08.11.08
Posted in Shopping Tips
at 7:52 am
Most people tend to shop at the same stores month after month. Whether it’s that the clothes in that store fit you well, the store is convenient, affordable, or you’re just plain lazy, the reality is that we are all drawn to certain stores more than others.
If you frequent a store, it makes sense to introduce yourself to one of the sales people and get to know them. Try to use the same person every time you’re in that store. After a few trips, you will start to develop an invaluable relationship. Your sales person will get to know your size and style, and will be able to save you time and money by pulling clothes in advance for you and letting you preshop sales. They will call you when new merchandise is in and you can call them before venturing into the store to make sure that they actually have what you’re seeking. For even more attention, make sure to shop mid week when the stores are empty.
As a professional personal shopper, this is one of the keys to my success. Knowing the sales people makes my job so much easier and helps my shopping trips with my clients be successful. For more information on my services, please visit www.erinstafford.com.
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08.06.08
Posted in Shopping Tips, Style and Image Information, Baby Boomer Fashion
at 2:30 pm
The key to a successful shopping trip is having direction. Know what you’re looking for in order to shop with precision. When working as a stylist, I always know what look I am trying to achieve for a photo shoot, movie premiere, or commercial. I get a brief from the art director or from a client’s publicist and that sets me in the right direction. The brief will help me figure out if the look should be sweet, edgy, funny, etc. Obviously different designers would be used for each look. For example, you’d never use out Dolce & Gabbana for a sweet look…only the most sexy.
The same can work for you when you’re out shopping on your own. What look are you trying to achieve? How do you want people to think of you? Remember you? Seek out those stores and designers that will help convey that image. If you ever need any guidance or specific stores/designers for a look, you can always call me, your personal stylist, and I will give you a list to work with. Happy shopping!
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07.18.08
Posted in Style Training
at 4:11 pm
Are you looking to get started in a career as a stylist, image consultant, or personal shopper? Well here’s your chance.
Erin Stafford, former celebrity stylist and Orange County’s top image consultant and personal shopper is offering a comprehensive two day training program for aspiring fashionistas.
You will learn:
The key components of styling:
How to build your portfolio, where to shop, how to shop strategically, building your contact base, how to work a photo shoot (how to set up, what to do, where to begin, and how to do it quickly), pulling clothes, returns, fittings, basic tailoring, and building your kit.
The key components of image consulting:
Basic color and style analysis, body type analysis, wardrobe planning, personal shopping, working with a variety of clients, creating product for increased sales, and developing strategic alliances.
General business components:
How to start your business from the ground up, learn how to market yourself and find a niche, learn about the different revenue streams available to stylists and image consultants.
Walk away with the tools and confidence to start your own successful personal styling business.
Upcoming Class Schedule:
August 15th and 16th – Costa Mesa
September 13th and 14th – Costa Mesa
More classes will be added soon!
Fee:
$1000 per two day training
Includes instruction and materials
Spots are filling up. Call today to sign up for this invaluable, small group training and get your career jumpstarted today. Email for full course description and more information.
I look forward to helping you discover this fabulous, rewarding, and profitable career.
Erin Stafford
erin@erinstafford.com
www.erinstafford.com
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07.15.08
Posted in Quick Fixes, Style and Image Information, Fashion Tips
at 10:40 pm
Do you ever have one of those moments where you’re already running late for an event, you’re standing in your underwear in your closet, you’ve already tried on five outfits, your heart is racing, and you’re starting to sweat. You feel like you’re never going to find something to wear, your makeup is running, and all you want to do is lay on your bed and cry? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
I recently had an anxiety attack of a different sort, but wow, they are intense. I now know what my clients feel like when they tell me shopping or putting outfits together gives them anxiety. Isn’t it great that there are people out there, like myself and other AICI image consultants, that can relieve you from all the anxiety you face with your style, wardrobe, and clothing choices.
