Brad Goreski Styles Bright Spring Basics for Old Navy

Brad Goreski has had a whirlwind couple of years. After leaving his position as Rachel Zoe's assistant, the bespectacled stylist became self-employed and landed his own reality television show on Bravo, It's a Brad, Brad World. Now in its second season, the series follows Goreski as he styles celebrity clients like Jessica Alba, Christina Ricci, and Stacy Keibler, coordinates designer collections, and maintains his relationship with boyfriend Gary Janetti. Yet, he still manages to get a good night's sleep, or so he told us.


We caught up with Goreski at a styling session for Old Navy, which showcased the retailer's latest spring basics.

ELLE: Since you've been followed around by cameras for It's a Brad, Brad World, how has that changed your normal work environment?

Brad Goreski: For me, it doesn't really because the show is so much about me working with my clients. It's actually the easiest thing to do because you have very specific tasks and something to do. I have to, regardless of the cameras, make sure that my clients have the best outfit. I think you'll see in this week's episode, there's a topic of conversation that [Janetti and I] talk about, and I kind of forgot the cameras were there after a while.


ELLE: What's the dynamic been like now that you work for yourself are your own boss?

BG: It's been great. One of the things that I talk about on the show this season is being a boss and what that entails. I also have three assistants now, so that's just a lot of juggling. As my own boss, I have the opportunity to get to work with great brands, like Old Navy, and I get to style some looks together that people can actually buy and afford.


ELLE: Your partnership with Old Navy promotes "upgraded basics." What are five basic pieces every woman should have in her closet?

BG: Well, I think one of the big ones for spring is the eyelet dress. It's $25, and it's a great dress that can take you from desk to dinner. The tissue hoodie is now in a slimmer fit, comes in a variety of colors, and is great for layering. White denim is a big push for this season, as well. I think women are usually a little bit nervous about wearing white denim. There are rules associated, body issues, all of those things, but the great thing is that Old Navy offers them in five different styles. It comes in petite, regular, and tall. They have a two-way stretch in them, as well. A statement accessory is also really important, whether it's a bright colored belt or a tote bag. Obviously, something that's printed, because prints are my favorite trend for spring.


ELLE: What are some ways to make that tricky transition from winter to spring?

BG:It's really about having lightweight layering pieces because we're constantly going from cold to hot, hot to cold. Being able to look cute, at all times, while being able to peel off layers is the most essential thing.


ELLE: If you could style one celebrity, past or present, who would it be?

BG: Marilyn Monroe, for sure. To me, she just is the epitome of glamour, and always has been since I was a kid.


ELLE: What is one trend that you would never recommend to your clients?

BG: Never say never, because I have said that I don't love a strappy shoe and now my clients mostly wear strappy shoes. Jessica [Alba] just wore a cropped sweater. I myself say no to things, and then I wear them. So, I'm now kind of sticking to the rule that there are no rules. Everything eventually comes back. Now, being 35, I see that I did grunge when grunge was grunge, like it come off of Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis.


ELLE: How would you describe your personal style now?

BG: Now, I like to say I'm geek-chic with a little bit of showgirl. [Laughs] I get asked it a lot, and it really does kind of sum it up. Not like Elizabeth Berkley Showgirls, though. I'm more of a Cristal Connors than a Nomi Malone.


ELLE: In the first episode of season two, we see you styling Kate Spade's Spring/Summer 2013 collection, while also going to shoes and looking for pieces for your clients. How do you maintain sanity?

BG: My assistant, Lindsay. I look it at like I'm lucky to get to do the job that I do. I'm really lucky to be able to work in so many different areas of this industry. I also get a lot of sleep and Lindsay takes care of my schedule and makes sure that everything is doable. I love what I do. I work a lot, I work all the time, but I love it. It's fun to be able to participate in so many different ways. I have a little bit of ADD so it keeps me interested.


ELLE: Can you tell us a little bit about what to expect from the rest of the season? Do you have any favorite moments coming up?

BG: Well, this week's episode I love. We're still in New York. I styled Petra Němcová for a couple of events. We have a little bit of a snafu. One of my assistants kind of drops the ball, and I'm not very happy about it. So, there's a little bit of a talking-to happening, a little bit of drama. We go to Dubai this season, which happens near the end of the season, which I'm very excited about. There are more client appearances: Rashida Jones, Coco Rocha, Stacy Keibler. There's tons of fashion, laughs, and some big life changes for me and Gary.

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