Meet a Mom and Personal Stylist- Clare! | Birmingham Bloomfield Hills Moms

 

How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?

I have two children, Millie and Teddy. Millie is ten years old and in fifth grade. Teddy is six years old (almost seven!), and in first grade. They are the best of friends and it makes my heart melt. This is the last year they will ever be in the same school at the same time so that is bittersweet!

How long have you lived in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills? What made you decide to raise your family here?

I was born and raised in Birmingham, but I left the area for about 15 years after high school, first earning a degree in marketing from the University of Colorado at Boulder, then working and living in San Francisco, New York City, and Miami. After having Millie in Miami (forever earning her the nickname Miami Millie), I felt a strong pull to return home and be closer to family and friends, and have been living in Bloomfield Hills for the past seven years. There is a strong sense of community here, and I love the traditions and experiences I can share with my kids from being raised in the area. For example, it’s incredible that my kids attend Quarton Elementary, which is where I went to elementary school, and both happened to have the same room that I had for Kindergarten.

Please explain your business! Let us know what you do, and how you can provide your services to other moms! I know they will love to read about this! Include your website, etc. and how they can reach you if interested.

I am a stylist and personal shopper for women, men and children! Fashion has been a life-long passion of mine. One of my best friends helped me realize that by making it a business, I can share my love for finding great pieces and putting ensembles and wardrobes together. I stay connected with designers and boutiques throughout the world. Actually, I recently hunted a handbag down for a client at an Australian department store and had to enlist the help of a friend living in Australia to ship it to me!

Every client is different and that’s what makes it fun and challenging. I help people, locally and long distance, with a variety of needs from special event styling, vacation outfit planning, to complete wardrobe makeovers. I’ve helped many moms in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills purge their closets and rebuild their wardrobes. Some clients enlist me just to accessorize their outfits. Accessories, especially jewelry (earrings in particular), are my favorite thing to hunt and collect. I am hosting a shopping event in support of Brilliant Detroit at Intermix on October 2nd,. Additional details are posted on my Instagram @pollardstyle. More information about me, my style and my business are also available HERE and I can be reached at [email protected].

 

What are your favorite places to shop in the area?

I have so many favorites! Downtown Birmingham is dear to my heart having grown up shopping there. I have so many vivid memories- like back to school shopping at Jacobson’s, graduation and Y2K dress shopping at Tender, denim and babydoll dress shopping at Caruso Caruso and It’s the Ritz, and robe and pajama shopping at Lori Karbal! Most of these stores still exist and with the same fabulous owners. There are also many new additions like Petite Cabane- a baby and children’s clothing store with the most adorable pieces from around the world. I joke and call Somerset Mall my second home – I am there quite a bit! I am all over the place at the mall, but I especially love Intermix, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Zara.

 

What’s your favorite family activity in Birmingham/Bloomfield Hills?

We have different favorite activities for each season! In the Fall, we love going to the Cider Mill. Franklin Cider Mill is close by, or Cook’s Farm Dairy in Ortonville has milk and donuts, but the real highlight is the tractor ride to a picturesque field to pick pumpkins. At Christmas time, we love going to the Winter Market in Shain Park, and of course, the tree lighting! In the warmer months, a favorite is playing at Booth and Shain Parks and then walking to dinner in town. The Birmingham Fair is also a highlight in the summer. That was one of my favorite family activities growing up, so it’s fun to re-live it with Millie and Teddy.

 

Where are your favorite places to eat with your kids in town?

We love Market, Luxe, Salvatore Scallopini and Brooklyn Pizza.

 

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I ran a marathon! When I lived in New York City, I trained with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. Raising money and dedicating my run to friends that have been affected by leukemia and lymphoma was the most rewarding aspect. Training in Central Park for four months was pretty cool too.

 

What do you love about your job?

My absolute favorite thing is when a client falls in love with a piece I selected and says, “I would have never tried this on.” I think it’s important to break out of your comfort zone at times. Just being out there, connecting with designers and stores, and hunting the latest and greatest is a true labor of love for me.

What do you do to balance work and mommyhood?

One day at a time and with reasonable expectations. With children, anything can happen at any moment and you have to be flexible. We spend so much time planning as moms – play dates, sports, meals, parties. When everything runs smoothly, it’s the best, but when thrown a curve ball, like a random fever, it’s easy to get upset and feel totally exhausted and defeated. I’ve learned to just take things in stride and plan my days as best I can. I try to get ahead on the days when things are running smoothly. Being present at the important times for Millie and Teddy, like after school, mealtime and bedtime is my priority. I have always been a night owl so I am able to work once they are in bed.

 

What is a good “go to” outfit for a busy mom who is running errands and meeting a friend for lunch on the same day? 

 

My go-to outfit is jeans, a t-shirt, flats and studs. It’s a good starting point to accessorize and add layers as needed, especially in Michigan where the seasons like to shake things up! I prefer a tee with some kind of flair, like a ruffle or puffy sleeves. In the transitional months, I love to add on blazers and fun jackets, or a sweater in winter. I also like to accessorize with belts and hair accessories, hair bows in particular. If you know me, you know I have an obsession with bows. The day Millie refused to wear hair bows was devastating!

 

Aside from yourself, who can other moms follow on Instagram to get some style inspiration?

Some of my favorite mom designers are Rebecca Cohen @becknyc and @loveshackfancy, Rachel Zoe @rachelzoe and Kate Hudson @katehudson.

 

Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?

Mother Mary!!!!!!!!! That’s my mom and if you know, you know. She is simply the most amazing woman in the world and my kids and I would not be where we are without her.

 

How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?

The support from family and friends has been incredible, particularly since my business has all been from referrals – I am so grateful!

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