As I go through the clothes that they already own, I help them discover new ways to wear them - ways to mix and match the pieces to make multiple outfits.
I also go through and make a "grocery list." I like to think of it like this: Say you were going to the grocery store to purchase items to make a meal for family and friends. If you go to the store with no list (and you're anything like me), you are likely to come home with chips, sweets, milk, etc. - but nothing that you can use to make a complete MEAL. You have the milk but no eggs. The chips but no dip.
I am no chef (I prefer take out and easy-to-heat soups), but I do know that if I want to fulfill a recipe, then I need to first make sure that I have all of the necessary ingredients. The same is true with clothes shopping.
If you go to the mall (or boutique or store) with no "list," you are likely to find yourself with a closet full of cute tops, random skirts, pants, etc. - but nothing that can really make a complete outfit.
Making a "grocery list" for clients of things that are missing from their wardrobe - essentials that will help to make their wardrobe complete - is key to the entire image consulting process. By filling in the missing "ingredients," you can maximize your wardrobe, get the most out of the clothing that you do have, and learn to make the best purchases in the future.
Aside from the "grocery list," one of the best perks of the wardrobe edit is that I offer to make a personalized "look book" for clients - I take photos of their clothes (kind of like taking inventory), and then take photos of different outfits - shoes, jewelry and all. Clients can either put the pictures in a book, tack them on a board next to their closets or just keep them on their computer to reference whenever they are at a lack of what to wear.
Having a look book that is made up of items in YOUR closet is a great way to make sure that you get the most out of your wardrobe. Obviously, the more items you can see, the more likely you are to wear them. It also helps on those "blah" mornings to have outfits that are already matched and require no thinking!
I recently did this with some of the clothes in my closet as an example and it actually revealed to me some new ways to wear the clothes that I already have. Here's what my wardrobe edit "look book" looks like (The number of outfits/pieces used depends on the client - here, I just used some of my favorite pieces).
The inventory
The outfits
My secret weapon
I cannot stress enough how much I love my "My Little Steamer." I tell every client that it is a must-have! It's around $20 and you can get it at Bed, Bath and Beyond. I LOVE this product!
The bottom line
After going through and looking at the pieces, I made different outfits, trying to show multiple uses for each piece. Even having the pictures of the individual items helps me to visualize my wardrobe in it's entirety so that I can get the most out of it.
It may seem like a lot of work (okay, it is a lot of work), but it will save you SO much time getting ready! Once you have outfits that you can easily put together, it will make your mornings run smoother, make going out just a bit easier and will packing SO much easier.
For more information about a wardrobe edit, visit my website at www.kristingolden.com or email me directly at kristin@kristingolden.com
Happy Editing and Happy Shopping!
Xo, Kristin @ Kristin Golden Image Consulting
