Image consultant and personal stylist

Image consultant and personal stylist

This is my first attempt at explaining my idea. Any feedback would be great!

Many women have very little confidence when it comes to choosing and wearing clothes. They don’t understand their body shape and aspire to be like the images they see in the media. Add to this the huge range of clothing and trends available to us it’s no wonder many women find shopping for clothing confusing. Items are bought that never seem to look quite right and are therefore not worn. This results in money and time being wasted.

I believe that it’s not the size you are that matters but more importantly, the shape you are and dressing to suit this.

I am very aware that Self esteem and image are closely linked. I want to help women to realise their ‘style potential’ and to be comfortable and confident within their skin I hope that this will go some way towards boosting their confidence.

There are a few peopleoffering image consulting services where I live; however, there is nothing to set them apart from each other. The services they offer are all the same and so is the way they carry out the different options available.

Working currently as a fashion advisor for a department store I regularly see up to 4 or 5 women a day. The service is increasingly popular and I often have a waiting list. I would therefore suggest that the demand for this kind of service is increasing. The customers I see come to me for a whole variety of reasons whether it’s to purchase a specific outfit or to buy their wardrobe of clothes for the new season. Some of my customers are women who simply don’t have time to shop and want me to do this for them. The one underlying reason however is a lack in confidence.
In my current position as a fashion advisor, my sole purpose is to sell clothing. Although the service is free there is an expectation that my customers will spend. I am expected to sell around £500 worth of clothing in less than an hour and a half. I feel that this doesn’t allow me to ‘advise’, the part of my job I most enjoy and also, In my opinion, the most important part. I often experience customers who need to use our service having already been to one of the Image Consultants. Often they are confused and put off by the ‘rules’ they are told to follow. This suggests to me that perhaps the services being offered in the area are not as effective as they could be.

The current services available all follow the same rules – Colour is their first and most important one, followed by body shape and make up. Whilst I agree that these are all important learning stages I also think that they need updating for the modern woman. I don’t believe it’s as easy as labelling someone a certain type. There are, according to these image consultants, about 6 different styles that you could be. Everyone fits into one of these boxes!! Surely everyone is individual and has a unique sense of style?

As a result I want to provide a ‘style advice’ or ‘personal styling’ service. This will enable me to really spend time with a client. Ultimately they will be looking to me to make them feel fantastic, boost their confidence, save them time and, in the long term, money; which in the current climate is extremely important. I will tailor my service to suit each individual clients needs. Instead of using a set of rules that suit all I will devise a ‘style guide’ tailored to each customer and their needs. They will be looking to me to boost their confidence and self esteem. I am aware that my clients image must reflect their personality and confidence levels and I will ensure I manage the pace of change so that they feel comfortable with their new look.
My clients will leave feeling confident, happier within themselves and will have a new found knowledge and understanding of themselves along with more of an ability to make considered purchases in the future.


hi, I really love that idea,

hi, I really love that idea, and it is so true about some women not knowing quite what clothes style to be looking for to suit them, me being one of them!!! I would definitely use that service and I think that alot of other people out there would to.

I can often find shopping for clothes more depressing than uplifting, so having an experienced and enthusiastic person there to guide me on what to wear that actually suits and dare I say may flatter my figure, I would be very much appreciatuve of!!!

Thanks

Thanks for the positive feedback!

I've just published my website (www.nikiwhittle.com) so fingers crossed. I need to get out there and start marketing myself - the part I find the hardest.

I think it is a great Idea too!

I think you have hit on a key factor there - the confidence and self-esteem issues that women have when they are buying clothes as well as knowing "what" to wear that will make them look good - it makes such a difference. I think it is really important to offer a service that not only shows women what suits them and allows them to be an individual, but also deals with the issues beneath!

I was going to offer you a website to look at for ideas, but looking at yours it does seem that you have it all covered - I really like it! However, it's always useful to have multiple descriptions and to look around at what others are offering - this website is in Dubai - www.divine.ae - Kelly has been in the business for several years and as you can see she has added a number of other services to her portfolio.

Congratulations on getting going and good luck!

oh and...

I love the pink, flirty fun style of your website!!! The pink on black really works!!

Glad you like it!

Thanks for taking the time to look at my website!

I had a look at 'Divine' A great website. Might be worth me thinking about other types of services. I was thinking about maybe doing Xmas shopping.

It's definately going to take some time for people to know I'm out there. It's all very well being able to do the job, but if I've got no customers than I'm not making money.

Hay ho, I'm off to as networking event tomorrow, so hopefully I'll get somewhere with that.