Growing up in a small town in western Kentucky, Carson Love had never heard the term stylist. Fashion weeks, editorial shoots and professional wardrobe curation weren't on her radar, but the connection between clothing and creativity always was. "I innately had a sense that clothes and creativity lived in the same part of my brain," she reflects. "Even though I wasn't exposed to much of a fashion scene growing up, I always knew that personal style goes hand in hand with being authentic."
That belief has since become the foundation of her work as a Nashville-based personal stylist. Love's mission goes far beyond simply pulling outfits; she helps clients rediscover themselves through their wardrobes. And for many, that journey begins during a moment of change. "Often when a client reaches out for the first time, it's because they've just experienced or are facing some sort of shift," Love explains. "It could be a career move, a relocation, pre- or post-pregnancy or a change in their body. No matter the shift, it's often the catalyst that permits them to focus on this aspect of their lives."
These "shifts" act as green lights, allowing people to invest in themselves in ways they've long considered but never pursued. Love sees her role as both stylist and supportive guide, someone who can transform a daunting process into a liberating one.
Her work begins where it matters most: the closet. "When I meet with a client for the first time, I'm typically coming over to their home for an initial closet consultation," she says. "It's a vulnerable experience, and I don't take that lightly. I feel honored that clients welcome me into their lives in this way." Love is quick to set a tone of warmth and nonjudgment. "I've seen it all when it comes to closets—I've literally worn a construction hat during a consult before—so I make it clear this is a judgment-free zone."
The process starts with a thorough edit and inventory check. Here, Love puts on her "detective hat" to spot patterns: what they wear most often, what pieces are gathering dust and what forgotten items might be reimagined in a new way. Love then helps her clients intentionally purchase missing closet essentials, ensuring every addition serves a purpose in their refreshed repertoire.
One of Love's signature tools is the personalized Lookbook. She photographs head-to-toe outfits created from the client's existing wardrobe, making style decisions effortless for daily life or travel. She updates these Lookbooks seasonally, offering fresh combinations that keep clients inspired year-round.
Through it all, Love's ultimate goal is to help each person define their personal aesthetic without being swayed by fleeting trends or social media overload. "I always try to have an unbiased eye," she says. "My goal is for them to create their own influence, and be able to filter all the noise we're inundated with these days."
For Carson Love, styling is less about chasing the latest look and more about uncovering what's already there—authenticity, confidence and the freedom to dress for the life you want to live.
Fall Styling Tips from Carson Love
1. Consider a matching set in lieu of a dress for fall events. I love that you can style the pieces individually (I.e., I could pair this vest with jeans, or the pants with a knit or blouse). It's as effortless as throwing on a dress, but with even more styling possibilities!
2. Find your hero boot or booties. A great pair of elevated booties can somewhat magically replace where you might normally wear a pump or wedge in other seasons. I've had these charcoal snakeskin booties for years, and they add the height and texture that so many looks benefit from.
3. Don't sleep on small accessories. Confession: I don't wear glasses, but I LOVE the look of these vintage-inspired aviators (they're just blue light blockers!). If layering on accessories isn't usually your cup of tea, I encourage you to try adding a small statement to an otherwise simple outfit. Another great example of this for fall is a silk scarf or twilly!
@carsonmlove
"Personal styling is a vulnerable experience, and I don't take that lightly."