FAQs on working with a Personal Stylist

Last week, after chatting with another school mum, I realised it might be time to answer some of the questions I’m most often asked about my work as a personal stylist. I’d mentioned that I was heading off to do a “pre-shop” before a personal shopping session, and she was surprised to learn that this preparation is part of my service. It made me think. If she was curious, others probably are too. So, I thought I’d put together a piece with those FAQs about working with me.

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Having a Colour Analysis

What if I hate the colours of my palette?

During a colour analysis I will continually ask you how you feel about the drapes, are they colours you already wear, how do you think if affects your skin tone, etc. I would never include any colours in your colour wallet that you hate. I would even go as far as saying if you hate lots of colours in your palette, it's probably the wrong palette for you.

Will you tell me stop wearing black?

No! This is something many people seem to worry about. I'll never tell you to stop wearing black (or any other colour), although I might suggest a more favourable way to wear it if it's not your best colour. Similarly, I will show you a better dark neutral if you don't fall into a winter palette (black is only in a winter palette). A colour analysis is a guide, not a rule book. If a colour makes you feel fabulous and confident then that is far more important than what a palette shows.

What if I have been wearing the wrong colour jewellery all this time?

Yellow gold or silver jewellery is something we discuss during a colour analysis. Many people tend to wear one or the other, and worry that I'm going to tell them they've been wearing the wrong one for years. As in the previous question/answer, having a colour palette is a guide. If you love wearing the jewellery you've always worn, a colour analysis doesn't change this. However, we might find that actually you can wear the other colour too - or both together.

I've now embraced my grey hair does that change my palette?

No, your palette won't change as your colouring does, but you might find you're drawn to the lighter colours within the palette. That's not to say you can't wear the brighter or darker colours but the lighter end of the palette might feel more harmonious for you. This is something we can discuss during the analysis.

Can myself and a friend have our colours analysed?

Absolutely! Having a colour analysis with a friend/family member is a lovely activity to do together and it can be really interesting seeing the difference the various drapes can make on each other. It's a different way to spend time with a friend and can spark great conversations and learnings for everyone. I would suggest no more than 3 people in a group.

Having a Wardrobe Edit

Will you tell me to throw away lots of my clothes?

Of course not! Unless you want me to.... Before our time together we'll have a call and I'll find out what you're after from the wardrobe edit. If you are wanting a declutter then I'll help you to part with things that are probably no longer suited to you. Many of us find it difficult to part with items (myself included) when we know how much it cost or we know how little we've worn it. By having an independent person with you it can sometimes give you that permission you need to let it go.

On the other hand, if you're after outfit creations then that will be more of the focus. I'll always have chat with you beforehand to make sure we hit the brief.

I've owned some of my clothes for years, is that ok?

Brilliant, I love hearing that. Owning something for years, and still reaching for it, is a great sign of an item which has served you well. So much useful information can be gleaned from that as it's obviously an item which works for your style, your lifestyle. Is it the texture, the colour, the fit, the style.... There is no need to apologise for having something for years in your wardrobe - that's the dream!

What if I don't even know what my style is?

This is one I hear a lot, and I get it. Finessing your style is something which takes time, mistakes (yes, sorry, but there will be mistakes), thought and patience - not things we have in abundance usually. But I can help you with that. I have various methods I can share with you to help you on your way to discovering a style persona which feels right for you. And don't forget there's my free Style Guide too.

Do I have to get changed in front of you?

Of course not. Inviting me into your home is a big step for some and I understand that. Alongside this I'm quite aware that you may have complex feelings about your body from past or current experiences. I will be led by you - I'm quite happy to step aside while you change, whatever works for you. I want you to feel comfortable and please be assured I will be mindful of this when working with you.

Personal Shopping Services

What do I have to do for the pre-shop?

We'll have a good chat before our personal shopping session so that I can understand the brief. I'll ask you questions about what outfits you require, is there an occasion, what's your budget, your dislikes/loves, etc. so that I can get a good feel for what your needs are. That's pretty much all you need to do! I'll visit plenty of shops (either in the days beforehand or before our appointment) to find lots of possible items for you to try on/consider. I want our time shopping to be efficient and focussed so I'll be able to guide our time together having done a pre-shop.

How long will we be shopping?

My personal shopping sessions can be tailored to your needs. If you can only face 1 hour shopping, that's all we'll do and that's all you'll pay for. Similarly if we nail the brief in 1 hour, that's all you'll pay for too. On the flip side of that I suggest a maximum of 4 hours shopping as that's often enough for most people.

Where will we go?

Again, it depends on your needs but I tend to go to Cribbs Causeway or Cabot Circus in Bristol most often. If necessary, we can go elsewhere if there are shops which are better suited to your needs. This is something we can discuss on our call.

I don't have a very big budget, is that ok?

Absolutely. One of the things we'll discuss in our initial call will be your budget. I'd hate for you to feel uncomfortable about the cost of items or the shops we're using for our shopping session. We will talk budget and shops so that I'm targeting the right area for you so that you're feeling comfortable and getting the most out of your hard earned money.

Anything Else...

Can I pay in installments?

Yes you can - just let me know if this is something you'd like to discuss and we'll come up with a plan.

Isn't a stylist just for celebrities?

Not anymore and I'm working away trying to quash that perception. If you need help with a hair style, you go to a hair stylist. If you need help with a plumbing issue in your home, you're not expected to figure it out yourself. Personal style is no different. Some people need a bit of help in finding their style and outsourcing that problem is no longer for the rich and famous. A good personal stylist will help you figure out your style in a way that works for your lifestyle and you can take that skill forward with you.

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I hope this has answered some of the questions you’ve always wanted to ask a personal stylist. My goal is to make the whole experience feel easy, enjoyable and completely tailored to you and your needs. If there’s something I haven’t covered or you’re curious about how a session might work for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I'd love to chat or hear about another question you might have.