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Finding Your Personal Style & Confidence With Dennis Kenney [ARCHIVE]
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Finding your personal style can be hard, especially these days when there are so many trends and styles being introduced every day, so let's talk about how you can find your own unique style!
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Transcript
The Origins of Clarkes
00:00:00
Speaker
Today's episode is presented by Clarkes. Clarkes story began almost 200 years ago when Cyrus and James Clark made a slipper from sheepskin. At the time, it was groundbreaking, a combination of invention and craftsmanship that has remained at the heart of what Clarkes does. From the very beginning, Clarkes has always thought things differently. Brilliant ideas are what makes Clarkes so different.
00:00:24
Speaker
We are teaming up with Clerks and Podgo to bring you 30% of your select items, including on the iconic Clerks dessert boots by going to podgo.co.clerks. That is podgo.co.clerks.
00:00:54
Speaker
Hi
Introducing Dennis Kenny: A Multifaceted Stylist
00:00:55
Speaker
guys, so welcome back to Wild and Basic. So in today's episode, we have a very, very exciting guest. His name is Dennis Kenny. He's an actor, dancer, singer, and a celebrity stylist. So in this episode, we are talking a lot about styling, fashion, trends, and everything like that. And also a little bit about mental health and social media. So it's a very, very thoughtful and insightful episode. So let's get to it.
00:01:23
Speaker
Hi, Dennis. Thank you so much for coming to Wild and Basic. Thank you, Merz. It's so good to be here. The minute you asked me, I'm like, it was a no-brainer. I'm super excited to be here. I'm trying to remember when was the last time I saw you. It was like a century ago. Oh my god, it really does. I think the last time was when we did a photo shoot for my clothing line that you rocked the hell out of it and came in there like total pro, busted out the shoot in less than an hour, and I got to see you.
00:01:52
Speaker
That's it. It's been over a year for sure. I know. Like, I mean, what are those times? Like, I feel like now I'm taking so many things, like I was taking so many things for granted. And I'm just like, I miss any of so many of those. No, it's still true. I mean, just like having gratitude for the freedom that we had and then like,
00:02:12
Speaker
I mean, I know we're gonna be definitely talking about mental health. I think that's just a big thing is trying and it's a struggle for me on a daily basis for the glass half full and say, okay, what do I still have going for me? What am I grateful for? But my goodness, we had a good didn't we?
00:02:29
Speaker
So tell us a little bit about yourself and your career because you are a multi-talented stylist like because I remember I'm trying to remember when was the like first time we had an encounter and I started following you because I think you were like posting on YouTube at first and you had a dance videos and stuff and they were like so crazy good and I remember because like I have a dance background too but like I'm
00:02:53
Speaker
I just like because, you know, when you get busy after college, then you know some things that you used to do. You're kind of like, Wait, I was doing that before. Oh, yeah. Oh, I had that whole part of my life and you know it's like obviously after college. The main thing
Transitioning from Performing to Styling
00:03:08
Speaker
is you got to pay your bills and move forward one day at a time.
00:03:12
Speaker
And I love, I didn't even know that you had a dance background. Yeah. I did ballet and modern. Like it was just, yeah. That's why when I saw your videos, I was like, Oh my God, I missed this. But I'm just like, what was I doing? Well, it's crazy that you're, you're either the dance really drew you in when I started because that was my whole life. I had a whole performing career before anything fashion related happened for me or that I made that choice.
00:03:38
Speaker
And so for me, it was like the natural progression was to incorporate my performing career and then add the layer of fashion on top of it. So occasionally now we'll pop in with, you know, TikTok is so huge now and I'll do a little video here and there, but it definitely was my first love was dancing and performing.
00:03:58
Speaker
Yeah and I've also seen you on TV a lot so can you tell us like what are some of the things that you do on TV that like what are like you're like oh my god this is something I love and that's what just draw me into.
00:04:11
Speaker
Well, it was always a performer. I loved the camera. When I was very little, I would always follow it around. I just chased it. I loved the stage. And I think that's how I was able to achieve a certain level of success and still do moving forward is that I love to perform and put myself out there. So I really had, I'd like to thank the personality part of it down and the branding aspect came pretty naturally as I was used to
00:04:39
Speaker
playing different characters and dressing up. And so it was like a seamless transition for me when social media started to really blow up. And it's just been an evolution that I've been going with the flow. If you had even told me a few years ago, you and I would be sitting chatting about my fashion career on TV, I would have laughed at you. But it was a change I had in my life at some point where I said,
00:05:03
Speaker
I know what I want to achieve, but I have to remove these horse blinders and let myself discover and do things that maybe weren't part of my plan. And that becomes a new plan and a new dream. And that's pretty much what I've epitomized these last few years.
