THE STYLE PRINCIPLE

About Susan

Susan Mowder

Fashionista, Stylist, Business Owner, Pet Mom, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Sagittarius, Barre Instructor, Extrovert, Optimist

Photo by Lisa Sciascia

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a love for “the art of the outfit.” 

Since a very young age, I’ve been dressing myself, my dolls, the dog, willing family members, and anyone else who would heed my advice.  Eager to put my own stamp on the fashion world…at age 6, I discovered my mom’s sewing machine and learned about fit and design literally from the inside out.  While completing my BS in Education/Radio-TV from Morehead State University and my MS from The Ohio State University, I jumped at any opportunity to hone my skills by taking classes in textiles, tailoring, draping, and design.

Working in both the teaching and corporate worlds, I observed that what I wore often had as much impact on the desired outcome as any other factor.  Over the years, I’ve managed to “fashion” a career out of helping others dress to achieve their desired outcomes.  It was during a temporary job at Nordstrom that I learned firsthand about the psychology of dressing.  Five years later, I accepted a job with one of Nordstrom’s biggest vendors and traveled the country educating others on using line, design, and color to create the most flattering silhouette for any body type.

Unbeknownst to me, my career was about to take another fascinating turn.  My neighbor requested my advice on a wedding outfit.  She received so many compliments, she offered to pay me to help her with other outfits.  The STYLE Principle was born!  In 2009, I officially launched my wardrobe styling business based in Chicago.  Quickly, I developed a reputation for clearing the closet clutter, maximizing current pieces, making the shopping process more efficient and fun, and creating wardrobes that enable my clients to look great…and feel even greater!

As my business grew, so did the requests to speak on my real world approach to style and image.  My speaking “style” has been referred to as entertainingly educational…with interactive activities and modeling opportunities optional.  To date, my most requested topic is Using Your Personal Image to Your Professional Advantage. 

Looking back, this wonderful, wacky life in fashion was my destiny.   I can’t wait to see where it takes me next!