Meet Our Stylists - old

As we open our doors beyond Greater Hartford, we look forward to giving each new customer our hallmark personal service. We have a wonderful, experienced, talented staff that’s here to help make your style FLY, Fabulous Like You!

Meet our stylists…

MEET BARBARA

Co-owner and the B in BK&CO, Barbara has worked in retail since she was in high

school and, except for momentarily wanting to be a sports journalist, has never

imagined herself doing anything else. Her thoughts about her 21 years at BK&CO:

“It’s never work – it’s sometimes exhausting but it’s the best job surrounded by my

best friend, the best staff and offering great service to the best customers. Pure joy!”

Favorite Go-To Outfit: Skinny pants, Frye boots, and anything leopard!

Style Advice: Have 3 or 4 outfits hanging in the front of your closet that can go

anywhere depending on accessories and that make you feel fabulous – then on

mornings when you wake up late (like me), you’ll feel pulled together and styled

without having to stress too much. Stress can really kill a great outfit.

MEET KAREN

Co-owner and the K in BK&CO, Karen planned to own a boutique with her best

friend, Barbara, since she was a junior in high school. Karen loves this about the

women’s boutique that is her dream: “I have the opportunity to empower women to

try something new. Most of the time it is a piece of clothing they would have never

tried on. Other times it is opening them up to new possibilities of color. Always, it is

allowing them to feel as great as they look in their new clothing.”

Favorite Fashion Accessory: tri-metal hip belt and the BK&CO signature necklace

worn wrapped twice.

Style Advice: Always put it ALL together. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize,

without overdoing it.

MEET ULLA

Ulla, the “Fashion Guru”, has been imparting her fashion wisdom since BK&CO

opened their doors in 1994. Always 100% polished and put together with a

European flair that is the envy of West Hartford, Ulla usually has the last word on

what’s trending and current. Whether she’s styling a client or dressing the windows,

she never misses the mark for modern sophistication and elegance.

Besides BK&CO: loves to read all the fashion bibles: Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle

–especially in Danish, her native language

Styling Advice: Invest in quality, timeless clothing but don’t forget to interject

some personality with trendier pieces that you love.

MEET DEB

Deb has been a stylist for BK&CO for 6 years and brings a decidedly cosmopolitan

twist to her fashion approach. She takes her inspiration from the windows of 5Th

Avenue in New York City and Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. Having 2 closets, one in

Connecticut and one in Florida, Deb knows how to wardrobe for any season and

how to maximize fashion impact with accessories and go-to pieces.

Current Fashion Obsession: skinny pants from Lissette – they are flattering on so

many shapes

Style Advice: Accessories are essential for every outfit, and make sure you never

leave home without a great handbag.

MEET PAULA

Paula is a classically trained opera singer who loves to travel. Our newest stylist, she

brings an artistic eye to merchandising the selling floor at BK&CO as well as when

she is creating a new look for her clients. Her fashion inspiration comes from the

many cultures and customs she has experienced around the world.

Fashion Legacy: being an original with regards to her style sense; pushing the

envelope when it comes to creativity

Style Advice: Be innovative and change it up!

MEET MAUREEN

Maureen wanted to be a Pan Am stewardess when she was young because she loved their dresses.

She’s a stylist that loves the ideology that “less is more and that equates to a classic look, not a boring one.”

She loves to style her own outfits with a monochromatic base and a pop of color.

Fashion Bucket List: Custom-made Italian suede boots

Style Advice: Go bold on the top or bold on the bottom. Bold from head to toe can be overkill.

MEET IRENA

Irena is our Ukrainian fashionista. She’s been a midwife, kindergarten teacher and a vice principal. She speaks three languages but she’s most passionate about how fashion speaks for her clients. On her fashion bucket list is to step out on the red carpet and take a picture with George Clooney.

Fashion Legacy: I hope that my fashion advice for my clients is truthful and honest.

Style Advice: Remember to think of comfort along with style. Once you’ve found your look, be true to it!

MEET LESLIE

Leslie has spent all of her working life in the fashion business; from growing up in the shoe business in New Jersey, to Fashion Avenue in New York City, and finally to BK&CO in West Hartford Center.

She’s a stylist that loves a little bit of classic mixed with a little bit of edgy.

Favorite Go-to-Outfit: Jeans and a bulky sweater with my L’Artiste red clogs

Style Advice: Only wear what you feel great in. If you don’t like something, don’t let someone talk you into buying it because they like it. It will only sit in your closet!