If I had one wish for this year it would be to hire a personal stylist to come to my house, edit my closet and then go out and buy all new clothes and accessories tailored specifically to my taste, my body type and lifestyle.
I’d probably also need to tack on an addendum to that wish that also went along the lines of also needing the extra time and energy each day to actually get dressed in these new clothes of mine – but hey, a girl can dream.
So, while a personal stylist isn’t in the cards (or budget) for this year and my sartorial taste is more than my means, I have decided to look into other more wallet friendly ways to fill my closet.
There are three sites I have recently discovered that give the discerning dresser and opportunity to find fashions that specifically fit her style but also don’t break the bank.
Each site begins with you sharing your style preferences by answering a series of questions. You are shown outfits and celebrities and are asked to choose which is more “you,” as well as questions about your lifestyle (would you normally rock a stiletto or a sensible flat), your hair color, your age and where you’re most likely to shop (H&M? The Gap? CHANEL?) After answering these questions, a profile is built for you and shopping selections displayed for your buying pleasure.
STYLE MINT
Style Mint is the brainchild of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, featuring member’s-only access to their exclusively designed and styled Ts, with new styles to choose from every month. As the mother of two small children (Ms. Sticky Hands and Sir Spitup), t-shirts have become an easy wardrobe staple so why not make sure the Ts I’m rocking are chic to boot? And, with all Ts for $29.99, no less, there’s no reason to not pick up a few new threads.
Pro: Cute, wearable Ts at reasonable prices as well as plenty of options on how to style each T once you get it on.
Con: If you forget to “skip” a month, your credit card is automatically charged $29.99 and you have a month to spend that credit.
JEWEL MINT
Launched in October 2010, JewelMint was launched. Kate Bosworth and celebrity stylist Cher Coulter are the stylists behind each collection. I love this as I NEVER buy new accessories but am starting to realize that sometimes it’s just easier to throw on a new necklace or bracelet to revitalize an old outfit rather than buying a new dress or pair of jeans (and it’s usually less expensive!)
Pro: Unique, wearable pieces for any style.
Con: If you forget to “skip” a month, your credit card is automatically charged $29.99 and you have a month to spend that credit.
SHOE DAZZLE
Shoe Dazzle boasts Kim Kardashian as their chief fashion stylist and founder. Pulling from a team of celebrity stylists, Shoe Dazzle chooses shoes for you every month based on your personal style, “while giving you a great value on beautiful, quality shoes, handbags, jewelry and more!”
Pro: Wide selection of styles chosen specifically to suit your tastes each month.
Con: Your style selections take 24 hours to be revealed to you when you sign up and buying shoes online can be tricky unless you’re familiar with the brand and how it wears on your foot. I would be more hesitant to buy a shoe online if I’ve never tried it before. But, with free shipping and free returns I might be more adventurous.