Cate Massi lives her life supporting women to feel their best. If you’re confused about what clothes and colors suit you, where to shop for your shape and budget, or you just need a refresh or maybe a total makeover, Cate is your Stylist. Cate was kind enough to take time out of her busy fashionista schedule to talk with me about her career in fashion, her fav places to shop, and her passions outside of fashion! 

Cate Massi Talulah 

Q: How did you get into styling?

A: That's a long story, I moved from Sydney to Brisbane when I had my two sons and stopped work. I didn’t know it at the time but I was suffering from a little postnatal depression. 

I totally lost my mojo, which was the center of the problem, so after 4 years, my hubby suggested I go and get a part-time job. I ended up in fashion retail, talking to women in changing rooms about how they were feeling. Soon, I discovered that so many of us don’t feel confident and don’t know how to fix it. 

I continued to have these conversations and found that many women struggled to feel confident in their own skin. I wanted to help support women to feel their best every day, so I did a Stylists Diploma. My diploma helped me start Individualstyle101 seven years ago. My mantra is helping women to rediscover their mojo again. By Refreshing - Reclaiming - or Reinventing themselves. 

 Q: Where do you draw your inspiration?

 A: There is no one place I draw inspiration. Some of my go-to’s when I’m feeling a bit stuck are European designers, Red Carpet looks, magazines, and sometimes even just spotting one of the school moms. 

 

Q: Top ten items to keep in your wardrobe for styling any Talulah dress this summer?

A: Accessorizing can elevate any outfit- if done right! I loved styling my dresses with glam sunnies, statement earrings, necklace layers, strappy heels, cool sneakers, cross body bags, a sleek clutch, platform sandals, a denim jacket on top, or a neutral colored woven belt! 

 

Q: What’s the secret to taking a cocktail dress from night to day? 

A: By removing the belt, if it has one, and replacing the heels for flats or sneakers.

Then remove the bling for a simple watch and stud earring. Throwing your hair up in a ponytail is a great way to chang-up the look as well. 

 

Q: Best accessories for any Talulah dress? Favorite go-to brands?

A: Tony Bianco Heels, Nike Sneakers, @Adorneme for well-priced bling & @byjimenaalejandra for high-end bling- just a few of my current favs! 

 

Q: What does your social life look like this summer ahead? 

A: Normally it’s Fashion Launches, Melbourne Cup & Store Openings, but it may be a little different this year.

 

Q: Has COVID19 affected the way you dress, style, or do business? 

A: Everything did stop from March to June, but I am very grateful to be back doing what I love. I have signed another 6 months as the Indooroopilly Stylist, as well as helping private clients with their branding and wardrobe audits. I have also worked as a stylist for a radio station billboard and a shoe label’s seasonal campaign. 

 

Q: How do you inspire and empower women on a daily basis?

A: When I’m with clients, I first listen to find out exactly what they need help with, and then I share tips on how to reach their wardrobe goals, step by step.

On my Insta I keep it FUN, REAL & accessible by sharing tips and tricks on “wearing their story” their way. 

 

Q: What are your top five places in Brisbane to spend your time?

A: 

  1. I love to walk between Howardsmith Wharfs & New Farm Park followed by brunch with my girlfriends. 
  2. Dinner at Happy Boy with my family. 
  3. A sneaky overnight at The Calile Hotel.
  4. A shopping spree at James Street. 
  5. Drinks and catch-ups with friends at Fiume at The Fantazzo. 

 

 Q: Anything to add to our Talulah girls?

A: ‘Don’t look at yourself today and think this is who I am FOREVER!” Live, learn, grow, roll with the punches, and keep open to change.