Has anyone used a wardrobe consultant?

[Anonymous]

PP, have you heard of FIT or Parsons? Two of just many schools where you can get a number of degrees in wardrobing, styling, etc. Tim Gunn is even a professor at one of these colleges.

You don't know..........what you don't know.

[Anonymous]

Or. . . . you could just watch a bunch of "What Not To Wear Episodes."

[Anonymous]

I second the recommendation of Tara Luizzi. She really helped me to organize my closet. She went through and helped me to determine what I could still wear (there are things I am wearing now that had been sitting in my closet for years thanks to her suggestions on styling and tailoring). She was also really good about telling me what no longer fit and needed to go. She worked out a list with me of what I needed. I actually bought less this fall than I normally do because she was so effective in using what I already own.

I also agree with others that you don't need accreditation to do this. You should look at someone whose taste and fashion sense you admire.

[Anonymous]

Different strokes for different folks. I think the bottom line is that if you are going to shell out the money, you need to know that the person you hire is capable of doing the job and knows exactly what you want to get out of the consultations.

[Anonymous]

Elizabeth Gibbens is great!! www.bayoumuse.com

[Anonymous]

Shameless plug by Eizabeth.....

[Anonymous]

Can all of you who have given recs for consultants give us an idea of how much these sessions cost (and what type of session -going through closet, going shopping, etc)?

I am utterly terrible at putting together a wardrobe, and the idea appeals to me, but I would like to know a little more about what I will fork over.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I did research on consultants and they all vary. The most credible are certified by AICI (aici.org) and are either entitled to use CIP or CIM after their names. They will charge more but their credentials are proven - education, training, experience, results, etc. You can check out potential consultants through their websites listed on the AICI site.

You don't want to work with someone who sells clothing lines or only works with a couple stores - they get a commission and are really salespeople. I would suggest calling a couple to find out how they work and discuss your goals. This needs to be a personal match - in terms of what they do, how they work and also their communication style and personality.

In the broad sense, go with someone you feel will help you achieve your goals. How much they charge is secondary - it is all about getting the best results.

Speaking personally, I hired one of the more expensive ones and it was totally worth it. She saved me from alot of buying mistakes (sessions paid for themselves with the returns) and I now wear 100% of what is in my closet. I love everything I wear.