There is something about being well-dressed and fashionable that just makes your attitude about life so much better. Heading out in a nice outfit can boost your confidence, improve your mood, and present a polished appearance; whether in a professional or social setting, a styled outfit allows you to take on whatever your day can throw at you! While having a personal stylist is probably every young professional’s dream, it’s not always that affordable… which is why closet interventions with Calgary clothing company espy is a great alternative. Living stylishly: definitely part of the #LYNL (Live Your Notable Life) lifestyle.
What are the benefits of having a closet intervention? A professional stylist comes to you and works with you at your home. It can be nice to have friends help you with your fashion issues, but with a stylist you know that you’re getting an honest opinion along with industry tips and tricks to look your best. It’s not about ditching your entire wardrobe, but learning to work with the items you already own.
So, what are all the steps involved in a closet intervention? According to espy fashion stylist Lexie Farnum, each experience is tailor-made and works around each client’s needs and comfort level. When a closet intervention is scheduled, the client’s goal and expectations are first discussed. The stylist will then work with the client to establish the biggest closet issues. For example, when the client finds it most difficult to dress or lifestyle changes that demand new style or outfits. During closet interventions, you are also encouraged to part with items you no longer need – something that can be hard do on your own. Once your closest has been purged of unnecessary items, your stylist may go over organization with you and give you a few ideas on how to best set up your dressing space.
Once all the housekeeping is done, you can really start to have fun. This is when you start assembling outfits for various occasions; find that killer outfit to wear to your new job, re-work your favourite article, or find that look that is flattering and comfortable for heading out with friends on Friday night. The fun doesn’t stop there, though. Once you and your stylist have put together a few looks that you’re happy with, you’ll get your picture taken in those outfits, so it’s like your espy stylist is always there to remind you of what to wear and when to wear your new outfits! Getting dressed on Monday will be a piece of cake from now on.
Before your closet intervention is complete, you’ll also be given a document that will include the following: a list of key items that may be missing from your wardrobe, fashion formulas to facilitate easy outfit creations on your own, and a review of the season’s trends that will work for your lifestyle and body type. Your espy stylist may even set up a follow-up appointment at the store to help you fill those holes in your wardrobe. While the main point of a closet intervention is to “re-purpose and refresh’, your stylist wants to ensure you have everything you need to look your best.
For those of you who might not have time for a closet intervention right now, Lexie has a few tips on how to make the most out of your wardrobe in 2014:
What are the top items you’d recommend a person take out of their closet/wardrobe?
Anything that doesn’t fit properly. Don’t wait for weight, dress and love the body you have. Anything that is stained or damaged, shrunken sweaters, and faded blacks should also go. Chances are that you’ll hold on to these old favourites but never actually wear them. Even if you do pull them out and put them on, you’ll end up taking them off and wearing something else.
What should you have in your closet for 2014? (The staple items).
Light wash and distressed denim. Skinnies are most versatile in spring. They easily tuck into boots, which is key for the Calgary slush, and can easily be rolled and worn with flats, sandals, or heels on the drier days. White on white is making a huge mark on the runways this season, as is sports-inspired detailing like mesh, jersey, and knits. Are you afraid to try the trends? Visit our fabulous espy stylists who are always more than happy to show you how to make trends practical for you and your lifestyle.
Do you have any quick tips for reworking existing items?
You can easily update your wardrobe using trendy, inexpensive accessories. Jewelry, scarves and belts can completely enhance your look without breaking your budget and can easily change from season to season. Also, pulling out your favourite go-to outfits and mixing and matching pieces you don’t normally wear together is a great way to stretch your wardrobe, adding versatility and new life to what you already have.
Any favourite designers in espy right now?
Desigual’s Spring line, as always, carries a message of love paired with bright and bold geometrical patterns, and fits perfectly into our #spreadloveyyc campaign starting January 20, which includes 30 ways to spread love around Calgary through a citywide art project. Our other favourite designers that we are really looking forward to having for Spring 2014 are BB Dakota and Ted Baker, and as the denim fit experts, we of course love our Fidelity, Mavi and Paige denim lines. We are always excited to show our clients how great an amazing pair of jeans can make them feel.
A standard espy closet intervention takes approximately three hours and costs $75 per hour plus mileage. Even after your closet intervention, you are encouraged to get in touch with your stylist or pop into the store if you have any questions. To book an intervention, you can email: info@espyexperience.com.
Live Your Notable Life | #LYNL
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