Caught up with fab Grasie Mercedes, the girlfriend of former MTV VJ and current co-host of “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here,” Damien Fahey.  We love her uber effortless style so much, she had to be featured. I like to say she is her own BEST client. She always looks good! By the way, she is also Damien’s stylist! Enjoy…

Who is she? Grasie Mercedes, Wardrobe Stylist | 31 yrs old | NYC

How did you get started in the fashion industry? About three years ago I got a call from my friend Matthew, the DIrector of Concept & Design at American Eagle; he said “We are doing a photo shoot in LA and I was wondering if you would help me style the models” “Yes, of course, I would love to” was my reply. And that’s where it all began. I had such a blast putting the outfits together and styling the models with accessories and such that I almost felt guilty for getting paid. The spark began.

What is your vision as a wardrobe stylist? As a personal stylist my vision is to empower women to feel beautiful and comfortable with what they are wearing. I like to teach my clients about fashion and what works best for their body types and lifestyles. I don’t want a roster of clients who are constantly depending on me to look their best…instead I want clients who, after a few sessions with me, have the tools to dress themselves like professional stylists. It makes me so happy to see a client put together an outfit without my help and look fierce! That’s when I know I’ve done my job right…when they get it and can eventually do it themselves. Its a very cool thing. All and all I’m not trying to be the next Rachel Zoe, styling celebs for huge events and award shows. Instead I want to be me, a stylist for the people…because EVERY woman deserves to look fabulous

Who/what inspires you? Right now I’m loving everything Alexa Chung is wearing. She does it right. Other celebs I look to for inspiration are Sienna MIller, Rachel Bilson and sometimes Whitney Port.

What do you love about styling? I love surprising clients! I can go into their closets and mix and match pieces they would never think to put together. I show them the power of accessories and it blows their minds. Thinking outside the box and being creative with clothes is what I love best.

How would you describe Grasie’s style? Lazy chic. Haha! I’m thing girl who will wear her skinny dark denim jeans, v-neck grey t-shirt and ballet flats or vintage boots every day of the week if I can! I give it my own personal touch by adding vintage jewelry, a scarf here and there or red lipstick. When I have to “dress up” I have way more fun combining pieces that might not traditionally go together. IE: a vintage rock t-shirt tucked into a high-waist pencil skirt OR floral vintage dress w combat boots and a tuxedo blazer thrown on.

For those that don’t know, you are also a model, actress, VJ and the list goes on! Can you fill our readers in on your other talents/projects? Yes, there was a time when I was a model, actress, host and even a TV producer! But now my focus is solely on acting and styling. Acting is my number one passion but, as most people know, its a tough biz to break into. Lots of actors have “day jobs” they hate and I am very fortunate enough to have one I love (styling)! In the acting world I’ve done a hand full of national commercials, two Indie flicks and a couple of day roles on the soaps All My Children & Guiding Light. I’m working with a manager now that will get me out on auditions for films and pilot season, so we’ll see what the future holds. I’m also currently enrolled in acting and improv classes and love it to death!!! I look forward to the day when my acting career takes off and I can hire myself as my stylist! lol

Do you only style celebrities, or everyone has a shot? Just the opposite. I only have 2 celebrity clients and they’re both guys! (TV Host Damien Fahey & new client actor Josh Pais)…most of my clients are everyday ladies: a lawyer, an Internet wiz, an entrepreneur, a fashion designer and an up and coming actress.

Current/future projects? Styling wise I have an AE shoot coming up in January, two new clients in NY later this month and just worked with the manager of an up and coming Indie rock band from Massachusetts to help pull together the band’s look.

What are your colors this season? I find myself attracted to a lot of earth tones this seasons; cream, gray, black and navy. I had a lot of fun with color and florals over the summer so I think I just need a little change for Fall/Winter.

Client list? You can find here: http://www.grasiemercedes.com/my-clients/

How do our readers contact you? Via my website here: http://www.grasiemercedes.com/ or Twitter http://twitter.com/GrasieMercedes

Thank you, Grasie. Keep up the good work. We are your friends here at Style Pantry, so keep us updated with work and stuff Dear readers, hope you enjoyed reading about this fantastic beauty’s work