Who is the best person to go fashion shopping with?

 I think about this question a lot, and it really can have a huge impact on your shopping experience (and consequently your ability to explore your style). Fashion and style is subjective; something you like, others may not- and that's ok! That's what keeps fashion changing and moving- its also what makes you, you! What suits your friend may not suit you and a style that your mum picks out for you may restrict your personality. You can't please everyone so just focus on pleasing yourself.

It breaks my heart every time I witness someone bringing along the wrong person when they go on a  shopping trip.  The experience is uncomfortable and demoralising for the person shopping, having someone shutting down their outfit ideas, using terms like "well, I wouldn't wear that..." or "I don't think that's you..." or "where on earth would you wear that?"- or they may just start laughing and slating the outfit; "that does nothing for you" or "that makes you look older/larger...too this or too that". And is the person critiquing the outfits a supermodel or fashion baddie? No! They are in the most boring, plain, uninspiring outfits- they may even be intimidated by your own creative mind. 

Too often, people will pass their insecurities on to others to make themselves feel better. Too often in styling appointments, I get asked "aren't I too old for that? Someone once told me when I reach a certain age I shouldn't wear that...". It makes me feel like crying when I hear about age restrictions on style. No, no, no, no no! Just because your friend does not like an outfit because it makes them feel insecure about themselves does not mean that their rule applies to you, your body and your style. Style is YOUR identity- if you like wearing mini dresses and you love showing off your legs then it shouldn't matter what your age is or what your friend thinks. 

Sorry, rant over!

The best person to go shopping with is a personal stylist. As a stylist, I am trained to not impose my own style and tastes on to a client, but to look at a person the way an interior designer may look at a room. I will ask you questions like, "do you have a style in mind" or "have you seen any outfits or looks you've always wanted to try? Yes? Great, lets give them a go!" or, I may just run about putting together looks that suit you, your body, your style and your vibe. I will show you techniques that make clothes work harder for you, whilst making your style look effortless. And I will, of course, provide my honest opinion. After all, I want you looking and feeling your best so you recommend me to your friends and family- so I'd better be as genuine, authentic and as helpful as possible- it's my reputation and livelihood on the line!

But more importantly, I can not fake the beaming smile I get when I watch my client grow in front of my eyes in to a more confident, prouder and elevated version of themselves. I have cried alongside my clients as they shed tears of joy from feeling like themselves again. I have celebrated when they tell me they have got the job or the promotion due to feeling empowered during their interview or since investing in a new work wardrobe. I love looking at pictures of my clients at the wedding I dressed them for or on the stage of their graduation ceremony in the outfit I recommended for them. More than anything, I love it when my clients will book in with me year after year, telling me they talked about me to all their friends and family.

A personal stylist should not shut down your ideas, and will just add or tweak them to ensure they do suit you. The majority of my job involves listening and reacting to your styling wishes and encouraging you to be adventurous. Rather than critiquing the outfits you create, lets look at how to elevate it to make it work better. And the clothes you like, I certainly appreciate them, even if my own style is completely different, as I have styled over 1,000 people and each client is unique! 

If you can find a friend who has those types of qualities or is supportive and honest in an unbiased way, then that is a perfect alternative. Or, even better still, go shopping on your own. This way you will be able to decide which shops to go to and you'll be able to focus entirely on yourself. 

Be confident in selecting who you take fashion shopping with you and never let anyone try to change your style to suit themselves! Your style is your identity and it is completely personal to you, so give that mini dress a try, you may be pleasantly surprised...