Introduction

For as long as I can remember, I have been dressing people. My early years were spent growing up in Gaborone, Botswana. I’m unsure if it was my mom and dad’s parenting style or the slow arrival of our treasured belongings, but for a while my siblings and I didn’t have as many toys as we had had in North America. As a result of our low supply of playthings, we had to get more creative, and I took to styling at an early age as a form of entertainment. My first and very willing participant was my little sister, Kristin. Four years my junior, Kristin didn’t seem to mind being dressed and undressed repeatedly. I would create “wigs” out of my mother’s nylons and stunning “frocks” from kitchen aprons, and once these delightful creations were finished, I would dress her up and place a wig on her small head to create a long princess-like braid. She never objected. The smile on her face as she got in her chariot (aka the wheelbarrow) made my heart beat faster. It was at that early age that my desire to style was cemented.

We returned to North America five years later, and I remember watching my mom as she took care getting dressed and putting on makeup—even just for a trip to the grocery store. I once asked her why she bothered to look good just to run errands. Her eyes twinkled as she replied, “The question, Kimberley, is why wouldn’t you? It’s fun, and I feel good.” That was enough for me. It confirmed the happiness that can be derived from looking and feeling great. And being with my mom when she looked and felt great was contagious—it made me feel great, too!

As I grew up, my fascination with styling continued. I dressed my best friend, Paula, for our grade 6 dance. Neither of us had any new clothes, so she borrowed a few pieces from another friend and I put together our looks. I started modelling at 16, and being the budding stylist that I was, I couldn’t resist helping to pull the looks together on set and dress the other models. The other girls were more timid than I was, and I made them laugh and feel good about themselves, which always made for a better shoot. In my university days, my friends would come over to my place, knowing they could arrive wearing whatever and there would be a dramatic overhaul before we hit the town. I intuitively understood body shape and dressing according to personal style but wasn’t yet able to explain it. Fast-forward a few years. I graduated, got married, and had three beautiful children. Once they went to school full time, I felt the pull back to fashion. I took styling courses in Los Angeles and New York City, and from there worked under some amazing fashion stylists. I was blessed to make some connections . . . and the doors started opening. I styled covers of magazines, editorials, and celebrity red carpets, not to mention your everyday woman next door. My heart was full of gratitude to be able to do what I loved, as well as make people feel beautiful. But there was something I always felt was missing. I had a desire to reach more people, not just the clients I interacted with one on one. To try to connect with more women, I started a blog, which turned into a YouTube channel, and from there I was asked to be a fashion expert on TV. Which brings me to where I am today. I am so thrilled to have built a community of women I get to speak to on a regular basis through my YouTube channel.

This wonderful community asked me for a book. They take notes and rewatch the YouTube videos they love, but said they would love it if all the tips and tricks could live in one place: A book that can sit on their nightstand that they can read and reread. A book that they can give to friends as a gift. A book in which it feels like I am there with you, cheering you on, pushing your wheelbarrow, and helping you with your everyday style. Throughout these pages, I’ll help you clean out your closet, create a capsule wardrobe, and get dressed with confidence. Reading this book will inspire you on your journey, and we will do it together.