Rachel J Styling

Enough of getting stuck in my stories. 🤣
A fabulous time was had at the 900 North Michigan Shops Fall fashion show by Zazz Productions.

This voice message meant so much! Join us at the Stylist Symposium on 10/9 at the Chicago Cultural Center.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-stylist-symposium-2026-tickets-2000245212275

This voice message just came through this morning and it got me. 🥹 Just two years ago, I gave this @ted talk and later that same year, I launched the Stylist Symposium during @thechicagofashionweek. My talk? “The Rise of the Fashion Stylist” and that topic means even more today. Its message is still at the heart of everything I’m building: our work matters, and it deserves to be recognized. The Stylist Symposium continues to be rooted in connection, community and collaboration over competition. I want every Stylist to thrive in this industry—to have their work seen, valued and appreciated not only by our clients and peers, but on a broader level. Stylists are a vital part of the fashion ecosystem, and this platform is about bringing greater awareness to the value, influence and contributions Stylists bring to the industry every day. I hope this message moves you as much as it did for me. Early bird tickets are available through this Wednesday. Grab yours now. Come be a part of our Styling community. Let me help to connect the dots and let us all rise up together. ♥️ Thank you to @stylingwithcare for this message! We can’t wait to see you on October 9!

I get such a high seeing my clients fully in their power - on stage, in their executive roles and in life. ✨

Janice Tennant, Global Brand President of Merrell, brought her powerhouse presence to the panel this week at the WWD Women in Power event. The goal was simple: feel confident, feel like herself and never have to think twice about what she was wearing.

That’s what great styling should do. The look supports you, so you can focus on your voice, your expertise and the reason you’re in the room.


Her look:
Top/pants: Production Mode // Jamie Hayes
Necklace: Christina Bock Williamson
Shoes: Merrell
📸 Getty Images

Taking it back to one of the best days this Summer — celebrating my longtime client + friend Molly Painter’s 50th! 🥂

Give me a theme and I will run with it! Had so much fun styling her for both the daytime yacht party and the evening dance party. Scroll through to see the most epic jumpsuit flown in from the Janet Mandell showroom in LA just a few days before to make it in time. Always a high to find the perfect piece to celebrate not only her 50th but the 250th of our country. 🇺🇸

We were told to GO BIG - just like Molly in all she does and how she lives. ♥️

Moll- I cant believe we met in our 30s, when it all started with an email asking for help with your work wardrobe. Now, somehow, we’re entering another decade of life together, and it’s been such a privilege to watch you shine firsthand through so many of life’s biggest moments. I love our story and I’m so grateful for our friendship! Keep doing it up BIG this decade!

TWO MONTHS OUT. OCTOBER 9. 💫✨

The Stylist Symposium is back for its third year and has established itself as a highly anticipated, premier educational event of Chicago Fashion Week.

This year, we’re proud to be an official event partner of Fashion Forward Chicago, presented by Chicago Fashion Vanguard + the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

The Stylist Symposium brings emerging and established stylists from across the country together for an afternoon of education, connection, inspiration and honest conversations about the business and future of styling.

We have a phenomenal panel lined up, and we’re introducing some exciting new elements to make this year’s experience even more impactful.

Mark your calendars. Book your flights. Plan your trip… and of course, your look! Be prepared to meet amazing connections and leave inspired.

October 9, 2026. 1-4pm at the iconic Chicago Cultural Center. Stay tuned. ✨💫

My Dad was a simple, sweet, smart and strong man. He didn’t care about fancy clothes, luxury cars or big homes. To my Mom’s and my dismay, he would choose to wear the same stained shirt and shorts with holes in the pockets over and over, while the new and clean pieces just stayed in the closet. He wanted to be comfortable, not showy. He let his work shine and speak for him, whether professionally as an engineer or personally as an avid golfer and proud Dad to his three children.

What he did care about was making sure the people in his life felt loved, supported, and cared for through both the highest and lowest moments. He always showed up, even if it meant flying across the country or around the world, simply to be there and help in whatever way he could. He cared that we were educated, provided for, and raised to become kind, hardworking human beings.

It’s hard to put into words what my Dad has meant to me. It’s a love unlike any other. I feel an emptiness without him here but a peace knowing that he is now walking, eating, golfing, and completely free in heaven. We took care of him for almost 12 years at home, around the clock, and I would do it all over again to make my Dad feel just a fraction of the sweetest love, sacrifice and support he has given to me my entire life.

The outpouring of love we have received through messages, texts, and gifts has been overwhelming. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 💜 Obit and funeral service details in my story. Requested attire: black and/or ivory.

I was a panelist during the Hue & Stripe conference earlier this month, speaking on The Art of the Long Game - Client Retention. After 13 years in business, I’m so proud of the clients that continue to stick with me and elevate their personal style year after year!

At the recent Hue & Stripe conference in Dallas, I was asked to speak on a panel about client retention and the art of the long game - one of my specialties. I’ve had this styling business since 2013, and I was so proud to share how I’ve kept a loyal and repeat client base. My very first RJS client, @mollyannpainter still works with me to this day, and this is the case for many of my clients. I have gone through many of the seasons of their lives with them - from new jobs, babies, weddings, divorces, grandchildren and so much more. As they evolve, their wardrobes have too and I’ve had the honor of styling them for every chapter. How awesome is that… It is rare for me to have a one and done client. I become an extension of their personal branding, peace of mind and glam team. Being able to build business relationships that organically lead to real friendships has been an incredible blessing of this work and I was happy to share my insights and wisdom with 100+ stylists during this conference. Thank you to my fellow panelists @styledbyschafer and Shari Braendel for an engaging conversation and Sierra @sierras_pen for moderating with such grace and ease! Look: Dress: @favorite.daughter Blouse: @vince Tie: @menswearhouse Shoes: @rebeccaminkoff

Let’s normalize rewearing and repurposing the most expensive gown in your closet! I jumped at the chance to wear my reception wedding gown to the Devil Wears Prada premiere in Chicago a few months ago. Find the occasion or create it yourself. Our clothes are meant o be worn, loved and hold us while we make lifetime memories ♥️

Share in the comments if you’ve reworn yours! 🤍

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