That’s a great question and I’d like to think I have some answers for you! I consider myself a Style Advisor, not a Personal Stylist. There’s a subtle difference, but it can have a big impact.
When one thinks of a Personal Stylist, that can cover anything from, or all of:
- a personal shopper (they do it all for you based on your agreements or their understanding of what you want),
- you shop together,
- they do all the returns and extras associated with your personal style, brand image or both!
- they help you buy and build a wardrobe through their service, whether one time or ongoing, and
- they continue to share pieces you can buy to continue to grow your closet. Sounds like a dream if you ask me!
- They can be paid by the hour, by the job, or even be on retainer.
- And they even have the ability to travel with you to locations for shopping and styling. These people work HARD to help you look great!
But, Here’s Where I’m Different
I gave myself the title of Style Advisor because my job is to work more with what my clients HAVE instead of, or at least BEFORE, they head out to buy more. I have a bit of a hard time encouraging consumerism, and spending loosely on clothes, even though, that is literally the one thing I could happily have something new every single day. I love clothes. I love style. And I love matching my outfit to my mood. Somedays I even miss working in an office so I had the excuse to get dressed up regularly!
As a Style Advisor, I cover anything from, or all of:
- discussing your current style and what you would like it to evolve into
- going through your existing closet and helping divide it up seasonally (Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter), and then seeing what pieces can stay and what pieces might be time to let go of
- creating new combinations to give a refresh to your outfits
- discussing the possibility of tailoring some items to breathe new life into them to be worn even more
- preparing a report of all the things we discussed from body type to style tips, etc for you to look back on
- putting together a Pinterest Board with around 100 pins of style inspo, visual examples of color combos, shapes and looks and items to look for
- Intentional Shopping List for you to take with you, should you decide to add to your wardrobe! And if it made that list, it’s because we saw places you could use it with existing pieces and also how it can be worn on it’s own.
It’s Been 7 Years of In Person Style Advising, and Here’s What I’ve Learned
No matter how big or small your wardrobe is, having a fresh set of eyes on it can reveal some real gems, and also give that gentle nudge to retire some things. We can get blind to how “loved” some of our pieces are, and once the closet has been purged of the things that no longer serve my clients, they are thrilled. My most common feedback is that a weight has been lifted off their shoulders! Their closet was full of things they couldn’t, woudln’t and shouldn’t wear, so after we are done, and everything in there fits and flatters, and has pairings they really like, it’s SO MUCH EASIER TO GET DRESSED!
After our time together we’ve saved them time (doesn’t take so long to make a decision), stress (not worried about how it will look), and money (instead of feeling like they had to go out and get all new clothes to feel stylish, they only had to get a few key pieces and everything came together!)
Yes, money was spent on the time we worked together. Don’t forget, there was also a lot taught (future outfit picking and shopping will be much easier), tools given to move forward in a really confident way. Intentionality in future purchases (less buyer remorse and wasted style dollars) and it just feels great to step out knowing you’ve stepped up your game, in the most efficient and effective way.
The greatest joy for me, is giving my clients their next favorite look, with a few tweaks of what they already own…and the ability to do it for themselves moving forward!
Do You Work with Brands Too?
Absolutely! Brands need style advice too, and whether that is personal branding of an individual, or using clothes to showcase a product, give me the parameters to work within, and I’ve done it! I’ve worked with a top Recruiter / Job Search Coach, a globally recognized Author, Bloggers, a Sandal (footwear) brand launch, a Home and Garden DIY professional, and paired up with some fantastic photographers! I was even approached by the College of Fashion and Design in Dubai to help teach a course on Styling….I think that was the most flattering and proud moment in my career.
I look forward to all the ways I can serve you in your current (and future) phases of life. Let’s get dressed friends!
xoxo Taryn
