The preferred term is “personal stylist.”  They actually used to be called personal shoppers, but stylists say their role has evolved since the crass 1980s when personal shoppers picked up everything from
Christmas gifts to evening gowns. Now the idea is to build a client’s entire image, from the home to the hair.

“What we’re selling is not just a personal shopper, but a stylist,” said Dana Michel, the creator of NYC General Store.  Michel’s stylists work one-on-one with clients not only to remake or update their wardrobe
but also to answer the pressing style questions and dilemmas in their
lives.

Oftentimes, when changes happen in people’s personal or professional lives – graduating from law school, going through a divorce, getting a promotion – they want their style to reflect that change.  Some clients who come to Michel want a complete makeover; some simply want to refresh their look.  One client recently called just to ask what he should wear to a Fashion Week event.  Michel doesn’t charge for such day-to-day questions because, she says, stylist-client relationships are meant to be ongoing and – like any relationship – built on trust and honesty.

Michel says it has always been common for wealthy people to have personal stylists. Today, however, with stylists showing up on television shows and in magazines, more and more people are seeking out their services because “the word stylist is a part of an everyday conversation.”

Page 1 of 2>>

Feel-Good Style:
From customer service to designer jeans, shop owner Linda Wolff gets up close and personal...