A Day in the Life Of A Haute SOMA Stylist

Define “Stylist.” According to an Urban Dictionary, a “Fashion Stylist” is “One who has a passion for fashion, an eye for detail and can coordinate clothes with accessories making one stand out a cut above the rest. Easily recognizable when one walks into a room by their well put together fashion sense. Almost as if they were a runway model.”

Now let’s try to define SOMA Fashion Stylist. In order for me to describe one, I decided to spend a day with Jill Siefert, one of most respected San Francisco’s stylist with 20 years in the fashion industry.

The moment I walked into her stylish SOMA loft, I immediately saw how this place reflects Jill’s style motto “Modern and Minimalist:” from the high ceilings, to the wall art, to the stacks of fashion books, to her closet (half vintage and half sophisticated). Yes, on the top of being a stylist, Jill Siefert is a professor at the Academy of Art, Art Institute, City College and Parsons School of Design, where she educates her students to approach life in a creative manner.

But lets go back for a minute and see how it all started. Jill is originally from New York and has lived in London, Buenos Aires and Milan, all of which had an influence on her unique, sophisticated and intellectual style. Over the years living in different countries, Jill held executive fashion positions and produced hundreds of fashion show events with Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Nordstrom, Conde Nast and The Gap. Now Jill Siefert lives in the Bay Area teaching at the Academy of Art and currently devoted to style and consult the titans of Silicon Valley.

One of Jill’s favorite things to do is to seek the talents in the creative fields, especially young talents. Her podcast “On Style with Jill Siefert” contains interviews with various folks in the fashion industry. “I love to interview talented people learning about their creative process. The podcast is available on iTunes and Stitcher radio app. I welcome you to subscribe and check it out!”

Jill’s style mantra? Edit, Edit, Edit

Jill’s style philosophy? Modern and minimal. I love accessories and collect all sorts of vintage jewelry and emerging designers. Any wardrobe can be updated instantly with accessories – a great cuff, scarf or a statement ring.

“I love sparkles…a sequin top is the perfect accessory day or night all year round”

“Obsessed with Vintage, love going to Haight Street, San Francisco where they have the best selection of vintage ”

“Loving fringe, always have and always will!”

“Faux fur looks so good now!”

“Right now I’m all about bold accessories. A great pair of sunglasses is the perfect accent to any outfit”

“Emerging designers I love – Gelerah designs, Sikara Jewelry and Bisjoux NYC brass cuffs and chokers from Karin Hanssen”

“Ian is the best dog a gal could ask for, he also is very debonair and has a flare for fashion”

As our interview came to the end, I was almost sad it was over. The fascination stories, fashion advises, her amazing spirit – all these things together made me think… In my opinion, being a stylist is not just pulling pieces from different retail stores and bringing them to people who don’t have time to shop – that is a personal shopper. Being a stylist is an art, the ability and an eye to see the inspiration to create, its a confidence what comes from experience and education, and one of the most important qualities is to listen and have a vision.