Transform Your Wardrobe with Cranford’s Top Mom Stylist: Stephanie Mahoney
Meet Stephanie Mahoney of Steph Mahoney Style – a dedicated mom and seasoned personal clothing stylist based in Cranford, NJ. With a background in fashion and a keen understanding of the unique challenges faced by busy moms, Stephanie brings her expertise to the local community, offering personalized styling services that cater to every aspect of a woman’s life.
From closet edits to creating versatile work wardrobes, Stephanie’s approach is all about making fashion practical, stylish, and confidence-boosting. Discover how this Cranford mom is helping women redefine their style one outfit at a time. Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe or need tailored advice for a special occasion, Steph Mahoney Style is your go-to solution for all things fashion in New Jersey!
Tell us about yourself, where you are from, and why you love Cranford!
I am from West Long Branch, NJ. My husband and I met in Hoboken, and when we were looking for cute towns with accessibility to NYC, we landed on Cranford, NJ. We love Living in Cranford for many reasons:
- Small town, charming appeal
- Family-friendly mindset with events and activities
- Amazing downtown – lively, fun, and kid-friendly
- Accessibility to nature with beautiful parks and nature walks
- Proximity to NYC for work/life balance
- The down-to-earth and genuinely nice people
Can you tell us more about your career journey?
I went to the University of Scranton in PA and studied journalism. I loved to write and wanted to be a fashion writer for a magazine. After graduating, I interned at a fashion PR firm in NYC and realized I loved the fashion side just as much as journalism. I took my first job at a swimwear company that sold strictly online. From there, I stayed in fashion, moving on to two different companies until the pandemic in 2020. My 16-year career has involved styling the brands I worked for to sell their products online.
How has being a mom influenced your approach to styling and your understanding of what women, especially moms, need from their wardrobe?
Becoming a mom changed my entire perspective. What I needed in my wardrobe versus what I wanted became very apparent. My body changed, my time to myself changed, and what once looked good on me changed. These changes opened my eyes and allowed me to approach styling differently.
I set out to help women, especially moms, with their wardrobe because I saw firsthand how challenging it was. My fashion career has helped me learn to dress all body types. Being a mom has influenced how I style because I understand the changes in our bodies after having babies and the time constraints we face.
What pivotal moment inspired you to start your own clothing styling company?
I was laid off from my job this past fall, and a good friend convinced me to try Steph Mahoney Style again. The business originally launched in 2019, but it didn’t survive the pandemic. When I relaunched it in 2024, I was a mom of two young kids with a different perspective. Now, I am inspired to help other moms since I understand how overwhelming clothing can be. My original reason was to follow my passion, but it soon became to help others.
Check out some of the many services that Stephanie has to offer:
Closet Edit
Can you describe a typical closet edit session and what clients can expect during those two hours? What do you find most rewarding about helping clients rediscover their wardrobe?
A closet edit is a chance for me and the client to work together to create a functional and wearable wardrobe they will love. This involves going through their current wardrobe, recommending items to get rid of, and determining what they are lacking. Statistically, women wear 20% of their wardrobe while 80% just takes up space. We hold onto things for various reasons, which leads to an overwhelming closet. My goal is to create a wardrobe that is useful and versatile. The most rewarding part is when clients say, “You have completely opened my eyes,” or “You helped me create so many outfits out of things I already owned.”
What are some common items that women hold onto but rarely wear, and how do you help them make decisions about these pieces?
Women often hold onto dresses worn for special events, like engagements, pregnancies, anniversaries, etc. These dresses hold a special place in their heart, but they know they will never wear them again. I advise clients to put these meaningful pieces in storage, so they are not constantly in sight, but still preserved.
How do you help clients identify what their wardrobe is missing and ensure that new additions complement their existing clothing?
I assess their wardrobe from both a trend and functional standpoint. After going through their wardrobe, I can easily see what’s missing or needs to be replaced. My recommendations ensure that new additions seamlessly fit into their existing wardrobe, though clients may sometimes be nervous to step outside their comfort zone.
Work Wardrobe Capsule
Which key elements do you focus on when creating a work wardrobe capsule for busy moms? How do you balance professional needs with comfort and personal style?
During the initial video consultation, I learn about the client’s style, preferred brands, work dress code, and wardrobe needs. My goal is to create a versatile and functional wardrobe that can translate from work to the weekend. Busy moms need a functional wardrobe that doesn’t require much thought in the morning.
Are there versatile pieces you recommend for a work wardrobe that can transition from office meetings to casual work-from-home days?
Blazers, trousers, blouses, and knit tops are versatile pieces. They can be dressed up with heels and a dressy blouse for the office or dressed down with sneakers and a tee for casual days.
Everyday Wardrobe Capsule
What essential items do you believe every mom should have in her everyday wardrobe capsule?
Every mom should have:
- A good pair of jeans.
- Quality everyday tees.
- Black leggings.
- A lounge set.
- A versatile blazer.
- Everyday sneakers.
Most of my clients are moms who need practical, versatile basics in their wardrobe.
Travel Wardrobe Capsule
Steph Mahoney Style also specializes in travel styling, ensuring you are prepared for any adventure with a wardrobe that’s both practical and chic. Whether you’re packing for a beach vacation, a business trip, or a family getaway, Stephanie makes sure your suitcase is packed with essential travel pieces and her efficient packing tips guarantee that you can focus on enjoying your trip worrying about what to wear!
Maternity + Postpartum Wardrobe Capsule
How does Steph Mahoney Style approach styling for maternity and postpartum periods to ensure that the clothing is both comfortable and stylish?
As a mom of two young kids, I understand the body changes during pregnancy and postpartum. I take the video consultation to learn about the client’s body and lifestyle to create a comfortable, stylish, and practical wardrobe.
What key pieces do you recommend for a versatile maternity and postpartum wardrobe?
Key pieces for maternity:
- Maternity leggings (and non-maternity leggings that stretch well).
- Easy dresses that can be layered.
- Oversized button-down shirts.
- Maternity jeans.
- Oversized tees and tanks.
- A versatile cardigan.
Some final insights from Steph…
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Helping women and moms feel good about themselves. Combining my love for fashion with my desire to help people is incredibly rewarding.
What is your number one style tip?
Less is more. A smaller wardrobe with versatile pieces is better than a large wardrobe filled with unworn items. Keep it simple and practical.
Which three clothing items should every woman have in her closet?
- A good pair of jeans that feel amazing.
- A basic black dress for any event.
- A great oversized blazer that can be dressed up or down.
In which stores do you tend to find the best buys?
I love Target for trying new trends without breaking the bank. Old Navy and Gap are great for basics. I tend to spend more on jeans and blazers and less on tees and trendy pieces.
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