From finding inspiration watching fashionable ladies behind the pews to styling behind the scenes of a fashion editorial, stylist and costume designer Renessta Olds believes in originality and style that’s feminine with an edge.

Owner of ReneeO.StyleLab and graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology tells us about her love for dresses and her knack for creating a fusion of dainty and avant-grade. To her, mixing up colors, prints, and casuals with bolder statements is her take on high fashion to street. Although a lot of fashionphiles attempt to pull off this look, Renessta still stands firm on the most important thing: ingenuity.—DALLAS DEEPKISS

What’s your styling philosophy?
Renessta: I don’t believe I really have a styling philosophy but I definitely have a styling aesthetic. I like to mix ladylike elegance with a touch of edge. I also like to mix lifestyle pieces with a piece that is avant garde creating a look that is wearable.

How did you get started with styling?
R: I’ve always considered myself stylish but in a very feminine way. I grew up going to church and attended schools where we wore uniforms so I was always in a dress. My mother and godmother schooled me on quality garments and getting what you paid for. By the time I was an undergrad I had my first personal shopping company called Elect Lady. People would ask me to look for clothes for them and if they requested pants, I would tell them no (laughs). It was boring for me looking for a pants suit. You can go anywhere and get that. That’s still my philosophy today. I am always on the hunt for the perfect little dress or a suit to wear to church (laughs).

Your styling DOs and DON’Ts
R: Stay true to yourself and your aesthetic. My styling don’ts – Copy someone else’s work.

Favorite store to pull out from?
R: I don’t pull from stores. I never had to go that route. I assisted 2 stylists briefly and did there pickups and returns from the showroom. By the time I went out on my own I knew all the PR reps at the major firms. It pays to assist even when it doesn’t actually pay any money.

Which up and coming style stars do you have your eye on?
R: I really like Jennifer Hudson’s style. Her stylist Eric Archibald does a great job.

Whose closet would you want to raid and why?
R: I would love to raid the First Lady (US) Michelle Obama because her style is like mine, very feminine with tons of color and prints.