What happens when a (mostly) “normal” person hires a personal shopper / stylist

Everyone I know is divided into two camps when it comes to working with a personal shopper / stylist: “The extreme makeover” (You know, the one where they burn half of your clothes and completely make you over?) or “The Hollywood” (As in you need to be a Hollywood star to need a stylist). I was always a member of the second camp. I thought that mere mortals like me wouldn’t even need a stylist, let alone be able to afford one… I mean, I don’t have any premiers or fancy parties to go to.

On the other hand, I do think that working with a personal shopper / stylist is one of the most sustainable things we can do to our wardrobe. This way we can really understand what we do or don’t need to buy and how to make better combinations with the clothes that we already have in our closets.

So what really happens when a personal shopper / stylist comes to your house?

I met Anna (from The Panachery Style and Image Advisors) just a few months ago, but was truly impressed with her style, her ability to “read” a person and her tactfulness. I felt like she really “got” me, my style and all my quirks so… I invited her over and this is what happened:

Wardrobe inspection.

We took all the clothes out of my wardrobe and arranged them into piles: tops, bottoms, skirts, dresses, etc. Anna, the personal shopper / stylist went through everything and (very tactfully) pointed out some items that might be a bit washed out, old or too big. Sometimes we hold on to clothes for sentimental reasons and I’m no different.

Body analysis.

Body analysis and measurement was an important part of the wardrobe detox service. Anna’s goal was to show me which shapes fit my body type best. To demonstrate this even further I tried some clothes on and she pointed out how they can make me look more dumpy and shorter than I actually am.

Color analysis 

Then it was time for a color analysis. Anna laid out color drapes for a mini color consultation. Drapes are the best way to determine “your” colors. Even the most skeptical can change their opinion when they see their reflection in the mirror change under the effects of a color. Knowing which colors best suit your complexion will help you save money and time when shopping.

Not only did we check whether I look better in warm or cold colors, but also how bright, muted, light and dark colors affected my skin tone.

Then we determined my contrast. Contrast is one of the key characteristics of your appearance. Go wrong and you will look “lost” in the outfit. This is especially true for blondes.

Then came the best part: playing dress up…but that’s a story for another post.