Advice for working with a stylist

I recently discovered YLF and LOVE it. I am new to the forum as well.

My resolution for 2015 is to invest in myself. This cuts across all areas of my life: health, work, professional development, relationships; it certainly pertains to "my look"-- both wardrobe and beauty. I am planning to working with an in-house stylist at Nordstrom and am wondering what advice other forum members would give going into this situation.

A few additional details: I am single, 41, no children; I recently moved from Washington, DC to Dallas, Texas. I now work mostly from home. I am working to update my wardrobe and look to a new climate (Texas is hotter and summer lasts a LONG time); a different work environment, and different culture (DC is very conservative and serious; Dallas is more casual and there is a lot more bling). I think I know what I like and don't like but don't feel like I've thought it out to a cohesive look, which I would like to do more.

Thanks for any words of wisdom.

9 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Sounds like a great goal for 2015! In working with a stylist, I would suggest trying to come up with a goal that you want to attain in the session. What is it that you would like to achieve? Do you want to come away with a few pieces that will help you wear some of your favorite items, while updating your look? Do you want to get some pieces that will form the basis of a new Texas look? Maybe you'll want to think in terms of what you want to keep and what you want to leave behind, with the style that you wore in DC, either characteristic-wise, or specific item-wise. It would probably be helpful to be able to convey those kinds of goals or directions to the stylist (and to yourself) before your appointment.

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

I would recommend you start some Pinterest boards and/or select some forum members whose style you click with, and use those photos to help your stylist understand your needs. I've worked with Angie, but not with an in-house stylist, so you will have to be very firm in your convictions and try not to get caught up in the buying experience. Know that you can use a cooling off period to decide what you really do want to keep, without the pressure that can occur in store. If you get an item home and cannot make it work with your existing pieces, it may not be for you, unless you're willing to buy a complete capsule in one go. And use the forum for support whenever you need help, guidance, support etc.! Good luck!

Dimity

Active Member

I'd go really slowly. I've moved to lots of different places, from major cities to rural areas and from freezing climates to the tropics. Every place has their own way of doing things, and even though you can see immediate differences, sometimes the really important things are nuances that take a little while to pick up.

If I were moving again I'd probably ensure that I had enough outfits to be able to get dressed everyday, then I'd do lots of looking about and relaxing into the area and job before I bought anything. This is especially true given that you have had a complete lifestyle change as well and you may not be totally sure of what you need yet.

Best wishes for you as you invest in yourself! That's going to be so much fun.

abc

Just be sure to dress for the life you lead now (WFH).

rachylou

YLF is amazing, no kidding!

I love your goal - a cohesive look. Because parts often don't equal a whole. And I agree, with abc. One of the biggest ways I've gained from YLF, has been examining how I really spend my time and assembling my wardrobe proportionally.

Random thought: It's interesting. Dallas is more casual, IMO, in an "I see denim and it's Wednesday" kind of way; but there are definitely rules. And more coiffing...

Meredith

Have you decided whether you will shop at the Northpark or Galleria Nordstom? I feel like the locations have different vibes, so one step would be to determine which store feels like it meshes best with your personality.

Hilary

Thanks for all the input.

Meredith- I am a Northpark girl- not so much the Galleria. Different vibes.

Dashielle- I have pulled together a pint rest board over the last couple of weeks (http://www.pinterest.com/ahdawson/what-to-wear/). It has helped me see what I gravitate towards as well as what I aspire to.

Dimity/ABC- I have been here a little over a year so I have a good idea of what my life looks like versus my pretend life. I have also experienced all the seasons, which is helpful. The eight-months of summer is what I need to focus on.

Rachylou- definitely more coifing and make-up involved here. I am not up to speed on that nor do I ever expect to be. I'm not FROM Texas, I simply live here. The two are very different things.

Well, I met with the stylist today. Your input was so helpful. We had talked beforehand and she had pulled a load of clothes for me. Having thought through what I was looking for, I had been able to communicate that to her and there was a good mix of comfortable classics as well as some edgier pieces. The pieces I chose fit well with my current wardrobe and will help me transition to a better look.

Here are some of the pieces I chose/hope to buy soon:

Nordstrom

NYDJ 'Clarissa' Colored Stretch Skinny Ankle Jeans (Regular & Petite)

$114.00 $68.40

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

Caslon Front Zip Utility Jacket (Plus Size)

$98.00 $58.80

Two by Vince Camuto Drape Front Cardigan (Plus Size)

$109.00 $65.40

Two by Vince Camuto Washed Sateen Cargo Jacket (Plus Size)

$144.00 $86.40

Vince Camuto 'Animal Legacy' Split Neck Blouse (Plus Size)

Vince Camuto Mixed Print V-Neck Blouse (Plus Size)

$89.00

Vince Camuto 'Glacier Leopard' Print Skirt

Vince Camuto Ponte Midi Skirt (Regular & Petite)

$69.00

Suz

Those look like fun choices! The Vince Camuto tube skirts are big favourites on this forum. I have three of them and wear them like crazy in the summer. (They are not warm enough for my very cold Canadian winters but will be year round items for you, I expect.)

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