00:05:19
Speaker
Of course, no, I totally get that.
Adapting Styling to the Pandemic Era
00:05:21
Speaker
I feel like so many times like in our lives, like we always think that like, wait, like I never thought in like a million years that I would be where I am today or I would be doing what I would be doing today. Then just, yeah. I thought, okay, this is a certain thing, you know, in movies and as an actor and I trained and I trained for so long and I did some great things I'm proud of, but
00:05:43
Speaker
I was like, oh, let me just give myself a chance to discover new things. And ironically enough, and your question was about TV, it's brought me back and in a new way. And so I do a lot of fashion segments, talking about trends and latest products.
00:06:01
Speaker
that are on air. I also do a little bit of makeovers, which I just get so much joy from. And products, companies will come to me. And if I believe in the product and it's something that really speaks to me, I will go on air and we can talk about it. So that's really been taking off the last couple of years. And it's where I'm focused in mainly in addition to my styling business, which I've been doing a lot of it virtually now, which is interesting, but still getting it done.
00:06:30
Speaker
No, that's good. I have to say even because I have another episode with another two business owners that's coming up in the two weeks or so, they were also talking about like how they have gone so virtual and they essentially transformed their entire business into that. And it's actually thriving way more before like, because it's so accessible. Like you literally don't even have to make like so many arrangements.
00:06:55
Speaker
That's true. I mean, this pandemic, as horrible as it's been, it's also just changed the face of all businesses, fashion in particular. I mean, I'm right in somebody's closet with them digging through. They've got the laptop, they've got the phone, and it's more personal than ever. And like you said, it's easier to schedule. And you have to just kind of roll with
00:07:24
Speaker
looking for love and I will go through her entire wardrobe head to toe, have her try on some items for me, and then I'll put together a fully curated wardrobe of a few items that I want her to purchase. And I send her a full book and we update as she continues to date. So has fashion have been always like your passion or was there like time in your life that you were like, Hey, I kind of like doing this or like, I kind of like putting things together.
The Essence of Fashion: Confidence and Presentation
00:07:54
Speaker
It's fashion has always been a priority from a very young age as to how I presented myself and
00:08:03
Speaker
I remember even at a very, very young age before the school year would start, I would have those first five to seven outfits laid out on the bed. I had it planned. I'm talking seven, eight years old, outfits planned. It had to be brand new. It could never have been worn. I wasn't even coming from a super successful, wealthy background, but I made sure that I had those five or six outfits at the beginning of the year because not only did I care to a certain extent what people thought,
00:08:32
Speaker
I knew that it would make me feel that I was, you know, the best version of myself. And I wanted to walk in that first day of school and feel like a million bucks. So at an early age, I knew that fashion was beyond labels and beyond saying, someone saying you have cool clothes, but it's about how it made me feel. And it gave me confidence. So it's always been a part of my life, although it's been the last several years where I've turned it into a career.
00:08:56
Speaker
No, I totally get that. I have to say that like, because I want us to get into it more, but I feel like before people always thought like fashion was just more about like exaggeration or like about money or class that like, Oh my God, like I wear Balenciaga or wear Gucci like, or like I have this ugly shoes, but it's actually designed that I can be like.
00:09:18
Speaker
Absolutely. The first thing everybody thinks is that it's superficial and shallow. And yes, that exists to a certain extent, but also it can be, it can empower people. And I believe it can be like a protective layer to let you bring out a new part of yourself that you wouldn't naturally do. So I think it has the good and it has the bad as well. Yeah. So what is your advice for someone trying to find or discover their own style?
00:09:46
Speaker
Yeah, I think it's it's definitely not something that happens overnight. I think I always tell my clients, friends, anybody that asked me about this is that it's not about the label, so to speak, or how much money you have in your clothing.
00:10:01
Speaker
Because people get intimidated. It's the first thing I say, I don't have the money to go buy a whole new wardrobe and buy all those fancy items. And I say, just start very, very simple and basic that the clothes that you wear every day you choose to wear are in decent condition. You're paying attention to the wrinkles, the fit. That is so key. If you understand what works for your body and what doesn't, you could give me $300 or $400 and I could
00:10:27
Speaker
get you several great outfits that'll work well for you if the fit is right. So I think paying attention to that is one of the first priorities and then also not being afraid, well not getting stuck in a rut and not being afraid to take some risks and and try something
00:10:44
Speaker
that you wouldn't normally try that's unknown for that yeah so you would recommend for someone that like let's just say they don't have a big budget for you know and it just i feel like most people they don't have a big budget so you would recommend that they just see what's in their wardrobe and they can pick out see what they can match up together is that what we do yeah i would say that i would say go through if you haven't worn an item unless
00:11:11
Speaker
It has some sentimental value where it was given to you by somebody, you know, there's a story behind it. But if you haven't worn that item in 18 months to two years, get rid of it.
