Ever used a personal stylist?

[Anonymous]

Has anyone ever used a personal stylist in the area? Think Stacy London! I'm in desparate need of revamping!

[Anonymous]

Never used one, but I have seen people recommend this person on more than one occasion: bethatmom.com

[Anonymous]

Yes. Lana Orloff. Love her. She helped me with an entire wardrobe/hair/makeup re-do, and I still work with her from time to time to get a few new things every season. She's incredibly good and nice. www.lanaorloffstyle.com

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for those recs! I'll look into them right now. I'm excited!

[Anonymous]

I used Lynn Glassman and was a bit disappointed with the experience.

I used her for a closet surgery. She put together some things that I would never have worn - but she was focused on color as opposed to cut. So for example, she may have pulled a shirt that you would not tuck in with a jacket that was shorter than it. OR recommend a necklace based on the color as opposed to length with a particular blouse.

I also thing she is probably better for professional clothes as opposed to casual which be that mom is more tailored towards.

[Anonymous]

A friend of mine just started her own business as a personal stylist, but has been in the fashion industry for close to 15 years. Her name is Tara Luizzi and you can contact her at [e-mail] or 202.271.8225

Here is brief description of what she can do for you:

Discover your own unique style – Tara will analyze your existing wardrobe and then come up with a unique descriptor that suits your fashion sense and lifestyle.  Ex. Clean lines, mono-chromatic, classic vs. Retro, colorful, funky
Analyze your body type – Tara will give you a real honest assessment of your body type so you know the types of fit, cuts, and lengths that will work with your body. Ex. Boy cut vs. curvy, flat-chested vs. busty; Ex. V-neck works best for curvy or no large jean pockets on curvy
Create your “working wardrobe” – Tara will help you put together your own personal “uniform” of outer wear, dress, suit/blazer, bags, shoes, accessories, and well-fitted pants and jeans. Your working wardrobe is the basis of your wardrobe and can be expanded by changing up the elements within your own closet or by economically purchasing new elements based on what is currently in style.

[Anonymous]

How much does such a service cost?

[Anonymous]

PP here. My person charged by the hour. I don't remember her rate - less than $200 per hour, I think. My person's billing practices are extremely reasonable. If she takes you shopping and pulls a bunch of clothes for you and helps you try them on to see what works and what doesn't, she charges for that time. I found that for other times, like when she was just stopping by to drop something off, she didn't. I frankly would have - I also bill by the hour for my job. There was also no charge for referrals to others. You pay for the clothes and the other services (hair cut, etc.) of course.

[Anonymous]

I used Alison Lukes (www.alisonlukes.com) and she was amazing. I guess more than anything else, it's just great to have someone with an objective opinion who knows what they're doing (and who isn't afraid to tell you that that pair of pants in your closet Need. To. Go.).

I've heard good things about Joyce Neave (That Mom, Inc.,www.bethatmom.com)

Fabiana Mesquita does a closet service where she takes what you already have and puts together 10-15 new outfits for you and gives you a list of what you need as well ([e-mail]).

[Anonymous]

So how much would it be ballpark for hair and clothing tips? I would love a personal stylist but am afraid of spending a lot.. Maybe just hair and makeup or is that another person?

[Anonymous]

Hair is a different person. I would go to a stylist that is known for their transformations and have a consultation first.

For clothing, you're looking at about $200-ish for a first visit and probably between $75-$100/hour thereafter. To have them go through your closet, toss what you don't need and get you updated is far worth the price (think about spending that on yet another outfit that you don't need!). I did the closet part and had her meet me for shopping for about 2 hours, spent about $400 total and it seriously changed my life by giving me a lot more confidence in what I had and my choices moving forward.

[Anonymous]

Thanks PP! so who is it for hair and makeup? I would appreciate help here too! i guess i'm just a mess..!

[Anonymous]

I'm 42 and can't figure out what the right style is anymore - thanks for posting.

[Anonymous]

For hair: where do you live?

For makeup, honestly, I would go to a counter for a line you like. I've had the best work done at the Laura Mercier counter at Neiman Marcus in Tyson's. Just don't let them push too much product on you (definitely buy something, but just buy what you need).

A few additional tips:
-Reup your subscriptions to a few fashion magazines just so it helps keep you current. InStyle, Vogue, Bazaar has great "how to" tips, Allure for makeup--just force yourself to flip though 'em every once in a while and it will help.

-Clean out your closet every season by seriously adhering to the "two years or out" rule.

-There's a great book called (pretty sure) How Not To Look Old by Charla Krupp that's fabulous.

-Buy new T-shirts every summer that fit. Even Old Navy has cute ones for like $10, but crisp white ones that fit you well will always make you look better.

-Get a new bra. Actually, put that at the top of the list. Go to a place that will actually measure you (Sylene in Chevy Chase, NM/Saks, even Victoria's Secret will measure you if you ask). You will automatically look 10 lbs and 10 years younger.

[Anonymous]

PP - you are awesome - thank you - I'm ready to get out of this rut.