Online style services offer a convenience factor and fill a void that many women have (and men, too) when it comes to their wardrobe.
Most online stylists offer the same basic service. You create an account, fill out and submit an online profile telling them about yourself and your budget, the company assigns you a virtual stylist and then the stylist selects and ships you items which show up on your doorstep about a week later. You have 5 or so days to keep only the items you like and ship back the rest. It often takes a few shipments to “train” your stylist so expect more returns in the beginning until your virtual stylist figures out your preferences. There are mixed reviews on the quality of merchandise with any online service. Just know that there is a broad range of brands these online services promote and sometimes you might get the low-end even if you set a higher budget. It often simply takes more communication with your virtual stylist to narrow down your expectations.
The real difference between online services and a Personal Stylist lies in the fact that the online services don’t know what you’ve already got in your closet or what you need to replace or donate. Which leaves YOU to purge your current wardrobe, create stylish outfits and choose new pieces that can be integrated into your current wardrobe, which many of us are unable to do or simply not very good at. Even though they are offering a service of convenience, the online stylists are still there to sell clothes.
A professional Personal Stylist will offer a complete package. I start with a free consultation whether it be at your home, a nearby coffee shop or a phone call. We’ll determine what your needs are and how I can best help move you toward having an organized and appealing wardrobe for work, school, date night, travel, special occasions, etc.
We then will do a closet edit (clean out), reorganization, style session, create outfits and finally I’ll suggest items if needed that would compliment and complete your wardrobe.
One of my favorite things about working with a client is helping them discover that often times they don’t need to shop for ANYTHING. They just need to revamp, re-organize and get creative with what they’ve already got hanging in their closet. Most of us already have too much STUFF and I’m not here to sell you more; I simply want to help you build a purposeful and well-curated wardrobe that works with your lifestyle.
Bottom line, it’s a very personal choice…and each one of us should do what works best for our own self. I’m somewhat biased I know but I truly enjoy developing relationships with my clients. I love when a client texts me a picture for “approval” of something they want to wear or purchase. That’s hard to get with an online service.
I’d be happy to answer additional questions; just leave me a comment at the bottom of this post or reach out on social media.
Below is a quick rundown on a couple popular online services if you’d like to give them a try. There are many more out there!
Stitch Fix–no subscription, $20 styling fee applied to purchase, order anytime or schedule auto shipments, free shipping both ways.
Trunk Club–a Nordstrom Co. (so guess where your clothes are coming from?)–$25 styling fee applied toward purchase, review your “trunk” online before it ships to approve stylist picks, order anytime or schedule set shipments, free shipping and returns.
Finery–Free app and cool concept but takes a significant amount of time to set up. You link your email address to the app so when you place an order online it saves the order to your digital closet. Ideally you would have pictures of your entire wardrobe on the app. Then Finery suggests how to wear your pieces according to season, style and even local weather. It also gives you links to items it recommends you purchase to enhance your wardrobe.
~xoxo
Kristen Ford 