From fashion stylists to style bloggers to tee designers, Katie Elizabeth Dumestre and Rachel Elizabeth Adams of The Elizabeth Chronicles have done it all. Not only do these two fashionistas share the same birthday, middle name, and knack for style, but they also share the same dreams of making it in the fashion industry. These two New Orleans natives say they’ve got big plans, and they’ve only just begun. Dumestre and Adams have been working together for less than a year, but have already launched two designer tee collections, which are currently sold online atwww.TheElizabethChronicles.com, as well as Angelique Shoe on Magazine St. and Angelique Boutique on Maple St. in New Orleans. The two entrepreneurs said they soon hope to expand their tee business into more local clothing boutiques while still concentrating on their fashion blog and personal style trades.

DIG: You are co-founders of The Elizabeth Chronicles. What would you say is the biggest challenge of running a business with a partner? What are the benefits?

Rachel Elizabeth Adams: We don’t like to focus on the negative. Of course there are times where we have different ideas about things, but we always find a way to work through them. For us, working together provides many benefits. Since there’s two of us, the workload is split up. We both have different responsibilities and hold each other accountable for those tasks. We’re very fortunate to have each other. We like to think that two heads are always better than one.

DIG: I know both of you work as individual fashion stylists. Do you ever style a client or editorial shoot together? How do you two blend your own personal styles together and make it fabulous?

RA: We have styled a few shoots together. Our styles are so different that it works out well. Things that I normally would not put together, she would, and visa versa. We are a fashion yin and yang.

DIG: You both studied fashion merchandising at LSU. How do you think your degrees in fashion have helped you with your business thus far? What advice can you give to aspiring fashion stylists?

Katie Elizabeth Dumestre: My experience at LSU was great. My fashion illustration class with Ms. Welker was where I learned the most. We learned everything, from how to sketch to the correct name of every part of a garment. Aside from that, all of my knowledge that I use has come from my experience in the industry.

RA: To be honest, I don’t think school helped at all. I feel styling and a love for fashion is not something one can be taught in a classroom. I have learned everything I know today from working in this industry, even the business side. My best advice is to get as much experience as possible and always stick to your aspirations.

DIG: Describe your dream fashion editorial shoot. Where is the location and whom would you be styling?

KD: It would have been my dream to assist Grace Coddington on the editorial shoot that took place at Versailles. If you’ve seen the documentary The September Issue, you know what I’m talking about.

RA: My dream editorial would be to style a shoot with Grace Coddington. It would be a mix of Alexander McQueen meets Alice in Wonderland. Very magical, yet wicked.

DIG: As fashion stylists, tee designers, and fashion bloggers, what do you do to stay updated on all of the latest trends?

KD: New York Fashion Week has become a big part of our jobs. We are among the first group of people to see what the big trends are for the next season. That’s pretty cool when you stop and think about it. Aside from that, we like to keep up with a lot of different bloggers with different styles. It’s also very easy to spend a fortune at Barnes & Noble on magazines.

DIG: Have you ever predicted a trend that turned into a flop?

KD: I’m not big on trends. I know that sounds crazy, but if I like something I’ll incorporate it into my wardrobe. Trends will come and go, but classic styles are here to stay.

RA: Not that I can think of.

DIG: What trends, colors, and patterns should we expect to see this spring?

RA: A good pant suit, bubble-gum pink and bright blue, and black and white graphics.

DIG: What is your favorite tee from your most recent collection, and which tee has been your best seller?

KD: My favorite tee is the “Fashion Academy” Henley. I love pairing it with comfy boyfriend jeans, a scarf, and wedges. Our best seller is the “Crescent City” in all of its forms. I think people love it because it’s a fun and girly way to represent your city.

RA: My favorite is the designer “Roll Call” tee. Our best seller by far is the “Crescent City” tee. It is the perfect tee to show your love for the city with a little fashion flair.

Photos by: Kristen Soileau

DIG: What is your step-by-step process for designing a new tee collection?

KD: We like to start with a theme for each collection. From there, we start brainstorming different ideas and choose our favorites. We then have our illustrator, Elizabeth Hardee, put our ideas to paper.

DIG: What is your ultimate goal for The Elizabeth Chronicles, and what are your personal goals as stylists? What have you been doing to achieve these goals?

RA: Styling has always been our first love, but the blog and tee line have somewhat placed that on the back burner. Our goal now is to see the blog evolve into a place where women can go for everything fashion. We cover everything from great fashion advice to the developing southern fashion industry to our own personal styles. We don’t discriminate. If it has to do with fashion, we’re talking about it. We also want to provide a place for women to come and find inspiration for their own wardrobe. We want our readers to be excited about getting dressed and feel confident about their choices. Fashion should be easy and it should be fun! We’re here to show you that.

DIG: Do you plan on ever designing more than tee shirts? Handbags or accessories, maybe?

RA: This is just the beginning for us, and we have some big plans for the future.

DIG: Out of fashion blogging, styling clients, and designing tees, what is your favorite and why?

KD: Designing has always been a dream of mine. When I was in school, I would always find myself sketching instead of paying attention to the teacher. It’s a great feeling to see your ideas become tangible, and even better when people love what you have produced.

RA: My old self would say styling, but I am going to have to say designing tees. Seeing someone wear something you created is the greatest feeling!

DIG: Which stylists do you look to for inspiration?

KD: I don’t really look to other stylists for inspiration. I have an eclectic style, so I can find inspiration from anyone or anything.

RA: I absolutely adore the Man Repeller. She does no wrong.

Man Repeller Photo Credit:  Naomi Shon

Good Morning readers, this is my latest article in Dig magazine on The Elizabeth Chronicles.  In case you didn’t see my last Dig post,  I repost all of my articles that I write for Dig Baton Rouge magazine on my blog every week for all those of you who don’t live in the area, but still wish to read my articles!   Also, you can always go to www.digbatonrouge.com, click on News Mag and search my articles under Entertainment!

Happy Monday!