Getting dressed shouldn’t be an anxiety ridden event every day. If it is for you, do yourself a favor and hire an image consultant to help you put 5 foolproof outfits together. It will be worth every penny. That way, the next time you’re in a bind, you can just look at your cheat sheet of pictures and throw on one of your perfectly put together outfits!
Here’s to no more style anxiety! There are so many other things to worry about.
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07.14.08
Posted in Quick Fixes, Style and Image Information, Fashion Tips
at 4:10 pm
Remember those plastic soled shoes from the 80s that you laced up with any variety of fluorescent shoe laces? Well you could say that these sandals are the modern, eco-friendly, comfortable, and fashionable alternative. Another image consultant clued me into them as a perfect pair of shoes for someone that is having trouble matching shoes to an outfit. With the sheer variety of ribbon on the market, and the endless ways that you could lace up these sandals, the possibilities are endless.
Visit www.mohop.comfor more information. Here’s what they have to say: “Mohop sandals are environmentally friendly, comfortable, and best of all, allow nearly infinite design options with just one pair of wooden soles. Simply lace any ribbon through our patent-pending elastic loops to create your own one-of-a-kind, custom-fit pair! Mohop shoes are individually hand made by Annie Mohaupt and JoAnna Fleming in our studio in Chicago.”
Who would have thought that your image consultant and personal shopper would actually be encouraging you to revisit that crazy 80s trend.
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07.12.08
Posted in Body Type Tips, Style and Image Information, Fashion Tips
at 1:18 pm
The Round Face
A round face is just that – full, with few angles. Width and length in the same proportions or equal. Slightly angular, narrow frames will lengthen the round face. Avoid excessively rounded styles, which will exaggerate curves. The frames should be wider than they are deep.
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07.08.08
Posted in Body Type Tips, Style and Image Information, Fashion Tips
at 1:22 pm
The Oval Face
Because of its mostly balanced proportions, the oval face is considered to be the ideal face shape. The chin is slightly narrower than the forehead, and the cheekbones are high. Frames should maintain the oval’s natural balance. Select frames that are as wide or wider than the broadest part of the face. Keep frames the same proportions as the face. Follow your brow line; don’t let eyewear create a new expression.
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07.02.08
Posted in Color Tips, Body Type Tips, Style and Image Information, Fashion Tips
at 8:25 am
The Heart Shaped Face
This shape has a very wide forehead and high cheekbones. Face narrows gradually to the chin. Frames should add width below the eye line to offset the narrow chin. Very light colors and rimless styles are very effective. Try frames that are wider at the bottom. Other choices include aviator, butterfly, or low triangle styles; frames with rounded tops and squared bottoms will also work.
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06.30.08
Posted in Color Tips, Body Type Tips, Style and Image Information, Fashion Tips
at 11:43 am
The Oblong or Rectangular Face
Because it is longer than it is wide, the oblong face needs a frame that is deeper than it is wide to shorten the face or to create the illusion of a shorter face. Frames should break the length of the face, making the face appear shorter and wider. Frames should have top to bottom depth. To soften the face, try round, deep, or low triangle shapes, or frames with strong vertical lines. A low bridge will also shorten the nose.
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06.26.08
Posted in Color Tips, Body Type Tips, Style and Image Information, Fashion Tips
at 10:42 am
Finding a great pair of sunglasses is a must! Personally, I suggest having at least two different pairs. But if you can, have a whole sunglass wardrobe based on your mood, outfit, or location. You’ll need a casual pair, dressy pair, very dark pair for the beach/pool/water, and a lighter pair for those partly cloudy days. You can then add in a few differently styles depending on how fashionable you want to be. The large Jackie O variety, retro 80s styles, or classic aviators are still considered fashionable. Here are a few tips for finding frames that suit a square shaped face. You can employ these same tips when looking for regular eye glasses as well.
The Square Face
A strong jawline, a broad forehead, and a wide chin and cheekbones characterize a square face. Width and length have the same proportions or are equal. Frames should make the face look longer. Gently curved narrow styles will minimize squareness and add length. Frames should be more horizontal than vertical. Try oval shapes with temples in the center.
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