Stylish — Dominique Sensabaugh

The Art Of Style

Yes, it is true. Creative artistry thrives in Dallas, Texas! It is no coincidence that the same immense and overwhelming Texas heat that inundated me as soon as I stepped off the plane is representative of the FIRE produced in this city’s fashion culture. The rich history and unique style seen as you walk through the hotel lobby and downtown restaurants are why so many have called this southern oasis, home.

With pop-up art museums and galleries, it is no wonder why this steamy southern Texas city serves as the fashion capital of the south. Home to the iconic department store, Neiman Marcus, amazing hotels and of course, that one football team that lives in the middle of the Star.

During my stay, I was adorned with southern charm at The Joule Hotel. It was filled with unique people, cool spaces and the most quaint little coffee shop, Americano, tucked away in the corner entrance of this gem. In this artsy, elegant and vibrant city, it is to no surprise that one of the most creative and chic fashion curators and stylists thrives.

Kristin Smith is one of the most incredibly fierce women I have met! Her style is immaculate and her creative vision is met with an equally expertise eye. Behind the glamour and gorgeous smile is the sweetest, God fearing, kind, mompreneur that I have ever met. She is one half of the dynamic duo of The Clad Life, a full-service styling collective offering a range of services encompassing personal aesthetics styling. Their focus is bringing out individual style while creating a unique signature look for each client or project.

In this era of immediate digital communication, the fashion industry has had to evolve tremendously. If a model wears a couture piece on the runway in Milan, thanks to social media, it can be seen and sourced by a grandmother in Arizona within hours. This instant sharing of ideas is fun and exciting in one sense, however, in many ways it has modified the level of creativity in the fashion industry. Sometimes trends and fads create carbon copies and everyone ends up not only looking the same but wearing every piece of designer clothing in their closet. Usually, all at one time and all at once! It makes a statement for sure but, what kind of statement?

I love working with Kristin and The Clad Life because they are not afraid to be bold and push the mark; they make you look great and feel amazing. Kristin isn’t just trying to put women in every popular piece of clothing that every other person on Instagram wears/is wearing. She shops vintage, mixes textures and creates looks that are flattering and classic. By mixing patterns and styles and going against what is expected, she is not only shaking up the fashion world but accomplishing her ultimate goal which is to help her clients embrace the feeling of self -love. She feels empowered when her clients look and FEEL amazing. Kristin truly feels joy when she helps a mompreneur, like me, whose body is constantly evolving, re-discover their sexy. Whether I am advocating for global water security at the Fox theater, enjoying date night with my incredibly fine hubby or daily play dates with my Marri Man; Kristin is helping me keep it together and look as powerful as I deserve to feel on a day to day basis. Inspiring, yes?

Trust me. I do not believe that clothes make a person spectacular. If you are empty and void of substance before you adorn yourself in designer then you will just be a dead leaf covered in expensive threads. But the right clothes on an equally amazing person will only emphasize their greatness, highlight their individual style and reveal their most creative side.

Meet Kristin Smith. A gorgeous style curator whose heart and personal style elevate her natural beauty to another level.

Kristin Smith- CLAD LIFE

DS: Tell me the first time you recognized your love for fashion and styling? What was your “ah ha moment?” This can be categorized as a time when you felt you realized your purpose or a moment where you realized that you could make a living pursuing your passion and purpose.

KS: I’ve always had an affinity for fashion, I can remember hunting down certain pieces even in elementary school to have my “back to school” look just right! I’m having an “ah ha” moment every day with no plans for stopping. My major moments are when in transition or turmoil. That’s when I know God is leading me to the next step or level. I am in a creative industry and a female entrepreneur on top of that. The odds are against me and I’m ok with that. There is constant pressure to create, to stay on top of things, and most importantly to be the best mom I can be. That is the only job I cannot fail. I thrive in chaos. Both prayer and faith keep me grounded and has really saved me.

DS: I am a firm believer that when you look amazing, you feel amazing and it positively impacts your life in so many ways. How does it feel when you help your clients tap into their “sexy” and make them feel empowered by solidifying a “new look” or redefining their appearance?

KS: I’m a big believer in self-love. I try to identify moments where my clients have felt their very best and make that an everyday occurrence while growing their confidence in their overall aesthetic. Confidence is the most important element to any look!

DS: What does it take for a mom to #milf or a woman to tap into her best self?

KS: Self -love and confidence! For my clients, it takes trust and building a relationship that can help them enhance the best version of themselves. Setting a goal for growing your aesthetic to match your hustle is a great way to achieve a look you are confident in. I have male and female clients of different ages, races, careers, and life stages and a commonality is they must always be evolving. Your look should always change and grow. New goals are being attained!

DS: Your advice to young people (especially women) aspiring to achieve similar career goals as yourself? What are your “Words of Wisdom” to individuals that want to break barriers and achieve things that others could never fathom?

KS: If it scares you then you’re on to something! Anything that has ever come easily to me was never worth it. You have to be willing to work and go the extra mile. Entrepreneurship is not for the weak at heart and it even takes failure. Most importantly, keep God first in everything you do.

DS: As a leader in the styling industry, where do you feel most inspired? What places, spaces, or people spark your creativity?

KS: I feel very inspired from a fashion standpoint when traveling. My senses are more heightened, I’m not rushing through my day typically when I travel. I have more time and am more aware of my surroundings. I also come up with some of my best ideas in the gym. My mind is very clear and when I leave I’m re-energized! I only surround myself with positive, inspiring, and aspiring people! The end. My favorite destination is the Exumas Islands, it is a place where I feel liberated and inspired to recharge and create.

DS: What are your top five favorite things to do in Dallas (Or favorite restaurants)?

KS: Dallas is one of the fastest growing cities in America... which excites me! We have great vintage shopping, my favorite is Vintage Martini. My favorite restaurant is Oishi, a small sushi spot. Dallas also has good museums that I don’t take advantage of enough. My favorite is the Dallas Contemporary. We have the Katy trail that runs through a large part off our city and is a great way to stay active!

DS: Your definition of what it means to leave a legacy?

KS: I think raising a strong young man, living a life that I love and am proud of and having my most valuable relationship to be one with God then I am content with my life.

For more chic style inspiration, follow Kristin Smith via social @THECLADLIFE

Edited by: Joy Davis

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