Professional
Opinion:
You love your friends,
but are not sure if their suggestions are really for you, or
simply reflect what they like themselves. Not everyone always
trusts him or herself, either — it happens to the best of
us. I am a true professional. I am informed, creative, resourceful,
and polite. My goal is to provide you with clothes that make
you look and feel comfortable, beautiful, and most importantly,
confident. I have been in the fashion business for 16 years
and have been a personal stylist, and fashion consultant
for the past eight years. I have taken hundreds of men and women
shopping — of all ages and sizes, each with their own
individual taste and personality. Having
me as their personal shopper has given them the wardrobe
to match.
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Organization:
Your trip is organized
from start to finish. Using your Style Profile, your itinerary
will be composed of designers who specifically correspond
to your style. I will spend any amount of time necessary
to thoroughly research different designers, and smaller
specialty shops to give you a truly unique look . Before
your trip, I go to every store we will visit and pre-select
items for you. When we arrive in the shop the day of your
trip, you simply walk into the changing room and the clothes
are there waiting for you.
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Short of
Time?:
You're a busy person, juggling work, relationships,
family, and day-to-day life. You don’t have much free
time to wander around, shopping aimlessly. Free time. .
. what free time! You don’t want to
waste time researching or looking for clothes you like.
If you're on vacation, you want to spend your time relaxing,
not stressed out trying to navigate the foreign city. You don’t
want to arrive in a shop only to find they have the dress
you have been searching for, but not in your size. I take
care of all the work so none of your time is wasted.
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Specific
Budget?:
My trips are not about spending thousands
of dollars to look good. They are about working within
your budget and ending up with a smart, specific, and personal
style. Not everyone who spends thousands of dollars ever
actually ends up looking tasteful, let alone unique. I
work on a flat fee because I am not interested in a commission.
There will never be any pressure from me for you to spend
money unnecessarily. If you're financing this trip for someone
else, you can trust me to keep to your specified budget.
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Don’t
Speak the Language?:
It can be very intimidating
and frustrating not to be able to express yourself. While
most shop assistants do speak English, they may not own
up to it. I speak English as my mother tongue, and I am
fluent in French and Italian. I know how to ask for — and
get — exactly what you want.
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Intimidated
by the Formality of European Shopping?:
Shopping
in Europe is much more formal than shopping in the States.
I have lived in Europe most of my adult life. I understand
the cultural differences and how the process works. And
the designers, shop owners, and shop assistants know me.
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Intimidated
by Shop Assistants?:
Some shop assistants
suffer from the “Red Carpet Syndrome”. They
feel that because they work for a prestigious designer,
this somehow transfers that status onto them. This is NOT the
norm! Don't be afraid — you will never suffer the snobby
shop assistant when accompanied by me. Maybe you find you
make unwise purchases because of overbearing shop clerks.
I will be there to make sure you only buy something because
you absolutely LOVE it. Not because you have been pressured
into it or feel you have something to prove. I am professional
and polite, but also firm.
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Intimidated
by Choice of Styles, Shops, and Colors?:
With
thousands of designers, hundreds of colors, and millions
of different clothes to chose from, why does everything
start to look the same? I am there to be your filter, keeping
you focused only on items that correspond to your style.
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Not
Sure of Your Style?:
“Fashion fades but style
remains.” — Coco Chanel.
There is a big difference
between “fashion” and “style.” Fashion
is being on the cutting edge of the best new looks. It
is a fine line to walk though. Style is about creating
a signature look, whether it be exotic or classic, romantic
or conservative. While you may have different styles for
different moods, it is important to have an overall theme
to your wardrobe. I can organize your Style
Profile.
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Need
a New Look?:
You know your style, but think it needs
updating or a breath of fresh air. If the Ghost
of Fashions Past is haunting you and demanding your wardrobe
back, then it's time for a change. I will spend any time
necessary organizing a new look for you that is an extension
of your personality. You will end up with pieces that give
you the tailored, modern new look you deserve.
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Need
a New Wardrobe?:
If every time you look in your closet
you want to cry, you need a new wardrobe. While getting
ready in the morning, you don’t have the time or
energy to try on everything you own, leaving your dressing
room looking as though a tornado has just passed through.
When you lose or gain weight, you need clothes that are
going to look perfect on your new body. Since retiring
from the modelling business, and getting older, my body
has naturally filled out, leaving me three sizes larger.
While it was heartbreaking at first, and difficult to grasp
when I could no longer fit into my most cherished items, I had
to let them go. Trying to squeeze my new fabulous figure
into jeans that were too small created the scary look of “busting
out of my seams”. . . NOT attractive. Instead
of crying, I decided to congratulate myself on becoming
a woman, and promptly went out and celebrated chez Louis
Vuitton. Losing weight is also cause for celebration. You
have sacrificed and worked hard. Now you deserve to reward
yourself with a wardrobe that is going to show off your
new slimmer self!
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Need
an Ensemble for an Important Event?:
Are you getting
married? Need your honeymoon wardrobe? Going to a charity
event? Want to be the “Belle of the Ball”?
Have you been invited to the Oscars? Throwing a Big Birthday
Bash, or an elegant soirée? If you need a fabulous, one-of
outfit for that special occasion, I will find it for you.
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Need
that Corporate Look?:
With competition in the business
world getting more and more fierce, one cannot depend solely
on one's talent. If you want that new position or contract,
you MUST look the part. Women’s corporate wear has
come a long way from bulky shoulder pads and conventional
suits. Show your feminine side while still keeping a professional
tone. For men, it can become extremely difficult to stand
apart from the crowd. The corporate uniform does not allow
much leeway, but I can still give you a polished look
that gives you an edge over the competition.
