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Laurie Graham talks fashion, Dallas living and Crescendo Gala

As the age-old adage holds, “style is a way to say who you are without having to speak,” television personality and personal stylist Laurie Graham works with individuals to help them express themselves through fashion and live the lives they deserve.
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Laurie Graham is a TV personality and personal stylist. She will serve as emcee at this year’s Plano Symphony Orchestra Crescendo Gala | Image courtesy of Laurie Graham

As the age-old adage holds, “style is a way to say who you are without having to speak,” television personality and personal stylist Laurie Graham works with individuals to help them express themselves through fashion and live the lives they deserve. Trusted by renowned public figures like Denise Richards, as well as the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Graham’s passion for fashion has made an impact in the lives of so many. Having transplanted to Dallas from Los Angeles, Graham hopes to help evoke confidence within her clients by helping them dress, accessorize and take care of themselves mentally and emotionally.

Laurie Graham is a TV personality and personal stylist. She will serve as emcee at this year’s Plano Symphony Orchestra Crescendo Gala | Image credit: Marzia Prince

Tell us a little bit about what you do

“I am a TV Host and Brand Spokesperson, so I travel the country representing companies and products on live television. I have a degree in Broadcast and News from The University of Texas at Austin, but started my career as a Fashion Stylist in Los Angeles.  For the past 15 years, I have updated the wardrobes of hundreds of private clients from New York to LA … I basically get to play “dress up” for a living by helping busy executive men and women project themselves as a leader in their field through a fierce personal and professional image. “

Who are some of the most memorable people you’ve worked with?

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with celebrities like Denise Richards, appear on The Oprah Winfrey Network and even style fashion shows for The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders … but it’s the clients who come to me feeling apologetic about their appearance that make the biggest impression!  One woman had seen me speak at a business luncheon and saved my styling brochure on her vision board until she was one year sober. She called me when she received her 12-month sober chip and told me that I was her reward for changing her life for the better. She felt she had earned the right to look as good as she felt and wanted me to help her create a brand new look. That was the best compliment and I was so honored to help her shine!”

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For a long time, you felt that your soul was telling you to go to Dallas. How has Dallas given you an avenue to fulfill your dreams?

“I lived in Los Angeles for 11 years and I worked 7 days a week to keep up with the client demand.  From the labor-intensive personal shopping, TV show appearances and fashion show styling, I was very blessed to receive so much consistent business and to make a living doing what I loved most.  But I had no personal life. All I did was work non-stop. Nobody wants to go to their grave saying “Yay me … I had more clients than anyone!” One day I had a seed planted in my heart that whispered, “Your husband is in Dallas – you need to move back to Texas!”  I couldn’t shake the feeling, so I packed up my life and headed back home to Dallas. I met my husband, Chris, on match.com – he was my 2nd date.  I hadn’t even unpacked my moving boxes when he picked me up for our 1st date.  That was 5 years ago and now we’ll be celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary in July! You can never go wrong whenever you trust your gut!”

When feeling burnt out, what do you do in terms of self-care?

“I truly believe that a 90-minute massage is more refueling than 8 hours of sleep! A deep tissue massage is so therapeutic for your mind, body and soul.  And when I’m really exhausted, my favorite place to be is at home snuggled up to my husband, watching a Netflix marathon with our two dogs on the couch.”

What’s your go-to accessory?

“I’m a glamour girl at heart, but for weekday casual I can’t live without my wedge sneakers and a great pair of cashmere jogger pants. I’d rather drown than be caught dead wearing flats, so even my sneakers have a wedge heel!”

What does Dallas have that you feel other cities don’t?

“Dallas has the nicest people in the country!  We are a community that is very family oriented and there is a true sense of community here. People go out of their way to help each other and I love how people love ‘big’ in Texas!”

What’s one fashion trend you don’t understand?

“I cannot wait until the high-waisted skinny jeans trend is O-V-E-R. Ugh. The only thing worse is the high-waisted shorts debacle … so unflattering.  You can’t have high-waisted and skinny … pick one or the other, but not both at the same time.”

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Who would you say are some of your style icons?

“Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez and even Kendall Jenner because she has fun taking fashion risks.”

What advice can you give to young women whose ambitions go beyond corporate America?

“Corporate America is an incredible training ground to sharpen your business acumen! But if your pursuits take you on the entrepreneurial path, then surround yourself with successful mentors and never give up on following your passion.  The world needs your gifts!”

What is your role for the Crescendo Gala?

“I am the emcee for the 2019 PSO Gala and I am also in charge of their Table Host Committee.  Another fun assignment that I am loving is taking over their social media posts for the weeks leading up to gala night!  I get to interview so many fun board members, musicians and sponsors, and then post the video content so our audience gets a front row seat to learning more about the incredible people involved in the oldest music organization in Texas!”

Get more Laurie: lauriegrahamstyle.com | Instagram

Plano Symphony Orchestra Crescendo Gala
The Plano Symphony Orchestra Crescendo Gala will be celebrated on March 30 at the Hilton Dallas/ Plano Granite Park Hotel. This black tie event features live music with musicians of the Plano Symphony Orchestra, dinner, dancing and an after party!
Gala tickets are $250, and Encore: Bourbon & Bubbles After Party tickets are $100. To purchase tickets and read more, click here.