In true Alissa-fashion I introduced my new wardrobe like others introduce a new member of the family. I had just gotten a new camera and decided to learn how to shoot video. This was a random Sunday afternoon project that launched my Reels effort to show the new casual style. I didn’t go into this planning on making even MORE content (lol, it’s fine, 2021 blogging means you have to create fresh content across a blog, newsletter, custom social media posts on a daily basis) but I’m just going with it until I don’t want to create them anymore.
The Try-On Process
Below I will talk about how much I liked the virtual experience. The only thing that was frustrating was the trying on, taking photos and uploading. I honestly got a little overwhelmed (I bought 40+ items, many duplicates) and stopped photographing after my Madwell haul. I felt confident I knew what I wanted to keep and basically only asked about items I had qustions about or explained to her why some of her strong recommendations I was returning.
While Abby suggests a LOT she is very realistic to your budget and is there to help you both now and in the future. I ended up creating a document to let her know what phase II items I wanted so she could include them in the style portion if needed.
What I Bought (Phase I)
Below is a link to every item I bought during my styling session. I bought a LOT more but did a fair amount of returns. If you’re curious about those that didn’t make the list, let me know! Like I mentioned above, this is a phase I and phase II will be an update in March/April.
Also please note that some of the images don’t reflect the color palette Abby put together. That’s just the widget maker.
Styling
Abby and I already had already agreed I didn’t need a lot of help styling, just help with the key pieces that would help me bring my wardrobe together. Transparently I could have done without this portion of the project as I already knew where I was going but I can see this being very beneficial to someone else. The actual “styling” part of the personal stylist was the lowest priority for me.
I got 25 virtual styling boards from Abby with a mix of new items and items already in my closet. Most of them were the exact outfits I was already wearing some did inspire new outfits. If I had access to a home printer I would print and hang them for minimal brainpower days.
By the time I got these I had already started posting reels (using the video above as a fun introduction) so Abby was able to see where I was naturally going with my new attire.
New Outfits in Action
Below are links to the items I’ve worn in Reels that you’ve asked for! These have been really fun (and challenging) to make but have also kept me motivated to get dressed up every day. I’ll periodically link to these Reels so you can shop them.
Coat: Exact | Sweater: Exact | Belt: Exact | Jeans: Exact | Booties: Similar
Coat: Exact | Leggings: Exact | Shoes: Exact | Hoodie: Exact | Purse: Exact
Leggings: Exact | Sweater: Exact | Shoes: Exact | Coat: Exact
Sweater: Exact | Jeans: Exact | Necklaces: Exact | Jacket: Exact
Why Hire a Stylist?
If you’re at a place where you are struggling to feel put together, your body has changed or simply have outgrown your current closet, a stylist will help you so much! You need to have a very firm idea of your budget, what your wardrobe issues are and be willing to be very honest with yourself. Letting go of 60+ items can be very hard for some. For me it was a freeing experience to let go of something that no longer served me. But it was hard to say goodbye to a few items.
Did I like the virtual experience? I did! I honestly don’t like shopping with anyone or in-person try-on sessions. It was a LOT more work to do returns the way I did but it was the only way I felt safe shopping. You do need to be sure you prepare yourself for sticker shock when you are buying duplicates (and will return!). Quite frankly I don’t know apart from some basic alternations questions (which we figured out easily via photos) if I would have enjoyed the in-person experience.
You can go all in on Abby doing it all or be more like me where I took ownership of some things and simply set my own pace (i.e. making Reels videos before I had styling boards). If you want to approach it differently, my wonderful internet friend Nic has an entire course on overhauling your closet.
Not to get ahead of myself but it’s fun to see how things have changed for me already since my personal state of the union. I was essentially living in three outfits trying to make my style transition. I’m very excited to see how my casual style impacts my work style and how I transition to Chicago.
Let me know if you have any questions about this process!
