With a fierce sense of style and an even fiercer knack for styling others, Chastity Garner is a walking, talking and writing fashionista. Her new book, The Curvy Girl’s Guide To Style, Volume One is the ultimate handbook for Plus size women looking for solid fashion advice that translates to everyday life.
Getting her start as a model, this Barnes & Noble featured author shares her journey in the most honest way. She is an inspiration and after reading this interview you will see why.
Stephanie Penn-Danforth: Congratulations on the release of your new book , The Curvy Girls Guide To Style, Volume 1. Your journey is inspiring. Can you share how you got to this point?
Chastity Garner: You would think that this was a hard process, but since I started modeling in 2005, writing a book in 2010 has been a natural progression. I started modeling, then I would make suggestions on the shoots, which got me interested in styling. I figured out that I liked the clothes and putting them together in creative ways more than I liked the modeling. From that point I said to myself if this is something I want to turn into a profession I have to show people what I can do, so I started doing free shoots to build up my portfolio and to gain the trust of people in my ability as a stylist.
SPD: Once you started styling did you continue to model?
CG: Yes, they didn’t overlap each other for long because in 2008 I injured my knee. When I started taking on paid projects it was after my knee injury in 2008, so as you may catch me in a picture or two after that time…it was more as helping out than me pursuing modeling.
SDP: Oh wow! If you don’t mind sharing, how did you injure your knee?
CG: I actually jumped out of a tree…landed..and my knee gave. I tore my ACL and just had ACL repair surgery in october 2010.I know your next question…why were you in a tree…LOL!
SPD: Exactly, what were you doing in a tree?
CG: I tend to be a little free spirited sometimes…so i saw this tree and it was similar to the Forest Gump tree and I was like “I can climb this” when I started climbing i think told myself, ”I better get down before I hurt myself”, hmmm too late. It was the most embarrassing moment of my life…the ambulance had to come to the park and carry me out on a stretcher…they were laughing at me.
SDP: So you’re a fashionable daredevil! As a stylist, who were some of your first clients?
CG: My very first client was a make-up artist for rapper Shawty Lo. She was invited to the BET Awards in 2008 and would be appearing on the red carpet.
SPD: Styling someone for the BET awards is pretty good for a first client. Who else have you styled?
CG: I have styled Nikki Walker from Nikki Walker PR, she was coordinating a Real Housewives of Atlanta Party w/ Derek Blanks. I actually got to attend that party. I love the real housewives…LOL
SPD: Was that the party they had to reveal their Alter ego photos?
CG: Yep that was the party! Yea…you know I tried to get in the way of the camera…lol…I saw the episode and I didnt see me. Im a little crazy/corny like that sometimes.
SPD: See I watch it too. That’s one of my favorite shows. I love reality TV! Is there anyone else you’ve styled that you want to share. This is your chance to name drop. LOL!
CG: Another project was with Lipstick Magazine I got to style Sarah Flack…she has been on hundreds of campaigns from Torrid, Macys, Forever21 and Rocawear. She’s gorgeous and I loved working with her.
Most of my other clients were just regular working women, from an evangelist to a hipster.
Editor-In-Chief, Stephanie Penn-Danforth -- Daily Venus Diva.
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