Every woman I have shopped with has been amazed at how easily and effortlessly I find pieces for them that they would never have been able to locate when they have shopped on their own.

Even more surprised are they when I encourage them to try garments on that they would never in a million years have had the courage or inspiration to select off the rack.

That’s the beauty of working with an experienced stylist. We do our homework, so that you, the client, have great results and a fabulous experience.

But it doesn’t just happen. The best shopping trips are really planned well, and in advance. Sure you can arrive at a style lounge and engage the services of a ‘personal shopper’ to take you shopping for 2 hours, but it cant compare to working with a true stylist that takes the time to understand you, what you like, don’t like, your personality, lifestyle, age, shape, height, budget, and all of the other style influences that really make a difference to how your wardrobe needs to be put together.

If going to a style lounge is what you have in mind, I have prepared a few shopping tips for you to think about before you go, as any information you can provide will help the process.

Tip #1

Before you engage a stylist, decide on who you will feel comfortable working with. Read their testimonials, facebook page comments, website, anything that gives you an idea on what your chosen stylist is like. Bear in mind that this person will be working with you quite intimately, and sometimes you’ll find sharing your darkest secrets with your stylist, so its important that you know a bit about her too.

Tip#2

Communicate with your stylist. Give her as much information on yourself before you shop. It doesn’t matter if this is all done by email, some of my most successful shops have been done this way. As long as you can provide photos, and specific information that allows her to appreciate the journey you are on, what you want to achieve with your look and style.

Tip#3

Don’t worry if you don’t know what your colors are, or your body shape, if your stylist is good, she will have this all worked out in the blink of an eye, and also know how she can bend the rules to create a truly fabulous look for you.  Remember that you are embarking on a learning curve here too, if you knew it all then you would be shopping on your own.

Tip#4

Arrive on time and be prepared for your stylist. Wear clothes on the day that are easy to get in and out of quickly and effortlessly. Have some heels, style your hair and wear makeup. Nothing looks the same on you when you look like you are going to the gym. You also receive better service and attention from store managers when you look like you are shopping to buy and everything looks better in the mirror when you have taken the time to groom yourself.

Tip#5

Make sure you have declared your budget to your stylist well in advance. This determines where she is going to source for you and what she can introduce you to that might be a stretch, but that will help add that wow factor for you.

Most of all relax.

Be prepared to be taken out of your comfort zone and be educated like you have never been before.

If you can follow these steps then you can experience the same excitement as this client of mine did:

‘Wow what a day we had today!  An entire winter wardrobe (to add to my purchases with you from last winter) in one day (6 hours) of pure power shopping!  I love every piece you chose for me and the time saving given you know every piece in every store – from the ‘one off’ really special pieces in the boutiques you took me too – onto the mid range items from more generic stores as good everyday basics and then the finishing the touches of accessories – there was nothing missed.’ Yvette.