I recently had a consultation with a fashion stylist. I’m doing an upcoming segment on Makeovers for Mom and I’m going to be one of the fashion victims. This type of celebrity treatment was surreal and, at times, a little uncomfortable. But for those of you Not-So-Perfect moms who happen to fall into a vat of money and can afford a stylist – here are a few suggestions.

1.Leave Modesty Behind

They stay in the dressing room with you. They don’t leave. They observe you as you squeeze into each outfit and analyze all of your curves, your bumps and your lumps. It was crowded in there – me, the stylist, her assistant, and of course, the huge three-way mirror. I felt vulnerable and frankly a little intimidated. What’s worse, the crowded conditions combined with my growing anxiety resulted in a trickle of sweat that continued to flow regardless of my many, subtle attempts to wipe my brow without the stylist, her assistant, or the three-mirror spotting me.

2.Wear Decent Underwear

Confession time – I don’t wear expensive underwear. I get the four pack at Wal-Mart and call it a day. Although they are not granny-panties, they are certainly not lacy thongs. Still, if you are going to be in an all-access dressing room, it’s imperative that you buy the most flattering, most attractive underwear out there even if it means you have to sell some furniture to afford it.

3.Don’t Wear Your Sensitive Shoes

“We’re going to need a bigger size.” “This is a little snug in the thigh area.” “Let’s find a different color that works better with her pale complexion.” I felt a little like a science experiment. They were testing, observing and analyzing while I stood there trying to look skinny. Plus, and this is really important, designer clothes are made smaller than regular store-bought clothes. You need to deduct several sizes regardless of what the tag says. For example, if the tag reads 8, it’s actually a size 4. If it says 4, it is really a size 0. And if it reads a size 2, it’s actualy a minus-0 that only a pre-teen with an eating disorder could wear.

4.Avoid Sticker Shock

I must admit, it didn’t look too slick when I gasped at a $400 price tag. But the truth is, they’re in a completely different league. Yes, to you and me, it may sound crazy spending a hundred bucks on a belt, but to them, fashion is art and should be considered an investment worth making. Although most of the clothes I’m wearing during the segment will be borrowed and returned, I did spend more money on a pair of jeans than I care to admit. I continue to try to convince myself that a well-fitted pair of jeans is a necessity in a woman’s wardrobe and money should be no object. Still, to be on the safe side, pinky swear you won’t tell my husband.

5.Learn the Lingo

They have their own language. It’s a form of industry speak. I learned some new terms during my session and then have followed up with some additional research. Throw these terms around and people will think you’re a fashion insider.
“Plucking” – to pull clothing away from one’s waist in a rapid motion causing the blouse to cling appropriately.

“Besom Pockets” – A pocket sewn inside the garment with access through a welted slit-type opening.

“Skimmer” – A straight unbelted dress with different types of sleeves and length.

“LBD” – A black cocktail dress or “little black dress” that has become a fashion staple after being first introduced by Coco Channel. It is reinvented every season but a necessity in every woman’s wardrobe.

“Ruching” – Creating gathers in cloth by pulling it between two or more lines of stitching. Also known as shirring.

“Shrug” – A woman’s short jacket waist length or shorter similar to a bolero jacket

Since meeting with a consultant, I must admit that my perspective on fashion has changed. It is amazing how you feel when you are wearing a perfectly fitted, perfectly proportioned outfit that you know costs more than what you paid for your first car. Plus, it’s kinda fun having people fuss all over you. They were belting and buttoning and plucking and pleating so much that if they had asked me to tie my shoe, I wouldn’t have known where to begin. In general, I enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to other not-so-perfect moms needing a fashion boost. Just be sure you leave your sensitive shoes at the door!

*Below is a list of resources for Not-So-Perfect Moms in the market for a fashion stylist.

Fashion Stylists
Nancy Klompus Buy Request
Wardrobe Stylist
Personal Shopper
3818 Cedar Springs Road #101-144
Dallas, TX 75219
214-725-9527
www.nkbuyrequest.com

Akasha
Fashion Stylist
5638 E. Mockingbird Lane
Dallas, Texas 75206
972-974-6546
www.dallasfashionstylist.com

Personal Shoppers
Personal shopper services are available through many high-end department stores including:

Neiman Marcus
Nordstrom
Bloomingdales
Macy’s

Internet Resources

www.shefinds.com
Shefinds.com is an online shopping resource that studies the trends and surfs the web for the best items and then send you a link in the SheFinds weekly newsletter. They also find you online coupons if they exist.

www.eluxury.com
Launched in June 2000, eLUXURY.com is the premiere online boutique for luxury goods and designer fashion. Careful, this is pretty high-end stuff with brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Fendi, Jean Paul Gaultier, Paul Smith, Marc Jacobs, D&G Dolce Gabbana, and many more.