Let’s Get Personal: Personal Shoppers to the Rescue

Amanda Moutinho

Shopping can be a total nightmare. With so many options to choose from, it’s stressful deciding what shoes match those pants or what necklace goes with that dress, all the while trying to stay abreast of new trends. To save yourself from a mall-floor meltdown, enlist the help of someone whose job is to make you look good. Personal shoppers can be a lifesaver to help with whatever you need, whether it’s an outfit head to toe for a hot date or a new job, a current fashion update, or a total wardrobe overhaul

Several stores offer complimentary personal shopping services including Macys, J. Crew, Anthropolgie, and Nordstrom. Appointment types vary from store to store with an array of choices from a quick closet update to a full style makeover. Personal shoppers can help dress you for specific occasions or find a new style that suits you. Some stores even offer free tailoring services with your purchases.

If you’re in need for some more personalized and thorough help, check out some specialized styling companies like Mile High Style, KeelyStyle, or Milena Image Consulting. These stylists can tune up your closet and also take you on personal shopping trips. Their services can range from $150 for a quick consultation or over $1000 for more desperate cases – these prices not including the new clothes purchased. You can buy packages with a certain amount of hours or functions, and each company has options to fit any budget.

If you decide to open up your style for suggestions, here are some tips for working with personal shoppers:

• Be cautious that, especially in department stores, most personal shoppers work on commission. When you’re hundreds of dollars in, and your personal stylist is trying to convince you that you’d wear a red fedora everywhere, think twice. Keep a level head and know your goals.
• Do a little research. Know the general price points for the items you want to buy and how much you’re willing to spend. If you need three new suits, you might not want to break the bank on a gold watch.
• Know that personal shoppers are usually honest with you. Their ultimate goal is a continued relationship, so letting you buy a pair of jeans that makes your butt look too big is not in their best interest.
• Be as specific as possible in what you’re looking for. Think about your lifestyle, what looks good on you, and what you want your outfit to achieve.
• Be realistic. You don’t want to spend time and money on a pile of clothes you’ll never wear.
• Don’t be shy. Ask about different brands, how to transition pieces from day to night, what styles go best with which accessories, etc.
• Usually there’s no tipping, but you can refer other clients to them.
• It’s best to use a personal shopper when you want help with more than just one item, which you can ask an on-floor sales person for.
• Beware, personal shoppers can be addictive. After you have professional help getting dressed, you might not be able do it by yourself.