Stress-free style tips straight from the pros

Chic chicks

By: Madison Murray

Published On: June 21, 2010

Dubbed “The Closet Girls” by a bevy of faithful followers, Tina Adams and Rebecca Thompson help to make the world a more stylish place, one closet makeover at a time. With gracious hearts and impeccable fashion sense, Tina and Rebecca offer a variety of services to ensure you (or a style-challenged loved one) look your very best. In times like these, your outfit choice should not add stress to your daily routine. Tina and Rebecca revamp your look in order to simplify your life. Looking good while living easy…what could be better?

Besides wardrobe consultation, what other services do you provide?
Personal shopping: After we go through your closet and determine what stays and what goes, we’ll create a list of what you need—nothing goes on the list unless we’ve built a case for it: it must multi-task and be appropriate for at least two seasons. We’ll do all the shopping for you, from foundation pieces to the finishing touches like jewelry and make-up. We’ll do seasonal tune-ups if you find you just need a couple more pieces. Something we’re very excited about are our shopping trips to places like Chicago, Atlanta (Fall 2010) and Paris (January 2011). We also provide custom shirts for men and women and custom tunics for women. We offer packing for trips. We do some custom jewelry, but on a limited basis.

Who are your typical clients?
Our typical clients are everyday people, women of all ages and stages in life (from working women to young mothers to empty-nesters), professional men who have no time to shop or bother with their wardrobes, and teenagers. Moms love it when we can be the mediator and approach her daughter’s clothing choices from a fashion angle instead of being the fashion police.

What is your favorite part about the entire consultation process?
We always say that when we come back to the client’s house after the initial clean-out and shopping trip, and we start to put it all together, that’s when the magic happens. Our clients become more confident and more comfortable with their clothes. All the chaos and angst that surrounded their closets and the simple act of getting ready in the morning or evening evaporates and peace returns. It is truly gratifying when clients tell us that the whole process is life changing, and they mean it!

We hear you are doing your part in helping out the victims of the flood by donating clients’ clothes.
Yes, a lot of our clients have a closet full of nice clothes that just aren’t the right fit, color or style. In response to the vast need for clothing after the flood, we are encouraging our clients to donate their clothes to organizations that do not re-sell the items. Some of our favorites include Fannie Battle, Nashville Rescue Mission, Ladies of Charity and Renewal House.

Who are your personal style icons/inspirations?
Tina: The Swans, especially Babe Paley for her simple shift dresses and the fact that she was embarrassed to have anyone wait on her in an era when that was the standard; C.Z. Guest for her classic American style (twin sets done well) and devotion to things other than her wardrobe: her family, her horses, her career. And I have to mention Ralph Lauren, my true fashion idol.
Rebecca: Jackie O., Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn for their classic style.

Sum up your own personal style.
Tina: high, low and in-between.
Rebecca: classic with a twist.

If you had to narrow your dressing guidelines down to your number one rule, what would it be?
Our No. 1 rule: Fit is First.

Do you think of Nashville as a stylish city?
Yes! Nashville is full of people and places of style! Some of our favorite sources are: the ladies of styleblueprint.com, the small boutiques of 12 South and the Hill Center, and yes, we can even find great style in the Mall—we are hunters and gatherers!

What is the one piece every woman should have in her closet?
Every woman needs to replace all her khakis with the white alternative: white shorts instead of khakis, white dress pants instead of khakis, white skirts instead of khakis. Why? Khakis are the uniform for schoolboys and camp counselors.

For more information, check out their blog at tinaandrebecca.blogspot.com or contact them at tinaandrebecca@gmail.com. Special thanks to Francie Likis and Ray Bowling for modeling their before and after looks.