With over 20 years in the fashion industry, Carrie’s career has taken her from fashion school in New York City to global roles in Singapore and Europe, and now to her home base in San Diego. She’s been a buyer, stylist, and consultant, but her true passion is working directly with people, helping them uncover their fashion personality and feel completely confident in their own skin.
“I see fashion as a tool,” Carrie says. “It’s not about having more clothes. It’s about using style to show up as your best self - no matter where life takes you.”
First Things First: How She Transforms Your Style
Carrie’s process starts with what she calls her foundational session.
“We create a Pinterest board to capture your style goals - because usually, your closet doesn’t reflect where you want to go,” she explains. “From there, I add in color analysis and body proportions. It’s not about rules. It’s about clarity. From the very beginning, you’ll know what works and why.”
That clarity is what shifts everything. Shopping becomes less overwhelming. Getting dressed becomes joyful. And confidence turns into an everyday occurrence.
Her Styling Superpower: Color Clarity
In addition to proportion and fit, Carrie has a styling superpower she brings to every client: Color Clarity.
“This isn’t about what you can’t wear,” she explains. “It’s about discovering what lights you up. When you know your best shades, shopping gets easier, getting dressed feels joyful, and confidence becomes second nature.”
And yes - Carrie believes everyone can wear red lipstick: “I just want to help you find your perfect shade.”
Carrie’s favorite “Instant Upgrade” Styling Trick That Works for Every Woman:
“Give yourself a waist,” Carrie advises. “And no, that doesn’t mean just throwing on a belt. It means using balance - like the two-thirds rule - to highlight your shape. A cropped blazer, a higher rise pant, or simply not tugging tops over your hips can instantly transform your proportions.”
This simple shift is often the breakthrough that helps clients see themselves in a whole new way.
Best Advice for Men? It’s Simple - and Powerful
“For men, fit is everything,” she says. “Too many guys hide in oversized clothes. But the right fit? A tailored pant, a shirt that sits exactly where it should, even a perfectly hemmed T-shirt - it makes you look polished, powerful, and confident. Fit is the ultimate power move.”
Whether in the boardroom or on the weekend, Carrie helps men refine their wardrobes so they look sharp, current, and completely confident.
Tailoring. It’s Always Worth It. Here’s Why:
“Tailoring isn’t just for celebrities,” Carrie insists. “It’s for everyone. Even a T-shirt looks elevated when it’s adjusted to your proportions. That’s how you get the effortless look people notice.”
Her clients quickly learn the secret behind “effortless” celebrity style: nothing is off-the-rack. Carrie makes that level of polish accessible for everyday life.
Why Styling Is Never Superficial - it’s Self-Care
As a working mom of a young boy, Carrie understands how hectic life can get—and how important it is to feel confident through it all.
“Fashion is the first step in our daily experience,” she says. “What we put on can change our mood and set the tone for everything that follows that day.”
Her clients often arrive overwhelmed, unsure, or invisible. They leave feeling lighter, confident, and fully themselves.
The Style Philosophy She Lives By
“You gotta have style. It helps you get down the stairs. It helps you get up in the morning. It’s a way of life. Without it, you’re nobody. I’m not talking about lots of clothes.” - Diana Vreeland
For Carrie, this isn’t just a favorite quote, it’s her guiding philosophy. Style isn’t about excess. It’s about presence. About showing up with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.
Ready to work with Carrie?
Whether you’re reinventing your look after a life change, elevating your professional presence, or simply ready to enjoy getting dressed again, Carrie Harkin is the San Diego personal stylist - and part of Glamhive’s premier stylist roster - who will take you there.