00:11:22
Speaker
It's only going to just clog up and distract you from seeing the pieces that actually work. And if you don't want to get rid of it, you say, OK, Dennis, I wish I could just toss my clothes out. Put them aside in a different category, a specialty area. It's really about organizing your closet and your space so you can grab items. Because I have clothes, and I'm sure we all can say this, that we kind of forget about. It's not that you have thousands of pieces. It's just pieces you forget about in your closet.
00:11:50
Speaker
So it's about being aware of your inventory, I think, is a key, because you say, oh my god, this isn't going to sit forever. And it feels new, and it's a new piece to your wardrobe. So I'd say get your wardrobe in order as far as what you have, and then itemize it with your pants, your solids, your neutrals, your patterns, your shirts, just so you make your job a little bit easier. It's like the equivalent of having your desk in order or any part of your life organized.
00:12:17
Speaker
So is that what you would recommend? Like how is your wardrobe is styled? Like that in the way that like, is it just like bunch based on colors? Like mine is like generally is always based on like, oh, it's shorts, like pants or just like socks, like underwear, like the accessories in one section. I mean, I know some people are so into color, so they try to do like organize like a color, which I mean, I would love, but I feel like I don't have that.
00:12:40
Speaker
energy to do everything. You can definitely go over the top of it but like you said from the basic I think seasonally you know you can separate them okay here's my spring and summer wardrobe although with that being said some pieces that you would normally say for a certain season you can incorporate into your winter wardrobe and get some mileage out of it so
00:13:05
Speaker
I would say just to separate them in that way, seasons, your denim can be in one area, your dress slacks, your accessories, as you said, just having it in order because you'd be surprised at so many people that even when they know I'm going to do a Skype meeting with them and they go into the closet and I get it, we're all so busy. But you know what, nobody is too busy to take an hour and a half on a Sunday and put it together. It'll make your life so much easier.
00:13:34
Speaker
Yeah, so there's something you mentioned I really want to ask this I have been wanting to ask this to stylists for such a long time You know, there's always like celebrity pictures like or the paparazzis like that I don't know, especially most celebrities in california Like it would be like they would be wearing like I don't know like shorts or like tank top but they would be wearing like as
00:13:56
Speaker
Like, I mean, like for, I don't know, for like boots, they would wear like uggs in probably 70 degree weather. Is that like seriously a style or just kind of like they were too lazy? Like, is that a thing? Here's the thing. You just mentioned it and that means they did their job with celebrities. It's about being talked about. It's a, it's a carefully curated thing. So even if she's walking out and she's got uggs and it's 90 degrees out, you're like, she's crazy.
00:14:23
Speaker
you're still talking about her. She got the job done. That's a big thing. Any celebrity that's out there and even if they look like they've been caught, it's nine times out of 10 a strategic plan of what they're wearing. Also, with now, with the change pandemic,
00:14:41
Speaker
A lot of casual wear and indoor wear and pajamas and slippers are much more acceptable to wear outside because we want versatility and we want to be comfortable. So that's kind of a trend, if we're chatting a little bit about trends as well, is that indoor wear, that comfort wear can actually be considered stylish outdoors as well.
00:15:00
Speaker
What about nowadays? People are mixing and matching so many things from very old times versus nowadays. But some of them don't go together.
00:15:17
Speaker
But would you say like, it's just kind of like your, because like, I feel like fashion is, some people say fashion is about practicality, but like you wear something based on because it makes sense. Or would you say like, just because it looks nice. So you just have to make sense out of it. Yeah. I mean, I think it's both of those to be, to be honest. And it also is the occasion that you're, you're going to, I think that can usually dictate what you're going to grab. It even took a little bit for me as a professional stylist to start to really experiment
00:15:45
Speaker
with mixing colors that you wouldn't typically put together, patterns that you wouldn't typically put together. Guys, for instance, always freak out when you're putting together a shirt with the pocket square and the tie and you're doing three completely different patterns. There are some rules to that, but I always say
00:16:03
Speaker
go for it. Really, really just take that risk and throw them together. And that is very in and in vogue right now. Before it was a little bit more of the monochromatic, you know, all the same colors, but a different view. And now, like you said, it's experimenting and it's kind of like all bets are off.
