Leslie Christen started confusing her family early.
Some days she'd wear mismatched shoes or pants and shirts with clashing patterns. But she was also likely to pick a dress and pair it with a headband and loafers.
"I might not have really understood what styling was, but I knew it was what I wanted to do," she said. "I was a real risk-taker ... discovering who I was through [clothes], and I viewed it as being a artist."
The Laguna Beach resident and veteran fashion stylist flaunts a more classic style now, but she's not above putting together an edgy ensemble as a throwback to her childhood.
Christen, the founder of an independent styling company, Leslie Christen LifeStyling, is also at the helm of an eponymous website where she offers fashion tips and insights on trends and designers. In addition, she works with a lengthy list of clients whose likes and dislikes, lifestyle, body challenges and personal tastes she strives to understand. This works in her favor whether she's building an entire wardrobe, creating an outfit for an event or organizing a closet.