When it comes to assembling the perfect wardrobe, image
consultants often rely on a photographic memory of their clients’ purchases.
"Eve will remember something she bought for me 10 years ago," Hughes says. "And
she’ll say, ‘That piece would work well with what you’re buying now.’" In
addition to having a gift for coordinating outfits and integrating garments with
a client’s existing wardrobe, private shoppers have a knack for finding the
perfect item for their clients—whether it’s something they’ve been searching for
or something they would never have looked at twice. Hughes was shopping with
Michaels at a consignment store when Michaels zeroed in on a green Murano glass
chunky necklace. "How she found it, I don’t know," Hughes says. "I would never
have chosen it myself. Every time I wear that necklace I get a million
compliments. It’s probably one of my favorite pieces."
Defining and developing one’s image—and creating the perfect
wardrobe to enhance it—is an ongoing commitment. Most clients shop with a
private shopper once or twice a year to update their wardrobes seasonally. Many
refuse to shop alone. "A shopper has a gift," Hughes says. "I still end up
making the wrong choice or the conservative choice when I shop without Eve."
To ensure a productive working relationship with a professional
shopper, clients should attend to the following issues before setting foot
inside a store:
Determine your
budget. Calculate how much you are willing to spend on
your appearance. A good image consultant will respect your
limits.
Discuss rates. Make sure you know up front how much your image consultant charges. Is
it an hourly, daily or project fee? Will you be billed before or after the
shopping session?
Interview
other clients. Ask the shopper if you can speak to some
of her longtime customers. Keep an open mind. Be willing to
try new styles and colors that fall outside your comfort zone. Trust your gut. A relationship with
an image consultant is one of mutual trust. Let your intuition guide you when
choosing one who understands your style and the image you want to portray.
Kassandra Kania is a freelance writer based in Charlotte,
N.C.
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