00:16:23
Speaker
Because people kind of just don't give up, you know what anymore. And I think that's something that has come from society that has bled into our wardrobes as well. It's like, for me too, I do the same thing. I mean, it's still, I am thinking very clearly about what I'm wearing, but I'll throw a
00:16:40
Speaker
bold pattern. When I was doing a lot of on air work for women on air, I put dresses that you, they would typically say were evening dresses. And I said, 9am, you're going to walk up there and do that report in this look. And it turned heads. It worked and it turned heads. So I say all bets are off. There you get your fashion inspiration from like, was there like any specific place or just kind of like, you know, day in the life and you see something, social media.
Social Media's Influence on Fashion Creativity
00:17:07
Speaker
It's a bunch of things. I think social media, as much as there is a negative side to it, I think you and I can both speak to this, that there is a lot of positivity there and an opportunity to express yourself creatively. And we're all kind of keeping an eye on each other in a very positive way, I'd like to think. So that I keep very much in tune with what
00:17:30
Speaker
other influencers, what the latest fashion houses are putting out there. Of course, those are the obvious things that I do. And then also just streetwear is really important for me. I'm always people watching. That's one reason why I love New York City being here is you really get some inspiration from people just by going out for a little bit and walking down the street. So I pull it from all parts of my life. And I found a time where I just said,
00:17:58
Speaker
I've given myself license to play and to always have fun with what I do. And I like to think that I'm not predictable. I like to remove the predictive aspect to what people wear. This is why I feel like it puts so much pressure on you guys, especially as a stylist, or not even just a stylist, especially celebrity stylist, because you're always like, wait, I need to expect something extraordinary, something so not dumb before.
00:18:27
Speaker
You're absolutely right. There is a level of pressure to it, but I love that pressure. That's the pressure that gets me, gets the adrenaline going and makes me feel alive. But yes, there's also an expectation when you're working with brands that certain things need to get worn, that you need to provide the pictures for them. You also don't know how the audience, now with social media, if the audience doesn't like something, they're going to let you know. Right away. Right away.
00:18:53
Speaker
Twitter, my goodness, people are like, they're not holding back. So all of those things does, but I love that pressure. And you know what, when you get it right and you nail it, that's like why I do it. Now you mentioned Twitter because I remember one time, this was a while ago, I wore like sandals, but like, you know, one of those like sandals, like that had like the back, like you don't take it off. Like it's just, yup.
00:19:17
Speaker
And I wore socks with that, like long socks. No, I swear all the comments on my Instagram was like, who does that? This is so ugly. Like, why are you doing this? Like, do you ever watch what you're wearing? I remember. And the thing is, it wasn't even something I did on purpose. It was just more like, it was kind of cold and I also didn't feel like wearing regular shoes.
00:19:41
Speaker
like those shoes. Good for you. And that's, that's how it goes when you put yourself out there and, and with social media, people are going to let you know how they feel. So it's not for the faint of heart for sure. Yeah. So that's why I wanted to ask you this question. So do you ever feel like insecure about your office some days as a stylist?
00:20:04
Speaker
I feel less and less. And that is definitely not something that happened overnight. So I'm not going to give you the impression that I don't have insecurities that I don't have. I mean, I am very human. And there are moments where I question myself in all areas of my life. But I would say consistently, I feel I make the right choice with what I wear. I definitely put a fair amount of thought behind it.
00:20:31
Speaker
It also at the end of the day, it is just fashion. You know, it's, I mean, it's so subjective too. Like it's so subjective. Like it could be good thing to someone. It could be horrible thing to someone else. It is, I mean, for me, it really gets important when I work with people that are wanting to manifest a better part of their career. They want to move up in the ladder or if they want to fall in love. That's also the stuff that really gets me going because I do believe that simple choices that you make
00:21:18
Speaker
That could be enough to put your own favor. So that's why I want to still also talk about, because since I think because of pandemic, there's so many things has been shifting, but especially for fashion industry, there's so many people. I mean, I feel like I was concerned about this before, but now everyone is talking about more. What do you think about the sustainability factor in terms of fashion? Mainly because I know so many companies,
00:21:24
Speaker
in your favor when it comes to that.
00:21:45
Speaker
I mean, they all have like recycling program. Well, they're starting it, but there's also these big companies and they have like so much money like Shein, Zoffel, ASOS, like this is fast fashion. And what do you think about them? Like what is your perspective on those?
00:22:01
Speaker
long overdue. People are now being held responsible for the choices that they make, where the clothes are being made overseas, the labor involved, and the conditions. I mean it's appalling. I say take even a little bit of time and just do some basic googling about what's happening over there and it really is horrific. But also on the flip side I realized that these are people
00:22:24
Speaker
When I started doing my own fashion line and my own clothes, this is difficult and it's not cheap. I mean, it's not cheap at all.
