What
do you get when you hire an image consultant?
05/12/06
Dear
Kathi,
I
haven’t worked with an image consultant before but have
often considered using this type of service. I am embarrassed
to say that I don’t know exactly what would happen if
I did use an image consultant. Could you explain the process
to me?
The main reason I haven’t used an image consultant is
that I am nervous about the expenditure. I feel like I spend
a lot on clothes that I don’t wear, for one reason or
the other, and would like to buy the right items the first
time around. I hate to shop!
Meryl, entrepreneur in Encinitas
Meryl,
There are many people who do not know what an image consultant
actually does while on the job. I understand why you might
be uncomfortable but there is no need for embarrassment. Working
with any type of personal consultant is always a learning
process.
Keep in mind that image consultants will operate slightly
differently from each other but typically charge for their
time by the hour. Although an Image consultant might seem
like an unnecessary luxury, in the long run most people end
up spending less for their wardrobes while using a consultant.
They know which items to buy in the future and are less likely
to bring home the mistakes that frequently entered their closets
before. Once you understand what it feels like to wear clothes
that really work for your body and image, you will never be
tempted to buy sale items simply because they are discounted!
Instead, you will know exactly what department to shop in
and which items will serve you in the long run, meaning fewer
clothes to buy and more to wear often!
Some Image consultants will interview you, take notes about
your size,determine your needs and actually shop for you.
They will meet you and help you locate the pieces they feel
will create an upgraded image. They base their choices on
your body shape and coloring, as well as recommend or accompany
you to a hair stylist, and, if needed, an optical store. They
may be with you every step of the way or simply refer you
to other hair/makeup/optical professionals who are most appropriate
for your needs.
As a professional organizer and image consultant, I always
start with the client’s closet and wardrobe at hand.
I first assess what the client owns —which items work
and don’t work for him or her.
Items that don’t fit or are the wrong shape or color
are typically donated to others who might benefit. All good
items in disrepair or dirty are scheduled for alterations
or cleaning.
As a general rule of thumb, people only wear 20 percent of
the clothes that they own, so there are usually a lot of clothes
that leave the closet. Think about which items have not left
your wardrobe for over a year or even the last six months.
These are likely suspects for donation. If you haven’t
worn them, often you know instinctively that they don’t
help your image.
Based on the essential elements for creating a balanced wardrobe,
I, as the Image consultant create a list noting the already
owned, appropriate items and the items that are needed. A
game plan is formed based on the client budget. I then pre-shop
and rack potential pieces from the list.
The client meets me at the store to try on the clothes and
find the perfect fit. Nothing is purchased unless it is a
“wow” or has the potential to be made perfect
in shape and fit.
Regardless of an Image consultant’s personal process,
most will choose a basic color palette for each client. This
provides a solid guideline for the client to determine future
wardrobe decisions. The ultimate completed wardrobe will mix
and match, with numerous variations.
Finding clothes that flatter will boost your confidence and
help you developa sense of style. A good Image consultant
will teach you the rules to followfor future purchases and
how to coordinate your new wardrobe in the future.
You will feel really good about your appearance and be able
to make proper clothing decisions. You will learn to how to
camouflage your weak spots and appreciate your body as it
is.
We all have good parts and parts that could use de-emphasizing.That
is what an Image consultant does: Teaches you how to draw
attention away from your challenge areas. Shows you your assets
and how to highlight them. That is fashion in its highest
form.
Thanks for writing and don’t hesitate to write with
any other specific questions.
