Since I have hired and interviewed several stylist, I have a few ideas of what to look for. What I know now is that that finding all of the elements of a good stylist it is challenging. Much like a new boyfriend or hairdresser, nobodies perfect and you will have to except some flaws to get the results you need. I mean, they have to accept me too, right?
The four fundamentals in working with your wardrobe are style, fit, color and lifestyle (read Color Me Beautiful for the fundamentals). For example, I am a romantic with an hourglass figure, a winter color palette and an working mom lifestyle. We can get more specific than that, but that's the gist. A good stylist will have training and understanding in all of these elements. What is training in this arena? Nothing formal exists yet. Look for someone who has worked in retail for several years, is able to sew clothes, has schooling in apparel and fashion, and someone with established clients in her styling business. If you can't find all these characteristics, you may settle for one. If you find all of these for less than $150 an hour, send me her contact details immediately!
You get your hair done on a regular basis, right? Nails too? How about the occasional facial or massage? So why wouldn't you pay someone to help you with a primary element of your personal appearance? I have found a variety of fee schedules for personal stylist ranging from $75-500/hour. Did you see the previous entry on the stylist I couldn't afford? My sweet spot is the stylist between $125-150/hour. I pay that for in-person time only. That could be a closet edit. A shopping trip. A styling session. She will scout for me (and all of her clients), pull pieces for try on in advance of a shopping trip, and keep informed on available clothing for no fees. That is her preparation time. Here is a basic seasonal fee schedule:
1 hour wardrobe edit
2 hour in store shopping
1 hour styling
Total cost: $600
I know what you are thinking - I could have bought a ton of clothes for that $600! Really? Look in your wardrobe. At least half of it is dead on arrival. You don't wear it. Never have. You like the idea, but are waiting for just the right elements to bring it all together. Let me tell you - its not going to happen. Chances are you should not have bought over 50% of what is in your closet. I'm guilty of the same thing so I'm pointing the finger at me too, ladies. Working with a stylist costs money, but on net, can save you money if you have a budget. And the results are a smaller wardrobe that you wear all the pieces. The items I bought with my first stylist are in much better rotation in my wardrobe than the crap I have personally added, hands down.
All right. Next time, I will give you some comparisons of the crap I bought compared to my stylists and you will start to see the difference.
For now,
Style Illiterate
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