00:22:33
Speaker
So it's about holding people accountable. So I'm all for it. You know, we've been so distracted with not to get into a huge political conversation, but that's really dominated the headlines. And so I think it's let a bunch of these businesses off the hook with how clothing is made. And now that it's slight starting to settle down, we're really beginning to hold them accountable. So I think it's great. I also
00:22:57
Speaker
don't expect everybody to be perfect right away, but to have at least a long-term plan on how to make more sustainable clothes and also the labor involved. So I think it's going in the right direction, but clearly there's still a long ways to go.
00:23:14
Speaker
What do you think about like thrifting in terms of
The Value of Thrifting and Vintage Fashion
00:23:18
Speaker
that? Because you know, I feel like a lot of people nowadays, I mean, I feel like it used to be, maybe you would ask someone like maybe three, four years ago, you'd be like, you will wear secondhand clothes. No one would be like, no, no.
00:23:29
Speaker
I feel like that's what would be like, you know, like, but nowadays is like, people literally sell so much money on Depop or like other websites. Like, and the things it's almost like, I mean, they have their own business too. It's kind of like flipping. But at the same time, some of them is like pretty good stuff. Like you would literally find like some really decent stuff.
00:23:48
Speaker
Oh, heck yeah, and I am all for it. I think the word thrift, like you said, it has such a negative connotation. People think, oh my God, you know. But these are vintage pieces in many cases that have not been worn quite a bit. I have stuff in my closet that are barely worn. And like I said, if you go through that inventory and you're like, okay, this isn't, I'm not gonna wear this. And people can really find a great deal. So I'm all for it. Again, it's something, in my opinion,
00:24:19
Speaker
And just my opinion alone looks like it's been washed 1000 times. Let's not wear it. It's just that's me. I it's like a thing. So it just depends on the piece, but I love that vintage and drift. I'm all for also just throw it in sample sales.
00:24:40
Speaker
that I worked as a creative director of a big sample sales company. And that is where you can access also amazing pieces that have never been worn that sometimes a fashion house just needs to simply get rid of their extra inventory to make way for the next season. And you could be rocking around and two seasons ago Prada that's brand new and never worn. So all for sample sales as well.
00:25:04
Speaker
No, for sure. There is also something like, because I feel like before, like I really liked so much about like what products like ASOS had because it was always so trendy. And I think one thing, not even about just trendy, but it was like their turnaround was so fast. Literally like you would look one week this clothing and next week they will have some other stuff.
00:25:25
Speaker
And not only just one, it would be like 20, 100 styles. You're like, okay, there's so much to choose from versus like, when you go on a designer place, like you would find something for that season. And that's literally that season. Like there wouldn't be anything else until next season. I absolutely, no, I agree. There are major, major opportunities to score.
00:25:49
Speaker
such a massive amount of inventory they better get it out. Also some of the fashion analysis they will have samples for the models with the runway shows and it's a one-of-a-kind piece and they have no need for it after the show is done so people are actually scoring one-of-a-kind pieces.
00:26:05
Speaker
Yeah. So I generally, because I feel like nowadays more and more, I try to like, because I feel like I don't want to clutter my closet more. It was just like fast fashion stuff. Because I know sometimes like, at least this is what I did in the past. Like I would get stuff from ASOS and I would only wait maybe once or twice. Then I wouldn't wear it again because I remember I bought it for a certain occasion or something. Yes.
00:26:27
Speaker
but then I realized like what I'm going to do with that clothes. But I feel like there's so many clothes I actually paid for and it was very expensive for a designer. And I have worn it so many times. And I remember I will still wear it because how comfortable and how quality it is. I mean, not to, I'm trying to say also like people just spend $500,000 on clothes, but I feel like sometimes you get what you pay for. Like it lasts for like centuries, like it lasts forever.
00:26:55
Speaker
You are not kidding. I have a few pieces that are years old. They still wear as though they're brand new and that's when you're making a financial decision. Like you said, yeah, you know, I close like and I'm a big advocate for your nation and
00:27:10
Speaker
for a Zara, for quick pieces. But again, I'm not about the whole head to toe being Zara, the whole head to toe being H&M, but mixing and matching, perhaps a piece, like you said, that you spent some real good money for that's lasted and mixed it in with that to finish your outfit. And I think you can get a really great cohesive, fun look out of it. So
00:27:29
Speaker
you get what you pay for is right. Yeah, for sure. Because I feel like it really depends on the company for sure. Because as now, even we both know, like as we have done clothing before, like we know how much it actually costs to make it and how much, because one thing I know with this ASOS and other companies, even Zara, I know for sure that because they own their own chain, like they pretty much own entire chain of business. So that's why the air turnaround is so fast.
