Department Store Stylist .... Beware!

Independant

I was shopping with a favorite client last Saturday at Melbourne's fashion capital, Chadstone.  This partner of one of Melbourne's big consulting firms needed the experience of navigating boutiques to gain some understanding and confidence of what works and what dosen't.

We spent some time walking the floors of both of Chaddy's main departments stores picking labels and cuts that work magic for her shape.  I showed her how next season the shapes and styles may not work just because they work now.  Keeping a fresh and current perspective is important for professionals in service based industries.

Relying on the ONE label to serve you in your career is crazy, not to mention boring as bat crap!  I recently invited a senior leader in the banking sector to a special event of one of Melbourne's up and coming fashion designers.  She said 'I only wear the one label and would never consider changing'.  Stone the crows!  How bloody dull!

Anyway, we were fossicking about a couple of pieces from an Aussie label and along comes this lovely lady asking if we would like some help.  'I'm the store stylist and will be delighted to assist you with anything'.  How lovely!  Thanks very much, I'll give you a hoi if we need some help.  Thanks for offering.

Well, blow me down if we didn't run into her again in the change room.  She was with another client trying on a colourful top, telling her how fabulous she looked in it.  As the change room door closed, I took the opportunity to ask her about her back ground.  Turns out it's her first day in store.  She worked in sales for two fashion labels running teams and has done a bit of interior design.  My client opened the door to the change room to reveal a top that was so wrong.  Before I could say 'get that off, you're way too hot for that' the store stylist remarked how fabulous the top was on her.  It was all just so very wrong ........

Be careful of in store stylists.  They are there to sell the product whether it works on you or not.  Yes the service is free, but the advice may be a bunch of coddswallap.  You'll get what you pay for every time.  The store hires them to sell.

A GOOD stylist is completely independent of ANY store or label.  He/she is there for you, not the store.  Think about that!  You can claim the services of a professional stylist as professional development on your tax return.  Smart investing I reckon.

We finished our shopping trip with my client feeling grateful for honest, independant, down to earth advice to suit her life and career.  She was glad she spent the money engaging advice that worked for her.  Smart cookie that one!