Monday, June 23, 2014

Q&A with a Personal Stylist - what the heck do you actually do?



As a personal stylist who has been in business for over 9 years, I find people are quite interested in this job I do and love. I thought you might find it amusing and interesting to learn about some of the usual questions I am faced with on a daily/weekly basis from my clients and the people I meet. So grab a coffee, get the baby settled (yeah right) and I hope this makes you smile.

Is there a market for that? I mean WHO uses you?

I was recently asked this for an online fashion magazine and here is what I told them. People use a personal stylist when they realise that when you invest some money in learning how to buy and wear clothing that suits you, you end up saving money. You end up enjoying what you have and feeling confident you are doing the best you can with what you have. I’ve seen ages 2-78, Sizes 4-36, mums to musicians, priests (yes it’s true quite a few!) to professionals. A call is often triggered by a life event, or reasons like weight loss and gains, bodies changing after babies, a step up the corporate ladder, returning to the workforce or a significant birthday.

Which season do people find more difficult to dress in?

Hands down, Summer. It’s because loads of people feel they can ‘hide’ in winter clothes. When skin is on show (arms & knee in particular) people feel quite nervous.

What do people find the hardest to buy?

Good ole Jeans. Always hits No.1. Keep an eye on my Facebook page as I’m going to be giving a lot more helpful hints on how to buy jeans and what to look for. You will even find a video instruction from me. People really want a great pair of jeans and really struggle to find ones that fit them. https://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair

Do you throw away loads of people’s clothes?

Yes and no. We don’t personally do it, we don’t fill a bag and leave with it, but we do put it in a pile and it has been explained by either us or the client has seen it for themselves WHY it isn’t right. Often people tell me then and there “I’m going to sneak that back in you know!” which makes me smile. Because guaranteed 6 mths later, they say “I tried to wear it again and it just didn’t work so I threw it away”. When you understand the principals of why something isn’t right, it’s much easier to let it go rather than use the normal excuses of ‘I’ll fit it one day, it might become trendy again, I spent SO much money on it, I was given it, it reminds me of a lovely memory”.



Do you see clients’ who love shopping and have loads of money to spend?

Not often on both counts. Our job is not about wandering around town buying the latest fashions for wealthy clients. It’s helping everyday people to spend wisely on clothes they actually need for their lifestyle and within a budget. Most of our client’s really dislike shopping. We do lots of Op-shopping with clients who need a decent amount of clothing within a small budget. It’s a great idea if you are fluctuating in weight after having had a baby. You are sick and tired of your maternity clothes, but not willing to go the whole hog and spend too much in case your weight/shape changes!

Do you ever get tired of shopping?

No. Never. Ever.

Have you ever not been able to help anyone?

Nope. Because each person takes different things from a session. For some it’s about the de-clutter of the wardrobe. For others learning about colours. Some people have a great instinct for colours but struggle with their body shape and what suits it. Many just feel like they have lost their mojo with clothing due to life circumstances – age and childbirth being a couple of major ones.

Do you see many male clients?

Yes, loads. They actually really like the process because it’s logical and problem solving. When you can tell a man this suits you, this is why, here buy this. They go “oh, ok”. I’m also sure they quite enjoy being bossed around a bit by someone else other than their wife.

For more details visit the website or making a booking with Trudi (Auckland) or Sarah (Wellington) on trudi@wardrobeflair.com

Regards Trudi

http://www.wardrobeflair.com/ http://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair - follow the fashion!! https://twitter.com/WardrobeFlair Blogger http://www.mymag.co.nz/index.php/mypages/mystyle MyStyle Fashion blogger for MyMag.co.nz

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

It's going to be an action packed week! Trudi has already had a profile done in Online Fashion Magazine Thread - see here to link up and read all about it.

http://threadnz.com/fashion/chat-trudi-bennett-wardrobe-flair/



Later this week keep an eye out on the Facebook page as Trudi is going to run a video about what to look for when buying a pair of jeans!

https://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair

Something to also bear in mind if you are thinking about hiring a personal stylist. In order to get the full benefit of this experience, most people need to know their colours, what shapes and styles suit them for their body shape and have their wardrobe checked over to see what can be used and what needs to go. Many consultants do this in separate sessions AND charge for each separate session.

Here at http://www.wardrobeflair.com/ that is not the case. In a two hour session, we cover COLOURS, SHAPE and the WARDROBE. Which means this session is action packed, totally comprehensive and such value for money.



For more details visit the website or making a booking with Trudi (Auckland) or Sarah (Wellington) on trudi@wardrobeflair.com

Regards Trudi

http://www.wardrobeflair.com/ http://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair - follow the fashion!! https://twitter.com/WardrobeFlair Blogger http://www.mymag.co.nz/index.php/mypages/mystyle MyStyle Fashion blogger for MyMag.co.nz

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Trudi Bennett launches Auckland Branch of Wardrobe Flair!



I’m finally ready to launch the Auckland Branch of www.wardrobeflair.com. I’m telling people to ‘release the hounds’ and get my phone line running red hot. With over 9 years’ experience in the personal styling business, I’m confident the Auckland market is now ready for me!

In the past the main crux of the business has been about seeing one-on-one clients, men and women. Having said that the corporate market has been growing fast with many firms wanting me as a speaker for conferences, seminars, workshops, in-house presentations to staff or to have me present an event for their clients.

Whist the business encompasses everything from what colours suit you to the ideal shapes for your body, personal shopping, wardrobe rearranging, corporate seminars, workshops, conferences and fundraisers, the main aim is creating confidence and giving practical advice.

I’m passionate about this, which is why I’ve kept my prices reasonable to be able to stay affordable. As well as one-on-one services, TV & Radio, plus presenting work, I’m a fashion blogger for online magazines and shopping malls. I’m always happy to contribute articles to give helpful, practical advice on how to make getting dressed in the morning that little bit easier.

All my details are below

I look forward to hearing from you all!

Regards Trudi Bennett http://www.wardrobeflair.com/ http://www.facebook.com/WardrobeFlair - follow the fashion!! https://twitter.com/WardrobeFlair Blogger http://www.mymag.co.nz/index.php/mypages/mystyle MyStyle Fashion blogger for MyMag.co.nz