11.09.2013

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.


15 comments:

  1. That's so neat that you contacted her. I read Marian's post and thought it sounded like a great idea. I don't have too hard a time getting dressed. My days involve jeans and I've accepted that. I have a Pinterest board called Jeans Every Day if you want to look at it. It does help me to study the pictures.

    http://www.pinterest.com/snskee/jeans-every-day/

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    1. I LOVE this!! Thank you so much for sharing :)

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  2. I read Miss Mustard Seed's post that you are talking about. I seriously thought about calling her. I have nothing to pull out of the closet that I would even consider her seeing. All my clothes are Nanny/Grammy clothes. Worn and old. I really want to step it up a little and I may call her and see what she suggests. I think she does have a lot of insight.

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    1. Hi Debby! Email me anytime-I'm happy to chat about what might work for you! -Ella

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  3. This was such a sweet post! I had an incredible time with you on Friday! You have such a kind spirit-and some great clothes to work with! I look forward to meeting you in person in the future!

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  4. Oh! I read MMS post too and so want to call Ella for my own virtual makeover. Was actually going to do it too as a 52nd bday present to myself. Then I broke my knee and now I'm stuck in a knee brace for 8 weeks and can't wear most of my clothes. Boo! It looks like it would be so fun and uplifting.

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    1. Set it up as your birthday/get out of the brace gift to yourself. You will LOVE her!!

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    2. Thank you, Tricia! You're so sweet.

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  5. I had no idea that Ella (a beautiful name, by the way, and one she shares with my daughter) would do a skype consultation. This is definitely something I will consider! My neighbour recently told me that I had great style. As I stood in front of her in my paint splattered yoga pants, and mans xl T shirt, she quickly added it was the style of my home that she was refering to tee hee

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    1. LOL! I know the feeling well! You are lovely all the way around :)

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  6. I absolutely love this! I feel the same way about clothes most of the time. (Too young for Chico's, Definitely Aging out of Forever 21.) What a nice thing to be able to do. This would be such a great gift idea for a friend or sister or mom as well! Here are my old stand-bys: Ann Taylor Loft has nice, still trend(ish) clothes with reasonable price tags. I shop the sale section and I'm a "loft insider" which means I get email discounts. They have great sales. Also - http://www.pennypincherfashion.com/ is a great style blog and she posts daily sales for good, resonably priced stores (online codes and in store codes.) You're going to be great at this fashion thing! :)

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    1. This is why I love blogging. You can put your vulnerabilities out there and instead of judgement you get helpful tips and cheer leading! Love it, thanks!

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  7. Well, at least you are good at figuring out furniture!

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  8. Love this. I'm so inspired to do this. Anything that makes you feel pretty is good :) g

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Thanks so much for popping in. I appreciate all of your lovely comments...Tricia