The Question:
How does wardrobe consultation and/or personal shopping work? Each job is different, according to the clients's needs, goals, shape and budget. This post is a show-and-tell from some of this season's clients, meant to better answer that question. Be sure to click on the photo to see it full-sized. Some names have been changed for privacy.
The Pitch:
Having a personal stylist is not just for celebrities or the ultra wealthy. I think of it like getting your nails done. Sure, you could do it yourself, but someone else can do it better, and when your nails are done, you feel "put together", which can boost your confidence.
I believe confidence is key. It helps us in our careers, relationships, parenting... all of it. I'm not claiming that wearing the right clothes will make you a confident person, but I know it certainly doesn't hurt.
I work with real women and men who have real bodies, and I try to choose options that flatter their shape.
I'm a fan of alterations, as I don't expect everything off the rack to fit perfectly. For example, I have a long torso, so buying jumpsuits and one-piece swimsuits is really challenging for me. A friend of mine says "Follow the French! The French tailor everything, and they always look great."
I match clothing styles to personalities. I do this by MIXING, and helping people discover interesting and unusual combinations within their current wardrobe as well. The goal is to avoid cookie-cutter looks by blending styles, patterns, and brands. I am often surprised by how many people are intimidated by belts, scarves, sleeve and cuff rolls, and jewelry. I help with that too. In the end, I basically want the client to end up have the glow of a pregnant person without actually being pregnant. You get the idea...
The Logistics:
Every job varies, but in general, I charge $85/hour.
I do closet edits, outfit composition with pictures (to later create a lookbook), and personal shopping.
First thing we do is chat about your needs. I have a questionnaire that is a good conversation starter about specifics that will help me shop. I might then ask you to create a Pinterest Board or take pictures of a few pieces in your current wardrobe that you love and wear often.
If you are local, I shop, we have a fitting at my house or yours, and you keep what you like.
If you are not local, you send me a check, I shop, and ship you your clothes with all receipts. I send pictures electronically of outfit combinations to try, and we can chat, email or Facetime with any questions you have. Keep what you like, and you return the rest.
Rebecca
Rebecca is starting a new job. She told me she needed mostly business casual, which she didn't like, as she preferred just wearing a suit everyday like a uniform. She already has great taste and dresses well, but doesn't like shopping and trying on clothes. I pre-shopped for her, and we did a fitting with these pieces and combinations you see below. Not pictured are combos with high-waisted black culottes and black cropped trousers, but you get the idea. I'm starting with shoes here because this bitch can actually wear heels all day. I know, right? She was anxious about the fitting, but in the end confessed that she actually had fun.
SIMONE
Simone loves clothes and shopping, but wanted help putting together looks for dinners out, work, and everyday casual. This is round two. You can see her Fall combinations on a previous post called "Simone's Fall Look Book". I went to her home, where we went through her closet and got rid of some things, and played mix and match with the rest. I also brought over a couple one-of-a-kind pieces I found and bought for her from thrift stores. (Check out the tropical print stretch silk Tucker blouse I nabbed for six bucks, and the half sheer black grid pencil skirt I found) We took photos of it all, and put together a Look Book. In the morning, she flips through an album to choose an outfit rather than standing in front of the closet feeling indecisive and overwhelmed.
Sara
Sara and I are getting this down to a science! She gives me a budget each season for a closet refresh, and she has built a great wardrobe over the last few years. She hates shopping, but likes looking nice and doesn't hate the compliments. The goal with Sara is put-together casual looks that she can wear all day - going from work to kids' soccer games or out to dinner. See the past post "Shopping for Sara" to see some fall looks.
joyce
Joyce wanted outfits for the an early June rehearsal dinner, wedding (ceremony and reception), and send-off brunch.
Ted
Ted got in touch with me when a co-worker had an intervention with him about his too-short pants. He told me he was divorced, and doesn't have someone to tell him these things. He is a traditional guy working in the corporate world. His latest job is more casual, so he has more work outfit options than before. My goal was to modernize his look while keeping him in his comfort zone. I stuck to classics when it came to colors and patterns, and encouraged him to try different cuts, like slim cut shirts and flat front pants. I also bought longer pants, with the explanation that they would need tailoring.
