with Al Roker! We were thrilled with her choices, and we hope you enjoy learning more about her and her talent!
TODAY show in the green room.
About Whitney:
Whitney is an Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot, and is a graduate of The University of Texas with an M.A. in Advertising and The University of Texas at San Antonio with a B.A. in Communication (Public Relations) and a minor in General Business Administration. Whitney currently resides in Austin, Texas, works full-time in social media and marketing and freelances in public relations.
As a fan of ABC’s The Bachelorette, she followed Season 5 with Jillian Harris. While keeping up with many fashion and accessories blogs, magazines and bloggers, she began covering what Jillian was wearing on the show. In one episode, Jillian wore at least four pieces of Stella & Dot jewelry. After falling in love with the collection, she hosted a Stella & Dot trunk show and shared the jewelry with a few of her close friends and family. The collection, which is only sold on-line and through in-home trunk shows, was irresistible – and she had to have everything! A couple of months later, in April 2010, she signed up as a Stylist. Over the past year and a half, she has put on many trunk shows with my Hostesses in the greater Austin, San Antonio and Houston areas, and styled reality TV stars Emily Maynard (from ABC’s The Bachelorette and The Bachelor) Holly Durst and Natalie Getz (from ABC’s The Bachelor and Bachelor Pad), MyFoxAustin’s news anchor Lauren Petrowski and the Casserole Queens for their TODAY Show appearance. With the help of the Casserole Queens, she was also able to connect The TODAY Show’s Kathie Lee Gifford and Natalie Morales to Stella & Dot!
The talented Whitney Fields
Passion, patience and inspiration. Find what makes you passionate and pursue it. No matter what it is that you want, your determination and perseverance will lead you to a personal victory. However, do not expect things to happen quickly. You can’t rely on luck, but you can rely on the hard work that you do for yourself. So be patient and work toward your goal. There will be a reward for the positive efforts put in. Also, be inspired. Find inspiration – in everyday life, a quote, a person, or whatever else you find. It will keep you going when times get tough.
If you weren’t a stylist, you would be?
My dream job changes as I discover new enjoyments. Lately, I would love to be a wardrobe/accessories stylist for magazine photo shoots, movies or television shows, but I also aspire to be a social media and public relations director for a fashion or accessories company. I love seeing pieces from the collection on celebrities or in the press!
If your personality could be described as any casserole, what would it be?
I would love to say a sweet dessert casserole, but my true personality is a dish that is salty and savory with a bit of a crunch!
The Queens love our vintage pearls, but what other recommendations do you have for fun, 50s flair?
For a vintage, 1950’s inspired look, I love adding brooches to an outfit – whether it is on the lapel of a blazer or cardigan or added into a long strand of beads or pearls that are doubled or tripled around the neck. You can even put them in your hair! Vintage-inspired textures and art deco shapes, or a bold cocktail ring also give a hint of sparkle to a more structured look. These are a few of my favorite “Casserole Queens-inspired” pieces.
What has been the most interesting company/project/photoshoot you’ve been a stylist for?
One of the coolest projects that I have had the pleasure of being a part of was a photo shoot and runway show for a New York-based clothing company called Elegantees. Elegantees’ company mission is to end sex trafficking, starting in Nepal. The brand uses its dividends from the tees to aid in the cause and they’re working to set up sustainable sewing employment for women rescued from sex trafficking. They also work with other amazing national and international nonprofit organizations with the same mission to fight injustice. Elegantees’ founder and designer, Katie Behnke, found me through Facebook, loved the Stella & Dot jewelry and asked me to style a photo shoot for her June 2011 collection of tees. We had so much fun working together remotely styling the photo shoot, and Katie invited me to New York City to style the runway show to promote the release of collection. My mom and I flew to New York for a few days and had a great time styling the models for the show! It was one of the most interesting (and coolest!) adventures that I have had as a Stella & Dot Stylist so far. Plus, while I was in New York, I was able to make a visit to the Stella & Dot Design Studio! It was a pleasure to make these amazing connections with passionate women in the fashion business.
Family is in town unexpectedly and coming over for dinner. Quick – what is your go to meal?
The quickest answer is: go out for dinner! But otherwise, whip up a few easy side dishes and throw steaks, fish or chicken on the grill. I absolutely love having freshly grilled chicken, steak, or fish and veggies! Or there is always spaghetti and meat sauce – classic, tasty and easy.
What dish from your childhood brings you the most comfort and why?
My mom’s “nontraditional” Green Bean Casserole – cooked in a skillet with ground beef, green beans, mushrooms, elbow macaroni noodles, cream of mushroom soup and milk. I even make it now when I am craving a home-cooked meal or comfort food because it has a way of nourishing the soul. There is just something about this dish that makes me feel calmed and loved, and after a bowl, I’m completely content. It is great reheated as leftovers, too.
For more information about Whitney Fields, Stella & Dot Independent Stylist, visit the following
websites and stay connected through Twitter and Facebook:
Website: http://www.stelladot.com/wcfields
Twitter: @whitneycf
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shopsdwithwhitney
Blog: http://www.whitneyfields.blogspot.com
Photo credit: Allison Naro
Casserole Queens 
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