I love talking about style and clothes, but I’ve found that offering generic advice isn’t helpful. It’s why, when asked, I don’t always recommend brands.
Someone posted in a Facebook group I’m part of asking for shoe recommendations and a friend tagged me so I could contribute to the conversation. Then a friend asked what brands I like for dresses, because she’s looking for something for an event.
Former Alexis would start listing off brands and offering advice because she loves to be of help.
Current Alexis has learned that giving generic style advice or recommending brands when I don’t know anything about a person or their unique style preferences doesn’t help anyone.
Because personal style is personal!
If someone asks what brands I like, I have my favorites. But those are based on MY style preferences and goals.
It’s like when people ask on Facebook, “What books are you reading and recommend?” That’s such a broad question! Just because I like Ruth Ware doesn’t mean they will. And if they don’t, they might not believe I’m “qualified” to recommend books.
It’s not about what I like, but what they like.
This happens all the time in my Trader Joe’s Facebook group when people ask what to do with a specific product.
People have strong opinions! Some people will share five ways they use it. Others will say, “Here’s what I do with it, I toss it in the trash!”
What I like personally and what I wear is often very different than what my style clients wear.
To do my job well, I have to get to know their individual preferences and style goals. Each client is unique, and once I know what they want and how they want to feel in their clothes, only then can I provide brand recommendations.
This is why I don’t give generic style advice or recommend brands.
That said, here’s what I will give advice on.
When finding your style and brands you love, start by getting clear on what you like – and what you don’t.
For example:
- I prefer bottoms and tops over dresses.
- If I wear a dress, I like looser ones with soft fabrics because they don’t irritate my abdominal scar.
- I prefer flats over heels. I have wide feet, and many cute brands don’t carry shoes in wide, but I can wear a D’orsay shoe in standard size because that style allows for extra width.
- I do not like boatneck tops (hiding my bra straps is way too complicated) or empire waist dresses (no, I’m not pregnant).
- My boobs are too heavy to be held up by anything with thin straps. HARD NO.
- I’m sensitive to scratchy fabrics but don’t like to wear layers underneath sweaters. I get too hot. Itchy sweaters, even if they’re beautiful, are another no.
Sometimes we don’t think we have preferences, but if we spend some time thinking about it, we’ll realize we do.
Knowing what you like and don’t like will help you narrow down where to shop, what to buy, and what to skip.
You can search for those types of items, and that can introduce you to new brands.
If you know you have a particular style you gravitate towards and already have certain brands you like to shop, seek out similar brands.
And if you don’t have a go-to list of brands you love and are always trying to decide what or where to buy, I can help! And it’s going to be so much fun.
My VIP-style days are set up to feel like two friends getting together for brunch or a sleepover. We spend around 4 hours together finding a style you love and brands that fit your body, budget, and style goals. I’ll teach you the anatomy of an outfit and come with pages and pages of brands handpicked for you based on the prework you submit before we meet. You’ll walk away with new brands to shop for and practical tips to turn random items into beautiful outfits with ease.
Our time together doesn’t end there. I want you to practice what you learn!
After your VIP day, you’ll get 30 days of email support and try on a session over Zoom! You can email me screenshots or links to items you plan to purchase or ask questions about outfits or colors.
And you get a 60-minute style session call on Zoom. This is great for trying on your purchases, mixing them with items you already own, and getting feedback on what to keep, alter, or toss.
If you’re looking for more personalized style advice, I’d love to work with you.
You can learn more at www.maincharactercloset.com
