What are the different stages that make up your process?

For a first time clients there will be some homework to do with the preparation assignment which I will post out to you, we’ll discuss you thoughts and responses in more detail we when meet for the first time at your wardrobe review. From there I will undertake a detailed research trip preparing everything that is necessary fulfil your brief and match your budget ready for when we shop. Is this is the first time we have worked together we’ll start the day at 10:30 with a coffee and de-brief finishing around 5pm. It might seem like a long and daunting day but trust me it’ll go quickly and I promise you’ll enjoy yourself.

On average (availability depending) the process takes 2-3 weeks from the preparation assignment being posted out to you receiving your digital handover report.

Where do we go shopping?

My preference is always central London simply because of the offer of stock and the guarantee of size availability. I have a great relationship with many retailers which helps when I’m hunting for something specific, need the use of a private shopping suite or want to arrange for purchases to be couriered to your home.

I do also regularly shop in Manchester with clients who are based in the North of England.

Can I book the each stage independently of one another other?

Rather than offering different stages of the process as individual options I’ve learnt over the years that the best results for first time clients are when you’re able to commit to the entire process from start to finish. However, once we have gone through the full process wardrobe reviews or shopping sessions can be booked independently accordingly.

The initial investment of time and money for regular clients is understandably less as we continue to work together as fewer items of clothing will need to be purchased and I will have a good knowledge of your likes & needs. The initial investment of time & money that I ask from my clients means sets up a working relationship which means further appointments may only take up an afternoon of your time every 6 months or so (no different to taking the afternoon off work to go to the dentist – yet a lot more enjoyable!) In some cases I am able to shop independently for clients as our understanding of each other is so in tune I am able to confidently make decisions on their behalf without us having t be together.

What are the costs involved?

The ‘360 New Client Package’ costs £1500.

The average shopping spend during this session is around £5000, this varies on brand preferences and what you already have in your wardrobe for us to work with.

Typically shops in the cooler months cost more than the summer months because we’ll be sourcing warm or waterproof coats, cashmere and practical footwear.

During the wardrobe review I will be able to give a better estimate of your initial shopping budget if this is something you are unsure of.

Future appointments start at £600 for a seasonally focused shop.

How involved am I in the whole process?

Although I do all the research, prep work & leg work having a client who is engaged from the beginning of the process will always guarantee the most successful results. These are the clients who return to shop with me most frequently – be that seasonally or annually allowing me build and evolve their wardrobe adapting it most successfully through their career.

On average the first time we meet for the wardrobe review will be an afternoon of your time, the first shopping session will be a full day together (starting at 10:30).

Do we buy fast fashion? What’s your commitment to environmental or ethical concerns around the fashion industry?

Sustainability has always been an important consideration in my business model and is something I continue to develop on. Since 2015 I have donated 5% of my earnings to Labour Behind the Label, a charity based in Bristol who campaign for garment workers rights globally.

You can read more about my ethical stance here.

What makes my working process unique?

Since launching my business in 2012 I have continued to hone my working process to what it is today. The structure is a similar pattern followed by most personal shoppers, mine however also has the added influence of learning garnered from 10 years of working in retail prior to starting my business, plus to perspective gained from my role as a senior lecturer which undoubtedly influences my awareness related to sustainability and ethical concerns.