I felt like I had no clothes and every time I tried to shop (online or otherwise), I could never find anything I liked. So, I enlisted the help of Claire at Style Du Jour. First of all we had a wardrobe consultation where we had a half day going through my clothes at home. From that we realised what suited me and I found I had quite a few things I didn’t wear that I thought I didn’t suit. Claire showed me how to wear them so, I immediately felt I had loads more outfits. We then agreed what I still needed to complement what I already had. The next weekend we went shopping. Stuck to high street shops where we bought lots of basics. Claire is lovely - bubbly and friendly, boosts your confidence, works round your preferences and doesn’t push her style on you, but gently encourages you to try some new ideas. I feel like I have so many options of things to wear now. But the main thing is my confidence to shop by myself has really improved and since our trip I’ve bought a few new things too. I particularly loved the shopping trip - we had a right giggle. Claire was really happy to be on hand for further questions and now I’m feeling kind of bereft that I won’t see her again. Well... not until the winter where I’m sure I can find an excuse for another consultation.
Having someone trained to provide styling advice gave me the focus I needed to decide there and then what to keep, but most importantly, direct advice on what to ditch once and for all. Arranging to have a wardrobe consultation sounds like luxury you can't really afford, like an extra present you don't really need and can make you feel quite strange to do something just for yourself. However, I now feel that it was very useful in that it was very practical - actually getting rid of clothes, freeing up space and having a wardrobe looking neater and tidier. It was great fun, because it is something you do just for you and it is like having a personal styling coach telling you how to look good so it feels a bit like being a celebrity! That in itself is very empowering and certainly boosts your confidence. Claire reminded me I had jeans I could wear with court shoes and bright flats / trainers, and that I could wear my checked jacket with them too. It gives you a long-term focus on your own style and what clothes do FOR you - not TO you - and in that way, help give you the confidence you may need to think forward ie in my case, a promotion. I really think everyone should be getting a wardrobe consultation, it is no luxury, but something you do for yourself.
I had a personal shopping appointment with Claire Pentland of Style Du Jour. I was really impressed! We started by meeting for a coffee where Claire ran through questions that covered budget, lifestyle, preferences for colours, etc etc. We started at Fraser’s and worked our way along Princes st. Claire asked me to pick things out, so she could see what I was drawn to, and then brought a load of things to the changing room that I wouldn’t even have considered. By the end of the session I had the basics of a smart working wardrobe, in clothes that fit, are within my budget and flatter me. So if there’s a need to do a wee revamp, I really would encourage you to get in touch with Claire. Shopping and clothes will never be my ‘thing’, but her humour and talent made what’s usually an absolute trial, something I could manage through and almost even say I enjoyed.
Claire made shopping so easy. She knew straight away the types of items I would like but, also took the time to understand my shape and what would suit me. She also pushed me out my comfort zone and we chose things that I never would have picked if I had been on my own but, that really suited me. I can't recommend her enough!
