Style Stories capture the experiences of previous clients where they share with me their own journey with their personal style and visibility and the impact that working with me has had on them. This may include a one to one styling client, a group event or maybe a creative consultancy client. Real life experiences allow you to really understand the impact of working with me and how it could work for you too.
Body Shape Stories
This month I spoke with Client E from North London. E and I first met through another group programme where I give regular Style Talks. She won a competition with me for a Body Shape Analysis. E shared how she ‘needed help in understanding what suits my body shape and to come out of my comfort zone.’ In our first session together we really got to grips with understanding E’s body shape, the specific fits and cuts of clothing that would work for her and why and also the styles that might not work so well. This process can really help to remove the anxiety out of shopping and you begin to learn the styles that will work for you and your unique shape.
After that first session together E reached out to me again. She had been taking her body shape into consideration when buying anything new but was ‘struggling with putting outfits together’ and found that for every occasion she felt like she needed to buy something new! This can be a dangerous habit to get into. We had a call first to see how I could best support her and found that an in person personal shop was the best option so that we could update her Autumn wardrobe as she stepped into a new promotion at work.
Personal Shopping Stories
E shared how she ‘struggled with outfit building and was getting bored of wearing the same things and not feeling great about it.’ By creating an intentional wardrobe you can really start to use your clothing as a tool to gain greater confidence. But finding the right items in the right stores is crucial to get this step right. Before the shopping day we always meet online first to created a tailored and streamlined shopping list which forms the basis of the shop. This list was defined according to E’s body shape but also her natural sense of her style, the things she loved and also her lifestyle which involved a new promotion at work and socialising with friends.
E confided in me about how she didn’t always know if something really suited her style and how she often found herself reverting to the same shops again and again. She found that she ended up with poor quality fabrics because she was conscious of what she was spending because she felt like she always needed to own a new piece for the next event. This often led to buying items in the sales too when they weren’t always right for her. When we have this mindset during shopping it can make the whole process overwhelming. Not to mention the online struggle of not knowing how an item will fit or endlessly placing orders in the hopes that something will work.
When you have a personal shop with a stylist everything changes. From the shops and brands you are introduced to, to how you intentionally try pieces on and outfit build. Your whole way of shopping will be transformed. I love how E shared that she had ‘Neelam shopping blues’ after our time together because she wanted to do it all again!
Ahead of our time together I visited the stores that I thought would work for her. I sourced pieces that fitted the brief and shopping list and created a bank of images that I could show E ahead of the shop. This pre-work is imperative for a successful shop. During our time together in the stores we tried on fits and cuts that worked specifically for E, we experimented with accessories like belts and shoes and we created multiple outfits out of just a few pieces. This is the beauty of shopping with a clear direction and intention in mind.
Client E Stories
One of the things I love when working with a client on their wardrobe choices, is the items they walk away with that they wouldn’t normally pick. Like E who now has a pair of jeans that aren’t skinny! And a stunning red blazer that will give her that dopamine hit at her next work meeting. A blazer is something she has always aspired to wear and now she is doing exactly that.
Clients often leave a shop with a big revelations in their confidence. E shared how she now definitely feels more confident and is learning to trust her intuition when it comes to what suits her. Through my work that is one of the biggest gifts I can give a client. Not only a confidence and belief in her own opinion but also the confidence in her visual identity.
And of course, when a client says that have been swayed into the world of colour, my day is made even more! E shared how she used to be ‘shy to wear colour’ but after our time together she saw how certain colours really suited her and is now incorporating new colour choices.
A few final words that E left me with…
‘Neelam has been so helpful and I would definitely recommend her. She listens and asks the right questions to ensure she gets the right idea of the style you want to achieve. I felt so comfortable with her and I can’t wait to wear my new pieces and also buy some in the future. It’s given me more motivation and a can-do attitude that I’m able to pick out the right style which will suit me. Two weeks on from the style and she is answering any questions and helping me. This is what I love, the continued support.’
Client E
A huge thank you to my lovely client E for your openness and honesty. I have loved working with you and can’t wait to work together again next year.
Feeling ready to revamp your wardrobe. Book in for a Free Style Call here and lets talk!
