Monster in the closet...

I have not enjoyed shopping since the late 1980's.  I'm not even kidding.  I buy things on-line when I have to and just the thought of going to a mall makes me break out in hives.  Over the years I have found myself dreading going to events and even duck out of going just because "I don't have anything to wear!"

Part of the problem was that I grew up and out of the way I was comfortable dressing.

This is Madonna, but I am pretty sure I owned that jacket.  And I know I owned the bracelets...

Then I was reading one of my fav blogs Miss Mustard Seed and she was brave enough to write about her own clothes crises here.  Her words really struck a chord with me.  I found myself too young for Chico's and too old for Forever 21, so I just gave up trying.  I was stuck in the middle of my own clothing crises and it was time to do something about it.

So I contacted the lovely women who helped Marian.  Meet Ella, personal stylist of Start Close In.  My email was oozing with desperation, but since I was a desperately dressed mess, and I wanted her to see me honestly, I figured it was okay.  (Secretly I worried that she might think I was too much of a hot mess.)

She not only responded, but was so gracious to meet with me within a few days to do a virtual consult!   One of my friends asked me why I needed a stylist- that my house was so pulled together and cute.  I get that- but paint, furniture and accessories are easy for me.   I can spend money and time on my home, but myself?  Not so much.

So yesterday was the big day!  2:30 virtual consult...

This girl has personality PLUS! 

We started with this:  I pulled out pretty much everything I owned and sorted it into piles on the bed.

My closet threw up...

And we jumped right into looking at what pieces I had.  Learning how to pull my pants up, where my waist is located, and how to emphasize my hourglass shape, all while laughing and sharing stories with each other.  It felt more like I was hanging out with a good friend than trying to fix my clothing crisis.      It was freeing, funny, and you know what?  I got excited about clothes and dressing up again.  I have outfits people, outfits that I can proudly wear out!  I can't say enough about how easy it was to work with Ella, and what a genius mind the girl has when it comes to analyzing body shape- what patterns, colours, and even shoes/jewelry works well together.

As I tried on clothes and switched pieces out, Ella took notes and talked about creating a Pinterest board for me.  I felt energized and excited about getting dressed to go out that evening.   My confidence was renewed and I felt....pretty.  To be able to do that for someone else is a true gift.

Thank you, Ella.