I had a call from good friend and client Vincent B who wanted a wardrobe re-fresh. The style studio took place mid December, so post Christmas I sat down with Vincent to reflect on our session and how he felt about the clothes and himself more importantly.
So Vinny,
What did you want to achieve with this styling session?
I wanted a complete overhaul of my wardrobe. I had clothes from years ago and really wanted to restart the base collection and then build on this. And also to get a bit of confidence. There was a lot I wanted to get rid of but in order to this I needed to have enough clothes to replace them with. This would involve a lot of time and research which I wouldn’t be able to do. I also wanted to try to be a little more daring and gain more confidence in what I wear. I appreciate when things look good on people but wouldn’t always be brave enough to do it myself. I was hoping the styling session would make me see that I would too look good in these outfits.
Were you clear in the overall look you wanted to achieve or for me to go a little left field?
A bit of both really. I knew for example that I wanted a couple of new coats, Cory then went and researched lots and sent them to me and I selected the ones I liked and this gave Cory enough to get something like this that sat within my budget. I also asked Cory to suggest something other than Jeans... I only every where jeans. Cory then brought a vast variety of different style pants to the styling session
If so what were the biggest No’s for you?
I only really asked Cory to avoid making it obvious that I’d literally replaced my wardrobe in one day to something completely different. Therefore I didn’t want everything hugely different from what I’d wear before, I wanted to try say a new pair of pants with an existing top to see how they were received rather than a complete new outfit that would look like I was just wearing someone else’s clothes. Cory helped to use some of my existing wardrobe with the new items so I could test the waters with a particular piece whilst improving my confidence.
Were you happy with the service and kept upto date?
Cory was phenomenal, frequent updates (in fact it was me often apologising for not replying promptly). It was clear how much research he was putting In and I was frequently being sent emails with more images and pieces for me to say yes or no to which would help him with the vision. I was genuinely overwhelmed by how much time he put in for me, it really made me feel special and that I was a main priority. Cory came all the way to my house to carry out the styling session which really helped as I have a newborn. He managed to fit in a time and date that was convenient for me.
How did you feel during the style studio?
At first I was a little awkward as it’s not something I’m used to but Cory was very professional and put my mind at ease very quickly. Watching him work his magic putting pieces together and then putting them on and looking in the mirror. He was constantly asking what I thought and giving his opinion. After I’d tried on a few outfits I felt my confidence and body language improving.
Did I listen to you and your concerns or ideas?
100%. There were some of my current items I wanted upgrading (better quality), this was done. I wanted two coats (one more formal, one very warm), this was done. I cannot believe how he managed to get everything so right with the little information I gave him. I don’t usually shop online as I like to try things on so I was expecting lots of things not to fit, this was not the case, one shirt didn’t fit and he had another size which did.
My only real concern I had was with shorter length of trousers, I’ve never been comfortable with them but I did ask him to get a few pairs. When I put them on with the others pieces to complete the outfit he asked what I thought and gave his opinion. His explanations on how to make each piece of an outfit compliment another, layering all to make you look in proportion was something I’d never thought about. I’m a tall man, with very long legs so I’ve always just purchased the longest pants possible but Cory showed me how this could be achieved in other ways like by having a longer top.
Did you set a budget and was this met?
Yes. Cory asked initially what my budget was. As I wanted a lot of clothes I understood that I’d need to spend a fair amount. I gave a lower budget and top budget and it came considerably under the top budget (which I was very surprised at when I saw how many items there were). It was clear that he’d shopped around for the best prices and really tried to make my budget go as far as I could.
Would you tell us about the process?
We started with an initial consultation over the phone where I told Cory what I was after, he asked a bit about my current wardrobe and we discussed budget, sizes etc. This was very much just like a normal conversation but I was amazed at how much he could extract from the conversation. Over the next week or so Cory sent me a number of emails with a lot of styles, looks and single pieces. I simply returned the emails with things I like circled and this would help him see through my eyes I guess. The next thing was to arrange a date and location. Cory had ordered all of the clothes and arranged them to re sent to my house. On the day of the styling session Cory arrived when he said he was going to and seemed to have as much time as I needed. The actual session took around 3 hours but this time flew by for me and it seemed he was enjoying it also which really did help. Someone actually doing all of this to make me look better and more confident whilst enjoying it and showing a sense of pride is honourable. It didn’t feel like he was here to work it felt like he was here to create and inspire... Which he ultimately did.
Are you happy with your wardrobe pieces and would you use a service like this again?
There were only two items that I didn’t take and this was down to size, everything that was picked I kept. Cory took care of the returns so it really was a specialist service. It’s not if it’s when, I am already giving some thought as to what I would like to do next with my wardrobe and I know who I will call first
Why?
It is rare these days to get a sense of happiness from someone who is working. Cory is clearly proud of what he does and the magic he creates
Was there a favourite piece?
I really liked the grey overcoat. I told Cory that I had one like this years ago that I loved and he managed to get one similar that was of much better quality
Arket
Dover st Market
Zara
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