Welcome Back Kelly
If you have been by the shop in the last 2 years you have probably met Kelly! She joined in the summer of 2020 right at the height of COVID, and has been a valuable part of the team ever since! As with retail, it is always a bit of journey, and when you are good at something you get opportunities elsewhere. While OMJ as an employer always hates to see someone leave, we are truly happy for them and want them to succeed! With Kelly, it was a rare time we were actually able to convince her stay on part time after she left, and then to ultimately convinced her come back to OMJ full time. So with that said, we are so excited to have Kelly back to a team that is now fully complete and getting things done at a record setting pace. With her back, it was only fitting to do a spotlight on our newest returning team member!
What made you come back to OMJ?
I’ve always said I have friends rather than clients. To put it plainly, I missed my friends! OMJ has the most amazing client base and Team that made it really difficult to stay away. I had continued with OMJ in a part-time capacity and the decision to come back full-time as our Sales and Retail Lead was an easy one! I am so excited to reconnect with my former clients and look forward to making new friends.
How did you get into custom menswear/wardrobe consulting?
I come from the corporate world but always had a passion for fashion and styling. I eventually found myself filling my weekends away for the corporate pace working in wardrobe styling, focusing mainly on bridal and event wardrobe. When the opportunity presented itself to lean fully into styling I jumped at it. It has been thrilling to learn the world of menswear and experience the journey of building a custom garment from the ground up.
What brings you to Charlotte?
Originally from Connecticut, most fellow Nutmegers will understand that there's not too much to do in CT and far too much snow! I moved to Charlotte for the warmer weather, opportunities and excitement the city has to offer. 6 years and counting!
What’s your favorite piece of clothing you own?
I have always had a passion for vintage clothing and particularly fancy a pair of high-waisted vintage trousers that, dare I say, fit perfectly. They are a bold houndstooth print which sometimes limits how often I can rotate them through my day-to-day wardrobe. Low and behold, I brought them into OMJ and built an identical custom pair in a more neutral fabric that is nearly identical to my beloved vintage pants. But more importantly, easier to work into my normal rotation.
Who are some of your style role models/inspirations?
I’m particularly drawn to Parisian style in the way it's a combination of elegance and grace; simplicity and comfort. As OMJ would put it “Simple but Significant”. I love to curate my wardrobe in a way that's versatile but still contains really high quality and interesting pieces. I’ve always looked to Jenny Walton and Jane Aldridge for style inspiration.
What’s an unusual/interesting fact about you?
I used to be a child model and actress in NYC where I was first introduced to the world of fashion. I was an extra on SNL 7 times and you can still find a book on Amazon with my face on it for the low price of $7.99.
What’s your most memorable professional experience?
Making the call for my decision to come back to OMJ Clothing. I had this immense feeling of coming Home and excitement to be able to continue to do what I truly love in the most amazing place.
What unique perspective/value do you offer your clients?
I’ve spent the majority of my professional life in the wedding/event industry, in multiple roles, for the past 6 years - anywhere from event coordination to wedding styling. That makes me especially adept in working with our Grooms and Brides to curate the perfect wedding looks, paying attention to venue, time of year, photography, color pallets and fabrics. It's important to make sure all aspects of your wedding work together so you can enjoy your garment to the fullest day-of and your photos for years to come!
Swing by the store and welcome Kelly (Back to) to OMJ. As a special gift, the first 10 people who book an appointment with her will receive a complimentary custom shirt with purchase.
OMJ Partnerships & Recommendations
Shoes:
Crockett & Jones Ferragamo Allen Edmonds
Skincare:
Clothing/Fabric:
Barbour Todd Snyder Gladson Loro Piana Drago Abraham Moon VBC Reda Angelico Stylbiella Zegna
Accessories:
Tag Huer Hoodinkee Foundwell Jaeger Lecoultre Craighill
Read:
WM Brown GQ The Rake Garden and Gun Our State Magazine QC Exclusive Charlotte Magazine The Charlotte Ledger The New York Times