With an eye for timeless elegance and a talent for making style feel both approachable and elevated, Kara Sue Ackerman has built a career that bridges fashion, creativity, and connection. As the founder of SecretsNStyle, and with a background as a jewelry designer, Kara now inspires women worldwide to embrace confidence through personal style. Splitting her time between Palm Beach, New York City, and East Hampton, she curates a world of effortless glamour, relaxed refinement, and electric energy, always with her signature “classic with a twist” touch.
What is your favorite quote or life motto?
“Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.” – Audrey Hepburn
Tell us a bit about you.
I’m a content creator, personal stylist, and former jewelry designer who spent over two decades building my brand. Today, through SecretsNStyle, I inspire women to elevate their everyday wardrobes by blending approachable elegance with a touch of luxury. I split my time between Palm Beach, New York City, and East Hampton, curating content that resonates with a community of women who love thoughtful, polished style.
What is one fact that most would not know about you?
I designed jewelry for more than 20 years before focusing full-time on content creation. My collections were even carried by Fred Segal in Los Angeles, which was a pinch-me moment in my career.
You split time between Palm Beach, NYC, and East Hampton. How would you describe each place using one to two words?
Palm Beach: Effortless Glamour
NYC: Electric Energy
East Hampton: Relaxed Refinement
How did you get started as a content creator?
It began organically because friends and clients often asked me for styling tips and recommendations. I started sharing outfit inspiration on Instagram, and SecretsNStyle grew into a space where women could discover brands, learn styling ideas, and feel inspired to express their own personal style.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love connecting with women all over the world. Whether it’s helping someone find the perfect piece for a special occasion or introducing them to a female-founded brand, nothing makes me happier than seeing someone feel confident in what they wear.
When did your love for fashion begin? Have you always had great style?
My love for fashion began with my mother. She was incredibly elegant and reinvented herself through style despite a difficult childhood. She studied interior design, loved color, fabric, and jewelry, and was inspired by icons like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Givenchy, and Chanel.
Have I always had great style? I’ve always tried to make things my own. In boarding school, I’d dress up my plain uniform with ribbons and bows. I think I was born in the wrong era—I’d happily wear a ball gown to eat pizza at home.
Speaking of your style, how has it evolved over the years?
I’ve learned to invest in quality over quantity. My style has become more refined and edited, with a focus on timeless pieces mixed with a hint of something unexpected.
How would you describe your personal style?
Classic with a twist. I love clean lines and tailored silhouettes but always add something distinctive, whether it’s a statement accessory or a pop of color.
What’s your go-to outfit when you’re pressed for time?
A crisp white button-down, high-waisted jeans, and chic flats. I’ll add layered jewelry and a great bag, and I’m ready in minutes.
What’s your fashion or beauty indulgence?
Handbags, without question. I have a collection of vintage Chanel and Hermès, and I’m always on the hunt for unique pieces from smaller European brands at more accessible price points.
Favorite shoe style/shoe brand (have to ask!)?
A classic Chanel slingback or an Hermès sandal. Both are timeless and elevate any outfit.
Who’s your celebrity style crush?
Julianne Moore—her style is understated, sophisticated, and always effortlessly chic.
Which cocktail best describes your personality?
A French 75—classic and refined but with a little sparkle.
Favorite travel destination(s) and what’s on your travel bucket list?
Paris will always have my heart. Next on my bucket list: exploring the Greek Islands.
If you could have dinner with any three guests, who would they be?
Coco Chanel, Diana Vreeland, and Audrey Hepburn—three extraordinary women who shaped the way we see style, individuality, and beauty.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: @secretsnstyle
Facebook: SecretsNStyle
TikTok: SecretsNStyle
Classic with a Twist: Kara Sue Ackerman’s World of Style
With an eye for timeless elegance and a talent for making style feel both approachable and elevated, Kara Sue Ackerman has built a career that bridges fashion, creativity, and connection. As the founder of SecretsNStyle, and with a background as a jewelry designer, Kara now inspires women worldwide to embrace confidence through personal style. Splitting her time between Palm Beach, New York City, and East Hampton, she curates a world of effortless glamour, relaxed refinement, and electric energy, always with her signature “classic with a twist” touch.
What is your favorite quote or life motto?
“Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.” – Audrey Hepburn
Tell us a bit about you.
I’m a content creator, personal stylist, and former jewelry designer who spent over two decades building my brand. Today, through SecretsNStyle, I inspire women to elevate their everyday wardrobes by blending approachable elegance with a touch of luxury. I split my time between Palm Beach, New York City, and East Hampton, curating content that resonates with a community of women who love thoughtful, polished style.
What is one fact that most would not know about you?
I designed jewelry for more than 20 years before focusing full-time on content creation. My collections were even carried by Fred Segal in Los Angeles, which was a pinch-me moment in my career.
You split time between Palm Beach, NYC, and East Hampton. How would you describe each place using one to two words?
Palm Beach: Effortless Glamour
NYC: Electric Energy
East Hampton: Relaxed Refinement
How did you get started as a content creator?
It began organically because friends and clients often asked me for styling tips and recommendations. I started sharing outfit inspiration on Instagram, and SecretsNStyle grew into a space where women could discover brands, learn styling ideas, and feel inspired to express their own personal style.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love connecting with women all over the world. Whether it’s helping someone find the perfect piece for a special occasion or introducing them to a female-founded brand, nothing makes me happier than seeing someone feel confident in what they wear.
When did your love for fashion begin? Have you always had great style?
My love for fashion began with my mother. She was incredibly elegant and reinvented herself through style despite a difficult childhood. She studied interior design, loved color, fabric, and jewelry, and was inspired by icons like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Givenchy, and Chanel.
Have I always had great style? I’ve always tried to make things my own. In boarding school, I’d dress up my plain uniform with ribbons and bows. I think I was born in the wrong era—I’d happily wear a ball gown to eat pizza at home.
Speaking of your style, how has it evolved over the years?
I’ve learned to invest in quality over quantity. My style has become more refined and edited, with a focus on timeless pieces mixed with a hint of something unexpected.
How would you describe your personal style?
Classic with a twist. I love clean lines and tailored silhouettes but always add something distinctive, whether it’s a statement accessory or a pop of color.
What’s your go-to outfit when you’re pressed for time?
A crisp white button-down, high-waisted jeans, and chic flats. I’ll add layered jewelry and a great bag, and I’m ready in minutes.
What’s your fashion or beauty indulgence?
Handbags, without question. I have a collection of vintage Chanel and Hermès, and I’m always on the hunt for unique pieces from smaller European brands at more accessible price points.
Favorite shoe style/shoe brand (have to ask!)?
A classic Chanel slingback or an Hermès sandal. Both are timeless and elevate any outfit.
Who’s your celebrity style crush?
Julianne Moore—her style is understated, sophisticated, and always effortlessly chic.
Which cocktail best describes your personality?
A French 75—classic and refined but with a little sparkle.
Favorite travel destination(s) and what’s on your travel bucket list?
Paris will always have my heart. Next on my bucket list: exploring the Greek Islands.
If you could have dinner with any three guests, who would they be?
Coco Chanel, Diana Vreeland, and Audrey Hepburn—three extraordinary women who shaped the way we see style, individuality, and beauty.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: @secretsnstyle
Facebook: SecretsNStyle
TikTok: SecretsNStyle