What's the best part about my job? Texts and selfies. Hands down. When a client sends me a text telling me how many compliments she got, or a selfie of the outfit she's wearing that day, I feel true happiness. Very rewarding and satisfying work, this wardrobe business. That feeling of "Damn. I look good." is contagious. So keep 'em coming people!
Here's a rundown of how it all works, followed by pictures from three recent clients' wardrobe updates.
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. And ignore the wrinkles. Steaming wasn't happening for me on this round of lookbook pics. 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 is different, 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.
janine
Janine is from San Fransisco, can wear whatever she wants for work, and has a sweet shoulder tattoo to show off. Her job is hip, and she's a boss, so she can't look too vanilla. Jeans are a staple, but we went beyond the denim to make her outfits unique, just like her. She travels a lot, and told me she was inspired by pattern mixing she saw in Tokyo and London. Here's our SoCal interpretation. We had so much fun putting it all together, but not as much fun as I had when I got this text: "You've singlehandedly turned me into a grown ass woman for less than $300 and some random text advice here and there."
michelle
Michelle is a therapist in Chicago, and I shopped for her remotely. She told me she doesn't like to show her arms, so I got her lots of light sweaters to go over sleeveless shirts and dresses. She told me her stomach and hips were other problem areas. She was wearing skinny pants with loose tops. In addition to the tank and sweater layering, I encouraged her to try some wide cropped trousers, and A-line and shift dresses to better flatter her shape. I always ask my clients to just try stuff on, because you never know. The best part about hiring a stylist is that she will choose things for you that you wouldn't have normally thought of as an option.
She recently sent me a selfie with the note: "On my way to my neighbors and normally I would wear stained tshirts and leggings. But I said "not tonight!" Thank you Joy!!"
Puneet
Conservative, comfortable and STYLISH. Puneet moved here from India three years ago, and is a mom of two little ones. Lost the baby weight. Nothing sheer, nothing above the knee, and no cleavage. She usually spends $7-15 on shirts, and $15-25 on pants. No time or desire to shop. Do the math.
My answer: Nothing you see below is over $25 dollars. To get more specific, these tops are all under $15, and the pants/skirts/dresses are all $20 or less. Jewelry is all under $17, and handbags are $25 or less. I hit some sale racks HARD.
