|
Make the Most Out of Your Purchase
This group of guests arrived to my “Good Girl Gone Shopping” launch party in celebration of my going forward with a new venture: helping individuals uncover their inner styles with personal shopping and wardrobe consulting. So in between cocktails being poured, hors d’oeuvres being devoured, and a table of male and female accessories being plowed through, I decided to show four different ways I could wear my new, red top (with the price tag kept on to prove that it was a real demonstration showing I have yet to wear it). With my own clothes, shoes, and jewelry set out on display, I illustrated casual and chic, casual and funky, dressy and sophisticated, and dressy with an edge. As I was talking to the group sitting on my couches, I felt completely comfortable and ecstatic that I was giving others ideas on how to make the most out of their purchases. I also gave each person a challenge: The next time they see a mannequin wearing a whole outfit they love, they should visualize how changing one piece would give the total outfit a different appeal. I also suggested that they refrain from telling the salesperson, “I’ll take the whole thing. I want exactly what the mannequin has on.” Whatever I do and wherever I go, I am always noticing how style is exemplified and how fashion is used to express one’s personality. Yet with so many factors that play into the decision-making process while getting dressed, I can’t help but wonder how many people fear wearing one of the favorite pieces the wrong way. Who Cares? That’s what I say in regards to playing around with a purchase. Exploring your options now is perfect timing! Springtime is pretty much here in Southern California; and shortly thereafter, the salty beaches quickly become the favorite go-to place (despite the heavy traffic on the 22 Freeway towards Huntington and the 55 Freeway towards Newport). There are already uniquely cut bathing suits in the stores, and the cutest darn sandals making their way on my must-have lists. So as I envision myself basking in the sun with Lucky in one hand and sifting through the grains of sand with the other, I will continue to enjoy the versatility of fashion. It makes me smile to think that someone such as Jacquie, my friend, co-worker, and new client, is looking forward to having fun with her outfits and steering away from playing it “safe.” Admitting that my services are influencing her new-found excitement to shop and stand up a bit more confidently, Jacquie is growing into quite the “stylista” simply by stepping out of her comfort zone and exploring her personality. I encourage everyone to do the same! If you’re a loyal “Talking Chic” reader, you may remember when I wrote, “The ‘F’ in Fashion is for ‘Fun'” after Britney shaved her head. Well, when it comes to exploring your options with your wardrobe, I think that pretty much sums it up. But O. K., so you take your favorite pink blouse and pair it up with your black and white pinstriped pants, and those bright blue shoes you just had to have, and walk through the doors upstairs to work. But soon enough, you feel completely silly. You feel foolish for thinking that you could pull off a look you always wanted to try out. But how else will you know what really works for you and what doesn’t? How will you ever truly feel confident in trying out new trends? Sometimes the worst stares and comments are the best comments you could get. This tells you that you’ve taken a brave step and tried something new. Incorporating a purchase into a full-blown outfit is what it’s all about. Although every item in your closet and jewelry box should have a special quality, sometimes you have to experiment and mesh new items together. It could be quite the explosion. Written by Elana Pruitt Visit http://www.diaryofapersonalshopper.blogspot.com andwww.myspace.com/talkingchic. |
