Podcast Summary: Let’s Get Dressed with Liv Perez Featuring @StyledSara
Episode Title: @StyledSara on Going From a Buyer at Revolve To Creating a Unique Career in Fashion
Release Date: April 14, 2025
Host: Liv Perez
Guest: Sarah Walker (@StyledSara), Content Creator and Fashion Stylist
1. Introduction to Sarah Walker
Liv Perez opens the episode by introducing Sarah Walker, known on Instagram as @StyledSara, highlighting her journey from interning at Revolve to establishing her unique presence in the fashion industry. Liv emphasizes Sarah's exceptional eye for color and texture, noting, “I love the way she uses color and texture and she just has such an eye for great style” [00:02].
Sarah enthusiastically responds, “Oh, my gosh. I was like, sign me up. I can’t wait to be here” [01:23], expressing her excitement for the conversation.
2. Early Career and Breaking into Fashion
Sarah shares her passion for fashion from a young age, recounting her early experiences in sewing classes and a neighborhood fashion show. She explains how her first job at Nordstrom's flagship store in Seattle, selling special occasion dresses, was pivotal in shaping her customer-centric approach to fashion. “I learned so many valuable things being on the sales floor, but I was good at it and that was fun” [09:32].
Despite not having a family background in fashion, Sarah leveraged her internships and networking to secure a position on the buying team at Revolve. She highlights the importance of proactive outreach, stating, “I am not afraid to cold DM somebody, message them” [15:06], which ultimately led to her role at Revolve [16:27].
3. Balancing a Full-Time Job and Content Creation
While working full-time at Revolve, Sarah began her journey as a content creator. Initially, she kept her social media activities on the back burner, gradually building her Instagram and TikTok presence [18:26]. “It was never the plan to go full-time social media influencer. It always was about having a full job and my content was a creative outlet” [19:43].
Over time, her authentic sharing of daily outfits and insights into her role as a buyer resonated with her audience, allowing her to transition into managing her own content platform full-time [20:12]. She reflects on the challenges and rewards of this transition: “I'm far more fulfilled, and it's been such a rewarding process” [21:26].
4. Style Evolution and Personal Taste
Sarah discusses how her personal style has evolved over the years, becoming more refined and confident. “I have a different style than I did two years ago, than I did four years ago” [26:04], she explains. This continuous refinement reflects her growing self-awareness and confidence in her fashion choices.
Liv relates to this evolution, noting, “Like, I look at my style three years ago, and it feels like a completely different person” [26:46]. Both agree that evolving personal style is a natural progression aligned with life’s changes and experiences.
5. Perspectives on Trends and Styling
The conversation shifts to Sarah’s relationship with fashion trends. Initially, she was more eager to jump on every trend, but now she prefers to incorporate trends that naturally align with her existing wardrobe. “Three years ago, I was a lot more into following trends. Now, it's not that I don't now, but I was a lot more willing to jump on board with any trend that came my way” [27:43].
Liv adds, “I think trends are really helpful if you are trying to find your style. You're someone who is really established… trends opened up a window for me to figure out what I liked and what I didn't like” [28:20]. Together, they emphasize the importance of using trends as tools for personal style expression rather than strict guidelines.
6. Shopping Tips and Favorite Brands
Sarah shares her shopping philosophy, balancing emotional and intentional purchases. She favors unique, funky pieces that resonate with her style and meticulously plans her shopping to avoid clutter. “If I bring something into my closet, I'll take one piece out” [32:26], she advises, ensuring her wardrobe remains curated and purposeful.
When discussing favorite brands, Sarah recommends sorting options to find the best pieces. For instance, on The RealReal, she suggests using the “editor’s picks” filter to discover vintage and unique items: “Editors picks. That's how I search” [34:44]. She praises brands like Dolce Vita and Tony Bianco for their quality and style, highlighting their balance between affordability and luxury-inspired designs [05:39].
7. Capsule Collection Collaboration with Fu Moda
A significant highlight of the episode is Sarah’s collaboration with Fu Moda, where she designed a capsule collection that quickly sold out within two days. “Each piece felt very high quality and elevated and very me” [37:28]. Sarah elaborates on her favorite item from the collection—a white suit set featuring a blazer and shorts that balance style and comfort: “I was like, okay, I don’t want it to also be a micro short… So that is probably my favorite” [37:33].
She reflects on the design process, appreciating the flexibility and support from the Fu Moda team: “They really let me have at it and love that” [38:25]. The collaboration allowed her to apply her buying experience to designing, making informed adjustments for fit and style [38:44].
8. Final Thoughts and Full-Circle Experiences
Wrapping up the conversation, Sarah and Liv acknowledge how Sarah’s diverse experiences—from sales at Nordstrom to influencing and designing—have all contributed to her current success. “All of those experiences will play a role 100% in your career long” [39:43], Sarah concludes, emphasizing the interconnectedness of her journey.
Liv congratulates Sarah on her achievements and encourages listeners to check out her collaboration, highlighting the episode’s concluding remarks: “Everything comes full circle” [39:52], underscoring the holistic nature of Sarah’s career development.
Notable Quotes
- Sarah Walker: “I am not afraid to cold DM somebody, message them” [15:06].
- Liv Perez: “I think to me, sales is about connection” [12:19].
- Sarah Walker: “I just went into that room and was like, these are the pieces I want to see in my closet” [29:06].
- Sarah Walker: “If I bring something into my closet, I'll take one piece out” [32:26].
- Sarah Walker: “All of those experiences will play a role 100% in your career long” [39:43].
Conclusion
This episode of Let’s Get Dressed with Liv Perez offers an inspiring look into Sarah Walker’s journey in the fashion industry. From her beginnings in retail sales to becoming a successful content creator and designer, Sarah provides valuable insights into networking, personal style evolution, and the importance of intentional shopping. Her collaboration with Fu Moda exemplifies how diverse experiences can culminate in unique career achievements. Listeners gain practical tips on breaking into fashion, refining their style, and balancing professional roles with creative pursuits.
For more fashion inspiration and tips, be sure to subscribe to Let’s Get Dressed and follow Sarah Walker on Instagram @StyledSara.
