We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lizzy Averebck a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lizzy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

Growing up, I always had a fixation on fashion. I watched every season of Project Runway with my dad and dreamed of one day joining the fashion industry. However, growing up in a small midwestern town that has a ‘drive your tractor to school day’ does not necessarily set you up to be an ever-successful fashion guru. I went through middle and high school continuing my love for fashion but believing that a career in fashion was not possible and/or attainable. I went on to attend UW- Eau Claire as a psychology major, planning to earn my doctorate. Then Covid hit and I found myself entering what I call my ‘quarter-life crisis’. I remember calling my mom in the middle of the night telling her that I need to follow my dreams and pursue fashion seriously. That next morning I applied to UW-Stout’s fashion program and was accepted shortly after.

I knew I wanted to become a fashion stylist, but I had no idea where to start. I had some work from past photoshoots that I had styled myself for, but I knew I needed to up my game and build a strong portfolio. I began to work with fellow creatives in Eau Claire that were also portfolio-building (Jack Orta, Amaya McCann, Sidney McConkey, Sawyer Brice, and Charlie Flatten to name a few -check out their work). Along the way, I started my freelance styling brand, ‘LA.Styles’ (Lizzy Averbeck Styles), which is now a little over a year old!

Lizzy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

LA.Styles is my personal brand that focuses on wardrobe styling. I specialize in high-fashion editorial work, and I am now dipping my toes into personal styling for musicians (Ber and TYSM!). I pride myself on mixing thrifted clothing with current pieces to create an ever-lasting piece of art. I hand curate all of my vintage pieces and I love to up-cycle them to give the garment another life. My styling work has been published in Photo Vogue/Vogue Italia twice (with my amazing team Grace Theriot, Livia Jae, and Sidney McConkey), amongst many other publications. I also was a featured designer in Minnesota Fashion Week- Into the Studio show. My collection was made of four pieces entirely made of thrifted materials and up-cycled pieces. I also worked with an amazing florist (Jennifer Joyce) who made floral art pieces into my designs. This collection was inspired by the constant horror my generation has grown up on, and how it is up to us to make a change. It was my goal to show that sustainable fashion can be glamorous. Amongst MNFW, I have also styled for Ragstock and Rosedale mall for the Fashion Station show.

I pride myself on creating a safe and loving environment for all of my clients. I pour my heart into my work, and I cannot wait to continue creating.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is being able to call your passion work. I wake up every day grateful that I fully love and enjoy ‘working’. I find myself having to pinch myself because it doesn’t feel real, I truly feel so lucky. Being able to make a vision come to life is the best adrenaline rush you could ever ask for.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Over the last year or so, I have had to go through a lot of self-reflection and discovery to be where I am today. While entering this career I had many outsiders doubting me and telling me that I could not have a career in fashion. One of my fashion professors even went as far as telling me I was not impressive, and boy let me tell you, did that light a fire under my butt.

I have learned to find peace within myself, and how to listen to that little voice inside of me. I realized that I had to stop fearing failure if I ever wanted to succeed. I have always known that the fashion industry was my destiny, I just had to learn to trust my instincts and just go for it. Life is too short not to go after your dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lastyles.biz/
• Instagram: @la.styles._ & @lizzyaverbeck
• Other: tiktok @la.styles._

Image Credits
Vogue (both): Photog: Grace Theriot MUA: Livia Jae Model: Me (in field shoot) Sidney McConkey (2nd Vogue) 2 Males picture: Photog Hollie Photos, models Zachary Durkin and Will Nelson Blue tights pic: photo: One Candid Visuals Model: Nanami