00:27:59
Speaker
But there are so many businesses, they go third party and everything, which is why they cost more money and they take more longer time. But the quality tends to be so much better than before or any other places. So that's why I feel like sometimes you have to think about the price you're paying for. You don't just pay for the material.
00:28:18
Speaker
manufacturer. There's people shipping. There's people making it. There's, I feel like that's what I even sometimes I think about it too. I'm just like, that's $500 sweater. It's not just a sweaters price because sometimes people are just like, Oh, I'm not going to pay $500 for a sweater. But I'm like, do you even think about how much effort that has gone into it? You aren't kidding. You're paying for the craftsmanship. That's a big part of it. The hour spent to your point of what you said. I also encourage if you're going to spend
00:28:46
Speaker
you know, something that maybe feels a little bit outside of your budget is just to make sure it's not a piece that is a crazy trendy of the moment. I mean, if you have the money to do it, do it, but I'd rather put my money into a coat that would last me several seasons that is not going to just be phased out by a flash in the pan moment on like the hottest trend list for 2021.
00:29:07
Speaker
Yeah. So that's why the question I want to ask is like, you know, I feel like there's so much always pressure, uh, especially because of social media nowadays, you know, you see someone else is wearing this or like someone else is going this, or you're seeing like, Oh, something is trending or whatever. You're like, Oh, I kind of want to get this because it says Balenciaga or it says this. It's so, you know, like it's so trendy. I want to be that trendy, but I feel like then you don't even realize like how ugly that thing is or not even just ugly, but like,
00:29:34
Speaker
You're literally like a walking billboard for that brand, which is I guess good thing. I mean, do you, you know, but I feel like sometimes you also have to think about like, is this something I even like or is this something I like? What are some of your advice that you can tell someone like so they don't because I feel like style is so subjective, but I also want you to just tell them some advice that like you wouldn't make them.
00:29:56
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, it's very, very tricky. It's, you know, we think that the more labeled pieces that we have that it's somehow translates to our self worth or that we've made it to a certain point in our life. But I also don't want to completely delegitimize the fact that if you work your butt off and you want a great Chanel bag.
00:30:15
Speaker
then go out there and have it and rock it. Rock the heck out of it because it's an accomplishment. I will say, not to sound super snobby, stay away from any of the faux crap, any of the fake stuff. I live close to Canal Street. I'm down in Tribeca. I see it every day. You know, that, if you're doing that to have society look at you in a different way,
00:30:34
Speaker
I'd rather you, in your price point, get a great fitted looking outfit that's gonna, you're just gonna rock the heck out of that. And as opposed to thinking a piece is gonna define your self worth. So again, everything in moderation. Also, if you have that money and a piece speaks to you, if it's like, oh my God, I'm impressed with this, these pants, I want these, I have the money for it, then go for it. If you're like, okay, I'm gonna be head to toe and all this and let everybody know that I've done it,
00:31:02
Speaker
Okay, it's coming from a little bit of an inauthentic or pompous place. So the goal, and even talking about mental health and talking about everything, and it's a challenge for me on a day-to-day basis, is finding the middle ground.
00:31:14
Speaker
You know, just, just, just, okay, I can have a piece that's really great, but it doesn't define me if my whole wardrobe is, you know, expensive over the top designers. For sure. And that doesn't also just apply to fashion. It applies to so many things. It's like, when you see someone else is getting a car or getting, I don't know, house or getting something, you're like, Oh, I need to do this. Or I need to do that. But like, then you realize like, everyone is in their own lane and no one is in your lane.
00:31:42
Speaker
You are seriously speaking the truth on it and it's something that I go back and forth with every day about my responsibility to have even you know an audience of whatever I have that it's like I you know we show and I'll speak for myself or you know people show the highlight reel and that's why I love that
00:32:00
Speaker
you decide to tackle a topic like mental health today and we chat about that as well because it's important for us to show the unglamorous moments and the tougher parts of our lives. So people that are scrolling through are just like, oh my God, I'm just a big piece of crap because I don't have any of these things. Also, I could speak to with influencers and people of note online,
00:32:27
Speaker
You know, people are borrowing. I mean, there's been even studies about influencers that say they're in a country and they're not even there. I've never done that, but it's like you have to realize you're getting a very manufactured piece, a snapshot that is not always based in reality. I've even known the people that have posted on Facebook or posted on Instagram and they've actually posted, they've been in the mental hospital.
00:32:53
Speaker
I mean, I know somebody who was literally on their phones like, oh my God, I put a picture of themselves amazing and they're checked in somewhere. And thank God they are and no shame. But if I was a person just scrolling through and I saw that, I'd feel horrible about myself. So you just don't know. And I know I'm going off on that because I just feel passionately about that. Take it for what it is when you decide to log in.
