PERSONAL STYLIST: Wardrobe Planning & Assessment

One of my favourite Personal Styling services is the Wardrobe Consultation.   I love seeing people experience such excitement at the end, unable to contain their surprise when they discover - with expert planning (and a few clever styling techniques) - it’s just like getting a new wardrobe.  Without the expensive price tag.

On 23rd January 2015, I travelled out of London to meet Lorna B.  On the way to her house, Lorna told me she was making many positive changes in her life, including diet and exercise, hair and beauty therapies.  This was to prepare for an exciting promotion at work, and she wanted her new image to better reflect her position in life.  

It was hard not to let Lorna’s positivity and enthusiasm for life rub off a little!  I felt like I was sharing a special moment, as she was about to enter an exciting new phase in her life.  I wanted to do my best to help her, as I knew her winning attitude would bring much success. 

It seemed that on a career and personal front things were going extremely well, and Lorna told me that she wanted her styling to reflect how good she felt, as her current style was letting her down.  I asked Lorna what she wanted to achieve from the session.  She told me she was a ‘bit of a tomboy’ and wanted a more feminine look for the office, which also had to be smart and comfortable.  

Like most of us, Lorna’s busy lifestyle left little time to think about wardrobe planning.  In her spare moments she’d shop online.  When I saw Lorna’s wardrobe I noticed she had many clothes which were excellent for her body shape.  

Where Lorna really needed help was in putting outfits together, mixing better combinations of what she already owned.  

So for our three-hour session it was decided I’d set about to create a new workwear capsule to carry her through the week, and an evening look for her upcoming work event.

During the session I taught Lorna a few styling techniques to flatter and enhance her body shape, to look more feminine but formal enough for the workplace.  I sorted through her wardrobe, even her storage room retrieving items from zip lock bags she forgot existed - ignoring warnings that ‘there’s nothing there’!  We worked really hard (a couple of coffee breaks served us well), all the while having fun of course, and I completely enjoyed the company of Lorna’s down to earth bubbly personality.  After Lorna’s patience in trying on several new looks our efforts were rewarded.  Just enough time was left for me to re-organise her wardrobe, hanging her six new outfits in order for easy access - saving Lorna time in the morning.  Lorna also made a list of additional garments I suggested which could be purchased in order to create new looks to maximise her wardrobe.

Lorna actually said she felt my services paid for themselves, as she no longer felt she needed to buy nearly as many new clothes as she thought.  

I never tire from hearing this, a huge compliment which makes my job worthwhile.

Lorna’s ambition is an inspiration, and I am proud to have been part of her journey as she moves towards more success and happiness (all the way in style of course!).