When people ask me how I do my work, it is hard for me to explain. Before the video chat I do with each client, I ask minimal questions. I ask for 4 photos and 5 measurements, and that is it. That’s all I would need to give you the general fit advice for your body type. In a packet, I describe a client’s body, face, and features, and then I explain what different options are going to do for your body. That is only one page in my client packets, out of 10! People are so multifaceted, intriguing, and unique, and dressing just a body is not what I ever want to do. The video consult is vital to my process, and where I get 99% of my data and inspiration for the advice I give clients.
I completed an image consultant program, and serve as VP of programs for the Association of Image Consultants International West chapter which means I plan and execute educational presentations and classes. I have a library of books I turn to regularly on color theory, color analysis, personal style, image consulting, body language, and other related topics. While I greatly appreciate all the knowledge I’ve gained, styling a human is not a science. People’s history, taste, values, and needs all affect what they are going to feel comfortable in, and feeling happy with one’s outfit is the most important part of looking beautiful.
According to traditional body type advice, a “triangle” or “pear” is recommended to use wide necklines, shoulder details, and a-line skirts. The principle behind this type of advice is that the more you can make someone approximate an hourglass, the better. The idea that any one body type is “best” is one I am actively choosing to work against, not least by helping each client look her best in a way that says exactly what she wants it to say.
I ask my clients questions about themselves in my consults. I ask about flowers, shoes, movies, and values in order to gain an overview of their preferred aesthetic. I ask about their habits in order to learn their needs. I find that by the end of the interview, I have found themes that connect it all, and I use that to create the shape and feel of their wardrobe. That is what is hard to explain - in some women, traditional body shape advice is perfect for how they want to appear and what they want their clothes to say to the world. For some women, creativity is vital, and “flattering their figure” is not something they value nearly as highly as freedom and making a statement. I enjoy helping in either scenario!
I give my clients specific recommendations regarding sleeve lengths, necklines, fabrics, and accessories, based on what we’ve discussed. I also give ideas of how to break those rules depending on the circumstances and what they need that day or in a certain scenario. I never want a client to leave me feeling like I have esoteric style knowledge that I will only parse out to them outfit by outfit. I want my clients to leave me knowing themselves better, and feeling prepared to dress themselves each day knowing they’re going to look and feel amazing.