00:33:17
Speaker
No, I'm so glad you mentioned that, especially because this is why like I start, I have been starting to even like try to put my phone away for so long time to just like, first, I mean, focus on work because like there's so much work to do, but also because like, I feel like more you spend time on things because I feel like our job is literally on social media. That's one point, but I feel like sometimes also because it's almost like going down in this rabbit hole and you're just like seeing other things. Although you know that it's not real, but sometimes,
00:33:46
Speaker
It's just gets to you. And I'm so glad also you mentioned because I know a few people, I don't want to say names or anything, but I know for sure that like, it's like, there's so many things. That's a lie. They don't even, because I know, and this thing is for me, it's like, I wouldn't even want to fake that I have a house or I have this. Uh, if it is someone else's house, I mean, maybe I will post on my stories, but I'm not going to say like, Oh, it's my house or like, or I would post the picture. So people think that it's my house.
00:34:13
Speaker
I just feel like that's just so, I mean, I don't want to say anything bad meaning, but I feel like it's just, first of all, it's not even good for your audience. Literally 90% of the time I didn't even post captions on my Instagram. I make fun of myself because I'm just like, so don't take your life seriously. That's what I tried to tell my people. You do. I love that you do that though. I mean, when I first even started connecting with you online, you always do it with a very like tongue in cheek and you always in on the joke.
00:34:41
Speaker
and you don't take yourself too seriously and and that's one of the things I really love about what you're doing so it's we need people like you but also you still have your fierce moments and that's also with everything that we just said if you're going to put yourself out there and this is
00:34:58
Speaker
helping you build some confidence in life. And it's not my responsibility for how you feel by seeing me feeling good about myself. So again, that middle ground, it's like, make sure it's authentic, find moments to let in that things aren't perfect. But you know what, if you want to go out and put out your great looks every day and feel good and inspire somebody, then do it.
00:35:21
Speaker
So there is something also a lot of people struggle about since we are comparing that to you is like, how do you kind of find confidence when it comes to, because, you know, there's so many trends going on and not every trend kind of matches everyone.
00:35:36
Speaker
one because everyone has different body type and everything. And there's so many people actually get self-conscious with themselves. They're like, Oh, I can't rock that. Or I can't do that. Like, what would you recommend that? Like, because I feel like for me at least, I know that like, I don't try to follow every trend because I know, first of all, I don't even know if I like it or for me, like, I mean, it's cool, but like, I don't know if I will do it. Uh, what would, what would you recommend? Yeah, it's, it's, it's tough. I mean, I guess,
00:36:03
Speaker
The first thing is, does it speak to you? I think that we should all have responsibility to keep up to a certain extent of what's happening. And so it's like, you know, keep, you know, a little of what's going on politically, know what's going on in each part of the world in fashion. It's a part of it and to know what's going on. So if something speaks to you and it's super trendy and fun, then by all means do it. But again, I go back to what are good fits for your body to
00:36:33
Speaker
for your height or your weight or what you want. I also talk about, let's talk, where do you see yourself in a couple of years? What's a dream case scenario? What's your love like? And that should dictate rather than just the trend of the moment of what decisions you make.
00:36:53
Speaker
with your, with your clothes. Yeah. And one thing I also want to say, I'm sure you would agree with this too, is like trends always come and go. They never just stay. I feel like, what was it? I feel like, you know, like tie dye was always a thing. Like it was always a thing, but because of pandemic, then it just became like, Oh, everyone is doing tie dye. Tie dye is everywhere. But I'm just like, it was always there. Like people acted like it just didn't exist before. I'm like, no, it was there. It was just became trendy then.
00:37:21
Speaker
Friends come and go, like you said, and then they always come back. Yeah, you look back to the 70s for coming back and then the 80s. I think the 80s have been coming back for a long time now. I used to actually look at the 80s and be like, oh, and now I see it in a totally different light. I've allowed myself to grow and have a different approach to it.
00:37:44
Speaker
So I agree. Yeah. So since we are talking about the trends, what trends do you think are coming back in 2021?
00:37:52
Speaker
Uh, well, like I said, I think the big one is casual clothes, pajama wear, uh, slippers that have some structure rubberized slippers. So you can be a mom on the go or, you know, if you're running, you're doing your podcast and you're comfy right now and then you got to run out to the corner store clothes that have a multifunctional indoor and outdoor casual is a big, uh, big thing, but casual chic. Um, I think also particularly with women, but I, you know,
00:38:22
Speaker
to each his own, but rhinestones, bedazzled, that's been something that's really been coming back now. I just did a feature on even, you're accessorizing your water bottle with rhinestones. Go to Amazon and get one, they're amazing, guys and girls. But it's basically saying that your accessories, your functional accessories can be trendy and can be fashion statements as well. Your cross-body strap, if you have for your phone, that can be an opportunity for a fashion moment. Or even your grocery bags.
