Personal Stylists?

[mr. couturier]

I'm against them, personally. I think that people should determine what they want to wear based entirely on their own preferences and knowledge. To be honest, the only information on personal stylists that I have is from those terrible make-over shows, and it always seems to me that the person getting the make-over receives what is generic and "in" at the moment, and not much else (or in very bad cases, a version of the stylist's personal likes). Obviously, knowing what flatters your body is completely different. I'm just skeptical about stylists because I know some people (myself included, to an extent) who would make the world's women their personal Barbie-dolls if given the opportunity (and because of this, I have absolutely no intention to meddle with other peoples' fashion). I'm sure that there are people out there who wish to go into that field to do the same. Just my opinion.

[loserxstar]

i used a professional stylist before. she told me which makeup, clothing styles, and clothing colors i should wear. a lot of it i was already aware of, but she literally had 1000's of colors and textures that she sampled on me. i don't think it affected my shopping all that much, but when i do wear the stuff she recommends, i always get tons of compliments! i would recommend it, even if it is just for fun. i believe mine costed $150-$200 for clothing and makeup. it was about a 1.5 hour process

[cacox13]

Does anyone have a website to go to for hiring a personal stylist? Whether it be hair/make up and shopping, or just shopping? Thank you!

[meganfm]

I'd love to have someone show me how I can use pieces in my wardrobe in a different way and help me pick out things to complement what I already have. I feel I have a lot of stuff I buy and never wear because I don't really know what to wear it with. I also never wear skirts because I feel that none of my tops go with them, and I'd love for someone to show me how. My wardrobe basically consists of dark skinny jeans and black or grey tops-so I really need to branch out!

There's a local boutique in my area, and I've "followed" the manager around from a couple of different shops, because she knows my style and always suggests things for me I'd never pick out myself but end up loving. Unfortunately, the place she works at now doesn't have much that I like anymore :(

My friends and I always joke that even though we dress well, we could probably put together some pretty horrible outfits with what we have to get on What Not To Wear :P I think they do a pretty good job (most of the time) updating people's looks but paying attention to their own needs and style.

[lvpiggy]

Just my 2 cents (full disclosure: I'm currently professionally involved in lifestyle consulting, which often encompasses image/wardrobe consultation, so I imagine my opinion may be somewhat biased )

First, I absolutely agree that everyone has a unique, innate personal style and that copying someone else's style is never the way to go. That being said, I view this situation sort of like the relationship people have with personal trainers. A trainer can't get fit for you, and I know I for one work much better without a trainer because I feel I know my body best. However, I also know several people who like to hire trainers because it helps them learn new techniques or pushes them to the next level when they're lacking in motivation.

Whenever I assist anyone with wardrobe selection, I always take their personality, lifestyle, and pricing scale into consideration. Image consulting isn't about telling people how they should dress; rather it's about helping people who might otherwise feel uncomfortable exploring different styles and looks. For instance, I've had tons of people tell me they don't like to go into high end stores like Barneys because they feel like the SA's are looking down at them. Someone like that could benefit from working with a consultant until they feel more comfortable going it alone

*phew* that was a long one! sorry ladies! i'll climb down off the soapbox now . . . . hope i didn't offend!

[qtpielondon]

i've tried personal stylists in department stores here in London UK, and I've had some great experiences. Overall I've always found it to be fun! The great thing about the instore stylists is that it's free, and even if you did feel pushed to buy you could always return it the next day if you're not happy with the purchase.

After trying out all the stores that did it, I decided to go back to the ones that were affordable.

I find the best stylists are those that listen to what you want. Equally though it's important for me to be open to their ideas. So I usually tell them what I'm looking for, but also if they come across anything they think will suit me I'm willing to try it, and I'm usually pleasantly surprised at the things they pick which look great on me which I never would have gone for!

I think it has affected my shopping habits a bit as I now look at clothes a bit differently, I'm more zoned in! Aware of what will suit me. Also I've found the brands that cater for me, so it's made shopping much easier- I know where to go for jeans etc

I also find when i do a wardrobe clearout- the personal stylists stuff always stays!

I don't go for the latest fashions- that doesnt bother me. I just go for what I like as long as it suits my figure and most importantly is comfortable!!! This way I keep my own personal style without following the trend!

What I'd like to see is more shops offering this service and also to focus on a full outfit with accessories and shoes.

I am put off stylists that work independantly because they charge too much. I'd rather pay them a percentage of what I buy, rather than per hour.

[meganfm]

I think a stylist would be great if you're looking for a specific piece.

I don't know about the high end department stores in the US, but Holt Renfrew in Canada says that you can use their personal stylist services even just to find a perfect suit or a perfect pair of jeans. They'll get all your measurements and preferences beforehand and pick out what would suit you for when you come in (and it's free).

I think it could be great for something like that-to help you find a perfect fitting pair of jeans, or a great suit...things that would be so difficult for you to pick out on your own just because there's SO many.

But I think people who rely on a stylist to pick everything out for them are just "fake stylish". They don't really have any sense of putting things together or how to navigate trends without the help of someone else.

[laurayuki]

I think the only people who need a stylist are the following

1. People who are public figures but doesn't have the time to think about what to wear
2. Celebrities who don't have the fashion sense to keep up with their image
3. People who have lots of money and doesn't want to go to stores themselves and pick out clothes they want to wear
4. People who doesn't have the time to shop (including point 1)

I like to think about what i want to wear and read up about new styles and items, but i kind of hate trying to find exactly what I want so I probably need a personal shopper rather than stylist.

Even though i can style myself and on a couple of occassions for my friends i don't think I can ever be a stylist because I'm not sure if i can be completely in the other person's shoes with picking out clothes for them. If someone is completely gothic or tomboy I would have no idea how to pick out 7 days worth of clothes for them to wear lol. I would probably impose some of my style on them.

[burberryprncess]

I much rather have a personal shopper than a personal stylist.

[flashy.stems]

Originally Posted by burberryprncess

I much rather have a personal shopper than a personal stylist.

ITA
ill have people go pick up what i choose, so i dont have to go shopping every day, but i dont want a personal stylist - the fun stuff (picking out the clothes) is for me!