I need a wardrobe consultant

[oneofthegiantsisme]

Ok, style has never been my strong point (I'm mostly in the "as long as it's practical & comfortable" camp), but every now and then I feel I ought to be trying a little harder.

I spend my life (SAHM) in jeans & t-shirts/jumpers, with the occasional skirt (you know, the long denim type ). My figure's OK (size 12), but I'm definitely pear-shaped.

What I think I need is an expert to come & look at me, look at my existing wardrobe of clothes, and sort me out - tell me what to wear with what, what to get rid of, what else I should buy. I don't really have any close friends I feel I could ask, so I'm wondering if there is a company who would do this - can anyone recommend someone? How will I know if they're any good or if I'm going to pay someone to tell me to look like something I'm not?

All advice welcomed!

Hi there. One of the colour analysis companies, such as House of Colour will offer this service. What they would recommend is that you have colour and style analysis first, so you know your best colours and your style personality, then you can do the wardrobe sorting yourself. I know lot soy people who have had this done (including me) and it is great fun as well as being a bit of a revelation too. HoC have consultants all over the country so there is bound to be one near where you live. They are all trained and QA'd so your experience should be roughly the same, but you might find that they all look a bit old, or even mad, when you look at their website. Don't be put off, the service is great and the idea is to educate you so you can make your own style choices.

There is another recentish post on here about looking for a stylist.

If you are a pear which I am you can get some advice on what woks and doesn't work on pear shaped bodies on the internet.

I have had a stylist come to me to do a wardrobe detox (PM if you want details); I've also gone shopping with an independent stylist; and had personal shoppers at the major department stores. I have been happy with each service -- but the time I have spent analysing what does and doesn't work on my body has been far more fruitful.

By the way there is stylist federation -- which many stylist belong to and most will be more than happy to give you references. They tend to have websites with before and afters.

Below is thread about stylists:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/1401393-Does-this-exist-Proper-stylists-not-salespeople

Where are you? I know one in Northwich...(PS love your username that is my absolute favourite kids' book! I love it so much I commissioned a print of the picture at the end of her holding her baby :) )

Been a busy week, so it's taken me a while to get back here, but thanks for the advice folks. I've just had a look at House of Colour and they've got a consultant near me, so I think that's the way I'll go - just need to find a date I can fit into the busy summer schedule now!