Style is something each of us already has.
All we need to do is find it.
— Diana von Furstenberg
When asked the question “What do you do?” my answer always evokes responses like “How fun! You must know a lot of celebrities!” While I view each of my clients as a celebrity — one to be celebrated and the star of her own life — they are not famous in the sense of household names. But it’s a fair and reasonable response. After all, a personal shopper/stylist seems like a superfluous or even frivolous service at first blush.
Stores abound and anyone can walk in and find something to purchase — and therein lies the problem.
Shopping can be a fun social outing with friends but that approach often leads to many buying mistakes which over time can be discouraging, especially if your budget is tight. Those mistakes are magnified if you need something specific or are in a new phase of life and need to build a new wardrobe. So many women tell me they actually dislike the shopping experience because it’s confusing, frustrating, and overwhelming. Add to that the reality that salespeople exist to sell you whatever is in their shop and clients often feel pressured or “sold.” This is where a personal shopper/stylist can be of enormous assistance.
Defining you personal needs and crafting a budget allows a stylist to know where to source best options for you. Usually within days, you are presented with appropriate choices whether for a special trip (leisure or professional), a special occasion (wedding, party, reunion) or a new start (graduation, promotion, relocation, change in marital status) and within your budget. As a stylist, I can often see new ways to combine what is already in your closet negating or minimizing the need for new expenditures.
An example is a recent client who was excited about a vacation trip to Brazil. She needed “fun in the sun” clothes that her corporate wardrobe lacked. We unearthed a couple of appropriate long forgotten items already in her closet and then added what was needed for her trip — and within her budget and brought to her home! Her Brazilian getaway was a great experience with everything she needed from a flattering peacock blue bathing suit to dinners with friends.
Another young client wanted to add versatile pieces to work with both her professional and personal social life. This crisp white Tory Burch take on a tuxedo blouse is a great example. Seen here (left) with a long slinky skirt for a party, it also pairs well with tailored trousers and vest for business.
So, regardless of your age, economic, professional or marital status, its never too late to develop your Purely Personal style!
