Soprano Karolyn Lee seems to channel divas from the past while still embodying a fresh, contemporary style. In addition to her fashion sense, she has a strikingly beautiful voice that flows easily up the scale, is a compelling actress and possesses that certain je ne sais quoi that makes you watch her every move. I recently spoke to Karolyn about her extraordinary ability to always look fashionable.
E: First of all, where did you go to school?
K: I have a Master’s degree in vocal performance/ pedagogy from Ohio University. I also hold a BA in performance from Slippery Rock University of PA. I am currently singing the role of Musetta with Opera Columbus. I also have performed the roles of Fiordiligi, Arminda, Clorinda and Gretel to name a few.
E: How would you describe your style?
K: I would describe myself as always properly dressed for every occasion. I take influences from every time period. I love the Vintage era, classics that never go out of style, and the 80s are always present in my wardrobe. I also favor bold colors, but the key to making any outfit pop is the accessories!!! Overall, I would say my style evolves; I never stay in one place.
E: Where do you find your fantastic finds?
K: Really, I do most of my shopping at Marshall's, TJ Max, NY and Company. I shop discount stores where you find name brands.
E: Amazing. How do you put together such fabulous outfits on a budget?
K: I shop for name brands such as Michael Kors at stores that sell them at half price, such as Marshall's. You need to take time at these places to find the good buys. I also read fashion magazines such as Essence to see looks and then try to duplicate them within my budget. Sometimes I actually take a magazine with me to use as a reference!
E: That’s fantastic. I would love to run into you, magazine-in-hand and looking through the racks. So based on your research, what are the must-haves for fall/winter?
K: Fur, faux or real, either way it makes a statement!
Black pointed shoes
Legwarmers / leggins
Sweater dress with bold colors
Bold conversation piece jewelry
Long accordion pleated black dress
Clover green cocktail dress
Flamboyant flowers for hair decor
E: That’s an amazing list. When you dress for an audition, besides your singing and acting, what is it that you want to tell the audition panel about yourself through your clothes?
K: That I can reinvent myself in many ways. For example, if I'm auditioning for the role of Musetta, I'm not going to wear a simple black dress. I'm going to wear a dress with BOLD color. I'm telling the panel that I'm ready to play the vixen. A vixen does not wear black or gray. In addition, you want to look young and fresh since youth is such a factor in opera these days. I like to do something that makes me stand out like adding a flower for that extra flair!
E: Finally, what three things should ladies know in to enhance their style?
K: Accessories, hair and makeup must be on point!! Your look should complement who you are and what you are singing. Opera is about being a total package so wrap that package up in great things that truly flatter everything about you.
E: Well thanks for giving the operatic ladies out there some shopping tips for how to be stylish on a budget. I don't know if they'll all look as amazing as you, but at least they now have some tools.
Peace,
Eric
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