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Pregnancy:
Have you just discovered you are pregnant? Congratulations!
You know you are soon going to need maternity wear, but still
want to look fabulous and chic. If spending the next nine
months in your husband's shirts or tracksuits
isn’t for you, then Paris is. The Parisian
woman demands a chic look at all times. The French designers
who create clothes specifically for this time, when your
body changes so fast, are the best in the world.
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Want
the Latest Trends?:
Living in this strange third
dimension called Fashion World gives you certain privileges.
Nothing changes more quickly than a fashion trend. I have
the inside information and gossip. I will let you in on
the next best thing before it even hits the streets.
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Want
to Make Smart Buys?:
Not everyone needs an entire new wardrobe.
My goal is to work with your existing pieces so your new
purchases will mix seamlessly with the old. This creates
a new fresh look and builds a stronger wardrobe. You will
never make an impulse buy with me.
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Want
to Buy Clothes that will Last?:
The last thing you
want is to have spent money, time, and energy buying the
perfect item only to find it is out of fashion before
you even take the price tag off. If you're not interested
in buying trendy clothes, then you're a conservative shopper.
This is one of my personal favorite ways to shop, as it
is the most challenging.
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Want
to Shop in the Secret, Exclusive Shops?:
Not everyone
wants to wear major labels. If you prefer the more discreet,
smaller gems and secret addresses, I can guarantee you
a very exclusive itinerary. I know the secret boutiques
of every Paris arrondissement, London borough, and Milan
quarter. We might travel off the beaten path, so be prepared
for some odd neighborhoods!
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Want
Major Labels?:
You absolutely must have the major
labels, but don’t want to pay full price. The only
time you can accomplish this is during the sales seasons.
These occur only twice a year in Paris. These aren't the
best times to shop as lines can be up to a half-hour
wait, the selection is limited, and crowds are unbelievable.
But it's not impossible. . . If it's the hunt you're after
, then I'm game. There are also stock shops that sell last season's
lines. I cannot guarantee the results will be the same as a normal
trip, but you will save money. The reason I have a flat fee is
because I'm not interested in a commission. I simply work hard
to acquire the clothes you want.
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Want
to Shop When Stores are Closed?:
Few stores will
open their doors outside of normal business hours. I am
acquainted with the shops that will, but only for special
clients. . . like mine.
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Hate
to Shop?:
Plain and simple. . . the very thought of
putting yourself through the gruelling task of fighting
the crowds, navigating the streets, finding the right shops,
dealing with shop clerks, and finding the right size, color,
and cut is exhausting. Upon finding these elements you
now face the humiliating task of actually trying these
items on, only to find either they don’t fit or
you think you look horrible. Not to mention you are in
a foreign country where these trials soon become even more
dreadful. I make shopping not only bearable, but actually stress-free.
I have done all the work — you simply get to relax and be
truly pampered by a professional, looking out for Number One. .
. you.
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Wedding Party:
You're planning the most romantic,
exciting, and memorable day of your life. This is one day
when everything has to be perfect. I have taken several
future brides and their bridesmaids on shopping trips.
It is great fun and takes much of the nervous pressure
off these important decisions. It is also a great idea
for a bachelorette party.
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Wedding Gift:
Know the future newlyweds will be spending
their honeymoon in Paris, London, or Milan? A personalized
shopping trip couldn’t be a more original gift and
will make their romantic vacation an even more glamorous
adventure.
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Mother-Daughter
Trip:
Give your mom the ultimate Mothers'
Day present. It's a perfect way to say “Thank You” to
the most important woman in your life. Or, for mothers,
most daughters have fond memories of playing dress-up in mommy's
pretty clothes. Now it's time for your daughter to play dress-up
with the big girls.
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Husband
and Wife Trip:
What could be a better anniversary
gift? Show your spouse that shopping can be a pleasure
and stress-free. Treat each other to a day of pampering!
You've taken care of each other, now let me take care
of you.
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Best Friends Trip:
If
you haven’t
spent enough quality time with your best friend lately,
then nothing could be more fun than shopping together.
Few things are as important as your best friend. Celebrate
your special relationship with a day of pure girl time.
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Formal Cruise Ship Wardrobe:
Many cruise lines require formal dress. This is your
vacation, and while the main goal is to relax and enjoy
yourself, you still want to look your most glamorous
. Depending on the dress code, I'll find you a cruise
wardrobe to equal Vivian Leigh’s
on "Ship of Fools" (minus the fool, of course!).
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Haute Couture:
Haute Couture is the French term
for high fashion. Couture refers to sewing, and
haute means high or elegant. Together, they create
a standard of clothing that is custom- and hand-made from
the finest-quality fabrics. In France, the label "haute
couture" is
a protected appellation. According to Chambre
Syndicale De La Couture rules, to classify as a couture
house, a couturier must produce 50 new and original designs
of day and evening wear for each collection. They must
show two collections a year and must employ a minimum
of 20 full-time technical people in at least
one atelier or workshop. All these requirements
must be met for a fashion house to use the label "haute
couture". Each article is created exclusively to fit
your body perfectly. Usually a minimum of three fittings
is required to achieve the final result. This is the ultimate
level in purchasing an exclusive piece. Only a handful
of haute couture designers still exist and, sadly,
this is a dying trade. If you're interested in this level
of creation, we can work together to discover which haute
couture house is best for you.
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Showroom:
Most fashion houses maintain a showroom to showcase
the next season's clothing and accessories lines. This is
sometimes the only way a smaller designer sells its collection.
This is mainly for buyers and private clients who either
purchase in bulk or piece by piece at wholesale prices.
Each house has different rules which are very strict,
and one usually requires a personal invitation. I can get
you into any showroom you desire, but understand that some
houses require a minimum purchase.
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