I’d be the first to admit that I’m a little intimidated by fashion. I’m never entirely sure what’s dated, what’s current, and what goes with what. Add to that the fact that I’m no good at culling my closet, and you get an enormous closet (with some items more than 15 years old) and “nothing to wear.”
But after another round of I-just-bought-all-this-stuff-but-I-still-can’t-get-dressed-in-the-morning, I finally realized that getting a professional to help me would probably save me both time and money. And indeed, in just three efficient and decisive hours, Ali went through probably close to 300 items and weeded out about 20% of them, mostly things that were dated/past their prime, the wrong size, not quite flattering or just not my style. She spent another 45 minutes answering my other questions and helping me match outfits and colors together. Not to mention the fact that while I was trying on clothes, she was putting away the “approved” items much more neatly than I could, so my dresser is much tidier than it was when we started. At the end of this, she felt there were only a few things I should consider getting to update my wardrobe (which is good, considering the size of what’s left) – her goal is certainly not to push you to shop a lot. In fact, she identified some recently purchased items that I didn’t really need and could return.
Equally important, Ali was supportive and enthusiastic, which made the whole experience fun and non-stressful. She was quick to say when she loved something – and very gentle and noncritical when she felt something should go. I certainly don’t have a designer wardrobe or a designer shopping budget, which is why I never would have imagined till recently that I would invite a fashion stylist into my closet, but Ali was totally able to work with what I have (she mentioned she takes clients to J. Crew quite often and has introduced people to Anthropologie).
I’m looking forward to trying to get dressed tomorrow morning. And, inspired by her example, I’m going through some things that I didn’t review with her (like summer and sports gear that I can’t think about when it’s 20F outside) and am weeding out even more things. I may need to reconsult her for warm-weather advice when the mercury rises…
