Can you recommend a style guru?

Hi,

My wife is about to hit 40 and whilst she is almost perfect (there's just a couple of things), (actually now I think about it there's quite a few things!) , she has mentioned she would like a make over in the clothes department.

We don't read the fashion magazines or do much TV to be honest, so I was thinking of somebody who can go shopping with her and tell her what colours/styles would be good for her. She is not so tall so finding good fitting clothes isn't always easy.

My question is:- Has anybody used a 'style guru' that they could recommend. I would rather do it without breaking the bank so cost is a factor - although of course when it comes to my wife money is not a problem (cough).

Or maybe some useful links...?

I can not give a personal reference, but I see there are some on her website.

http://www.primeimpressions.ch/English.html

*Cough, cough* Er, "style" and "guru" are, to me, quite possibly mutually exclusive terms here but I ain't no fashionista so what do I know!

That said, I hope you find someone worthy and totally prove me wrong.

I never believe in paying for someone to find me a style. Neither am I obsessive with keeping up with trends. I tend to stick to the concept of "a capsule wardrobe" - its where you have 15-20 staple pieces that can be mixed and matched that are timeless and classic. Zurich has lots of these staple pieces so she wouldnt have a problem finding them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsule_wardrobe

http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-...-wardrobe.html

The items usually are:

1. Black / white tanktops

2- neutral coloured jumper

3. Black turtleneck

4. White shirt

5. Cardigan

6. Black trousers

7. Dark wash jeans

8. Denim jacket

9. Khakis

10. Black classic flats/pumps

11. Printed dress

12. Fitted jacket

13. pin stripped oxford shirt

14. lined wool skirt

15. Trench coat

16. Black shift dress

17. plain t-shirts

18. Black boots

http://www.womanandhome.com/gallerie...-wardrobe.html

You can see that these items, (although boring in colour) are easily mixed around for formal / casual occasions and will last for seasons to come. Accessorise with statement necklaces/earrings or fabulous shoes and she's good to go!

PS: If she's worried about dressing for her shape/size, there are loads of internet sites where she can determine her shape and find the more flattering types of clothing for her shape. For starters:

http://www.womanandhome.com/articles...ody-shape.html

PS: that will be 300 CHF please....

I think user Nil does this.

300 CHF !! I wasn't thinking of spending that much on the whole thing including a new wardrobe to put the clothes in. But thanks for the tips :-)

Hiring a personal stylist and revamping a wardrobe for 300CHF here? someone probably needs a make over in the reality department first then

On a serious note: I personally think its a little tough with that budget unless she already has lots of staple pieces in her wardrobe. My 2 rappens!

LOL are you aware that shopping for a pair of trousers is probably going to cost you 300 CHF? I am no style guru, I have my own style though.

Good luck with the shopping

Call two mates of hers you know will be good together, give them the brief and tell them lunch and wine is on you, without your presence. Give your better half a gift voucher and tell her to buy something that will make her feel wow wow wow and after a nice brunch and a tap on the behind, push her out of the door.

Commence watching TV sport channels all day in your boxer shorts. Have dinner ready, a fancy bottle in the chiller. Away you go.

This is a joke, right? I haven't found a pair of boots that I like for under 300 fr.

My 'Thanks' button has disappeared so thanks to everybody so far !! :-)

Yes it is a joke (300 CHF) but seriously she would hate to spend a large amount of money on clothes - she just isn't that sort of person. It is more that she needs to know what colours and materials work for her. None of her friends are stylish so that option is no good either.

But I'm sure something will turn up.

Thanks for the recommendation! What a great moderator you do!

I am 32 weeks pregnant with a Toddler to entertain and a move to prepare. I have a lot on my plate right now and all my energy, attention and sanity goes into those tasks. Not much left for this, sadly.

Even outside of Switzerland it is not enough money. It is hours and hours of work.

OP: If you want some tips and tricks about what your wife could wear, I suggest you to look into some good website. Gok Wan is absolutely awesome for it and your wife could get plenty of great tips from his show. For a real stylist, it is an investment of time and money.

A good stylist will come to your home and do a proper clean up in her closet, will get rid of all the things she has that doesn't fit her and will teach her everything about her body shape, color and style. She will go shopping with her and learn to look for the proper clothes.

This is when someone needs a new look.

You also have the stylist who will do all the shopping many times per year for the customer who has no time or interest to do it himself. Not much of a learning process, more a form of delegation.

Depends what you are looking for and how much you are ready to put into a stylist beside the clothes.

My experience since here is many wants the stylist but not many wants to pay for it...

Best of luck!

Same as translators then.

I recommend this book: http://www.amazon.com/What-wear-chan.../dp/1594481482

Talks about what colours suit your colouring and what clothes suit your body type. It also tells you colour combinations go together. I wore too many black trousers. Grey or brown colour combinations look better on me than black.

I am a v-necked, wrap dress, long skirt with long boots body type. Side fastening trousers look best, no chunky sweaters and no detailed back pockets and definitely no skinny jeans for me. In a high, round necked top my b**bs look enormous

http://www.carolinerohwer.com/

Caroline cut my hair. She did a great job and was fun. She also does makeovers.

suck up

Dear Nigelr

Do you really think this is a good idea?

If I would be your wife I wouldn't be very pleased if you give me the impression that I am in need of some sort of makeover

Save your money and let her go shopping by herself, this would be generous enough (and expensive enough too......)

I think it is a great idea as he said in his post his wife has mentioned she would like this to happen. If she had never mentioned it I would agree with you.

you would think...

however. in my experience, it could just be an elaborate trap. "so you DO think i need a makeover, huh? i guess i'm not good enough for you. would you like me to look like that slvt of a secretary you have? i knew it! these late business meetings you've been going to. oh, i've been such a fool!" yadda yadda.

buy her some flowers. it's the safe thing to do.

I would be happy with it as a present form my husband. Just saying.