There is not a better person on that PLANET to be featured as Smarty Mom right smack dab in the middle of our Smarty Fall Fashion Giveaway than this lady right here. Kathryn Moczulski, owner of The Empresses’ Old Clothes, is a stylish mompreneur who is taking her love for fashion and making it a career. She is THE person to call if you need a little fashion help – or if you want a little bit of inspiration for an everyday look, a big event, or a trip. 
I recently was lucky enough to have her personal shopping expertise with me at the spring Green Jeans Consignment sale – check out my blog about that one here. She also came by the house this fall for a little closet purging/repurposing, and for some packing help. She basically picked out every single outfit for a girls’ weekend in South Beach – it was AMAZING (the trip and the packing help ;-)). What a treat! And, not only did she give me the best advice on whether to keep/donate/throw away, but she also helped me look at my clothes and accessories in a whole new way. Love that.
Kathryn is so genuine and so helpful. She’s the real deal. Check out her web site for more info on what she can do. I am so excited for you all to get to know her better! Smarties, meet Kathryn!
Smarty Mom Kathryn Moczulski
Smarty Mom Stats:
Married to: Kevin, 10 years
Children: Elaina – age 6 and Jameson – age 2
Hometown: Frederick, MD
Years in Charlotte: 7
‘Hood: Huntersville
Occupation: Wardrobe Consultant
What made you decide to start The Empresses’ Old Clothes? A good friend encouraged me to turn what I loved doing with friends and family into a business. I absolutely love helping my clients clear the clutter and unloved pieces from their wardrobe and find clothes that make them feel great about themselves.
What’s the best part of your job? That “Ahh” moment when a clients understands and loves a certain suggestion I have offered, weather it is tucking in a blouse a certain way or realizing that there is absolutely no way you can “dress up” yoga pants.
What’s the most challenging? There are times when clients have a poor self image. Everyone has certain aspects of their body they want to hide. Some clients have hidden away those features in ill-fitting clothes and think they can not wear certain styles. My job is to push those clients just a bit in order for them to see themselves through my eyes, and the eyes of their husbands. Every single one of my clients has the desire to look and feel beautiful. Sometimes getting there is more of an emotional journey rather than a physical one.
How do you muster the self-control to NOT shop for yourself? This may sound ridiculous but I LOVE shopping for my clients! Even when I am out shopping all by my lonesome, I am thinking of my clients personal shopping lists or I see a piece that makes me think of a certain client. Maybe it is easier to spend other peoples money? My clients get random texts from me with pics, prices and location of those items. Most of the time, they get back to me asap and I am able to put those pieces on hold for them. So really, I am always working. At least that is what I tell my husband.
Most women have some sort of body issue – how do you help women overcome their issues and fall in love with the way they look? Clothing is camouflage. We all aspire to the proportioned hour glass figure. Finding the right visual tricks from necklines to hemlines and explaining those tricks to my clients help them find features that they love about themselves while learning to hid the ones they don’t.
Tell us your best consignment find in the last few years – for yourself or someone else. Ohhh I love consignment!! Recently I scored gorgeous Michael Khors camel colored pumps for $8.50 at Fifi’s in Cornelius!
What do you consider to be staples of a woman’s wardrobe – a few things no woman should be without? GREAT leather shoes, a perfectly fitted pair of jeans and fun accessories. With those pieces alone you can look fabulous (so long as you put a shirt on too)
What are some ways a woman can feel instantly put together – even if it’s just to pick up carpool? I call it my “Plus One Rule.” I ask my clients to get dressed as they normal would (as long as it is NOT yoga pants!) then add at least ONE more accessory. From scarves in the cooler months to fun layering necklaces or bracelets in the hot ones, adding those simple touches will make you feel “dressed.”
Now for some fun stuff to get to know you better…
Favorite thing in your closet? ohhh that is tough cause I LOVE almost everything in my closet… I can narrow it down to my jeans, all 4 pairs that are tailored and fit me like a glove. I kinda miss my jeans in the summer when it is too stinkin’ hot to wear them so I am lovin’ this weather.
Fave consignment store in the Greater Charlotte area? Fifi’s in Cornelius followed by JT Posh in Charlotte and of course Green Jeans bi-annual sales (at both locations!)
Fave store to find clothes for yourself (non-consignment)? Dillard’s, they have GREAT sales
Best place for a date night? Our boat with take out sushi from Peninsula China Bistro
Favorite place to shop for kids’ clothes? My friend’s closets and Dillard’s
Last book read? Written In My Own Hearts Blood by Diana Gabaldon
Guilty pleasure? I would have said shopping a year ago but now that is work, right? Ha! So I have to go with napping.
Thing your children hear most often from you? “Please!” echoing their every.single.command
Best part of being a mom? morning snuggles and random kisses
Smarty Fall Fashion Giveaway 2014
Don’t miss one day of our incredible line up this week – all of our favorite Fall fashions! Here’s what’s happening:
Day 1: Roberta Roller Rabbit by Roberta Freymann. Giveaway deets here.
Day 2: La Senorita Jolie. Giveaway deets here.
Day 3: Gwenyth. Giveaway deets here.
Day 4: Bourbon and Boweties. Giveaway deets here.
Day 5: Sloan Boutique. Giveaway deets here.
Day 6: Jude Connally. Giveaway deets here.
Day 7: Erin McDermott
Day 8: Elizabeth McKay
Stay tuned and don’t miss one single day!!
