personal shopper or consultant or?

[Anonymous]

Where are Stacy and Clinton when I need them?

I'm in my early 40s, done with having kids and back into my regular size, and starting to move up the professional ladder. fwiw, I work in a field where suits are not the norm, but my position is increasingly public/fundraising and I am often interacting with wealthy people (I am not one!) who look really pulled together. I've gotten a haircut/color I love, a few pairs of good shoes, and I'm good with jewelry and make up.

BUT, my wardobe is a mess. I actually have a lot of clothes--a totally random mix of thrift store finds, consignment, and stuff from nordstroms and ann taylor type places, but I never know how to put them together. I end up buying something because its cute, or it fits or "its a steal!" but I dont know how to put outfits together so I have all these random things and end up wearing black pants or skirts 90 percent of the time. I also dont really know how to accesorize (earrings, yes, but I mean belts, scarves, the things that make people look put together). I work with someone who just has a great sense of style and color--she's younger and doesn't have a lot of money, but somehow has interesting, flattering outfits.

I have thought about the personal shopper at nordstroms, but although I'm sure I need some new things to fill holes, what I really need is someone who will work with what I already have, tell me if it fits/looks good or not, and help me buy things to pull the stuff I do have and that looks okay together. Does anyone have recommendations for this? is this a personal stylist? I'm not wealthy, but would certainly pay a couple hundred for some advice/help cleaning out closet.

[Anonymous]

Check out Cathy Starnes (http://stylespeaks.com/). She is a former Nordstrom personal shopper who started her own business. She will help you go through your closet and pare things down, as well as help you coordinate outfits from what you already have. I haven't used her for buying new stuff but I know she does it and puts together a look book for you to put together outfits. She is super sweet and friendly. I met her through volunteering years ago. She is nice and down to earth.