00:38:52
Speaker
So we don't want to, you know, buy them all the time and it's bad for the environment, so a reusable one, but that has some fun elements to it in colors and style. So it's accessories as a fashion piece, rhinestones, comfortable wear is a huge thing. Oversized I think is still very big right now.
00:39:13
Speaker
So those are a few that come to mind. Yeah. What about like, what do you expect that that's going to happen going forward in fashion industry?
The Digital Shift in Fashion Industry
00:39:22
Speaker
Any predictions that you can, or anything that you would know, or you know, that you can say? Yeah. I think it's going to continue in this vein for comfort wear being, you know, I don't see as much of a need for, for the dapper.
00:39:39
Speaker
I think that that will have a moment to come back, but I don't see it in the foreseeable future. I think that's going to be a big thing. I think the power of bright and bold colors as a means to not only make a powerful impression, but also to improve your mood, the power of strong colors, I think that that's going to continue. I think even just the way we get
00:40:02
Speaker
even just from a standpoint of fashion shows, it's completely changed now. Everything is digital, it's virtual. So in many ways, you're getting it. Usually we'd have to wait for Paris to kind of dictate and Europe to dictate, but now everybody's extra plugged in. So it's a wild ride now, but it's definitely changing.
00:40:24
Speaker
Yeah, so would you say that like because I feel like like before like just shopping in store was like I mean it's a thing but like nowadays even so many stores are closing I remember even like H&M closed so many stores like there's a bunch of other ones like that's closed so do you think that like it's actually going to go like just be just completely online or just like there is a chance that like it's going to be some stores or just retailers not even designer
00:40:50
Speaker
Well, I think that's why a lot of businesses are worried that brick and mortar businesses are very nervous because, you know, right now people aren't going out and buying is still going to continue to trend digitally. But there still is something to be said about particularly when people are vaccinated and get a little bit more comfortable and get it together.
00:41:10
Speaker
of going out meeting a friend for lunch and going out and trying on some clothes together. I think that that will be an art that we will rediscover. We're just not there right now. So I am pretty confident that it'll never just die down.
00:41:23
Speaker
However, the business now and with Amazon pretty much ruling the world. I mean, it's crazy easy to return something now. It's like free shipping. Like it comes from like two days. Like, and I feel like that's why sometimes like when I order somewhere else, I'm just like, why is it taking so long? And it hasn't even been long. You're right. I mean, we're totally spoiled now. So it's just, it's changed, but there's something about going into a store and doing that. It'll come back. I'm sure of it.
00:41:50
Speaker
Yeah. So, um, what are some of the projects that if you're working on anything that you can say, uh, that you want to talk about? Yeah. Well, I just did a couple segments for a daytime TV show or national show. I've been working with them regularly on highlighting. We just did the, some of the big trends in accessories I was just talking about for 2021. So working with them periodically,
00:42:15
Speaker
doing a lot of at home styling right now for people that are looking for love is something I've really focused in on. And I'm very blessed to use that word as much. I feel like it's overused, but it's not lost on me that people are still knocking on my door, so to speak. But really digging in on that, that's been a wonderful thing. I'm also teaching and I have,
00:42:42
Speaker
in the process of creating an entrepreneurship course for L.I.M. College, which they're one of the oldest colleges in the country for a fashion merchandising degree. So creating the course from scratch for next year for the students. So that's amazing. Yeah, I know that is amazing.
00:43:01
Speaker
I'm really excited about it. No, that sounds great. So where can people find you? So I will also put them down in the episode notes so they can follow you. Well, on Instagram, on Twitter, and on Facebook, it's style with den. And you can just put in Dennis Kenny on Instagram and Twitter and it'll come up. So Dennis Kenny with style with den. And like I said, whether it be making you over for a
00:43:26
Speaker
period in your life that you want to conquer and feel better about. To even just following me, I put up my outfits. I like to have some fun with it. I also love skincare and grooming.
Fashion and Grooming: A Complete Presentation
00:43:36
Speaker
It's become a real passion for me, and I'm proud of it. And I'd like to say that I know what I'm talking about. So coming in for some cool, just even affordable skincare products, come and check me out because I love that.
00:43:48
Speaker
Yeah, I would definitely say like fashion and grooming and like skincare, they always come in together. It's like, you don't want to look like rusty in a cute outfit. It's the full package. I am a big component. It is the head to toe. Every detail will help bring good things to you. Yes, for sure. Thank you so much for coming to the podcast.