Q. Why do I need a Stylist?

A. In today’s world, we are frequently and consistently judged on our outward appearance. Having a polished image with a wardrobe that’s well curated can be hugely beneficial in both personal and professional scenarios. Whether you’re seeking a career change or a new job, working towards a promotion, searching for your soulmate, or simply wanting to stand out among your peers, the way you look will ultimately play a significant role in your success. A Personal Stylist will not only help you polish up your image and appearance, but also give professional advice on creating looks that work best for you.

Q. What is the difference between a Fashion / Personal Stylist and an Image Consultant?

A. Stylists work with clients to create looks for a particular event or lifestyle choice. Using their training and experience, Stylists can teach an individual the best ways to shop for their body type and budget, and the most flattering ways in which to get dressed.

Fashion Stylists usually do work for photo shoots, fashion shoots, and magazine spreads. This can be a more avant-garde side of styling, as the idea is to push boundaries and create editorial spreads, and not necessarily everyday looks. Personal Stylists, on the other hand, will work with clients on a one-on-one basis, helping them find clothing and accessories that can be incorporated into their daily lives, and are the most appropriate silhouettes for their body types and budgets.

Image Consultants help clients alter, enhance, or restore their image. This involves evaluation of appearance, behavior, and communication. A session with an Image Consultant draws from a wide range of knowledge and skills that enables their clients in being the most polished version of themselves. Generally speaking, areas like wardrobe, makeup and skincare, style, etiquette, diction et cetera are assessed and improved. Depending on the needs of the client, an Image Consultant might be required to draft / edit speeches, arrange interviews, and oversee public relations between the client and the media.

While not always the case, Fashion Stylists are usually hired for editorial shoots, Personal Stylists for individuals, and Image Consultants for celebrities or corporates.

Q. Who is your typical client?

A. My current client base involves women who have experienced some sort of change in their lives and want to work on enhancing their appearance. They are mothers, wives, entrepreneurs, young professionals, et cetera. Their style motivations range from transitioning jobs, significant weight loss or gain, post-pregnancy makeovers, creating a more powerful impact amid work colleagues or in social circles, or just updating their overall image.

Q. How much will it cost me?

A. The budget and comfort level of a client are of critical importance. Having said that, think of Personal Styling as an investment towards enhancing your personal image and presenting the best version of yourself to the world. For a one-on-one styling consultation, the rate is $150 / hour, with a minimum commitment of two hours. This is already more reasonable than the current market rate which is at least $200 / hour or $1200 flat fee, followed by multiple add-ons for every service offered! If you are interested in having an on-site consultation with a complete Wardrobe Edit, there will be an additional fee of $250 + any travel expenses incurred.

Q. Do you offer any discounts?

A. Yes. As a repeat client, you get a 15% discount on all future à la carte services and packages. There is also a 10% discount for new clients who come in via referrals (recommended by prior clients).

Q. What modes of payment do you accept?

A. Cash or personal checks are both acceptable. If paying by checks, we will schedule your appointment as soon as the payment clears. You’ll receive detailed invoicing for every service provided.

Q. How much time should I allow for my appointment?

A. You will receive an estimate based on your initial consultation, but the amount of time you allow for your appointment is ultimately up to you. 2 - 4 hours is generally a good starting point, but if your project is more involved (personal shopping, complete wardrobe overhaul, on-site consultation) it's best to allow extra time.

Q. What if I need help shopping but cannot make it to NYC?

A. You can opt for a Virtual Consultation. Through digital and electronic media, you will have a one-on-one consultation and learn how to utilize items already in your closet. Your consultation will include an in-depth analysis of your clothing and accessories (be prepared to take lots of photos!), suggestions about what to keep and what to toss, and a shopping list (with personalized store recommendations) to help you fill in the blanks. There will be a follow-up consultation for all Styling services, where you will be assisted in mixing any new purchases with the existing ones in your closet. Generally speaking, Wardrobe Edits are best done in-person as your Stylist needs to see the clothing and fabrics up close to establish their practicality.

Q. How does Stylist on Call work?

A. To receive styling advice and recommendations on an as-needed basis, you can pay for a monthly fee and have access to your very own Stylist through phone calls, texts, and/or emails. This is hugely helpful when you need style advice on the go. This service is not inclusive of in-person consultations.

Q. What can I expect from a Personal Shopping experience?

A. Lots of fun and enjoyment while exploring Manhattan's various shopping neighborhoods, trying out clothing from various stores, and having a very detailed guidance about what to buy and where. We will cover everything from clothing to accessories, shoes and jewelry, even make-up! We will shop at stores that cater to your budget and lifestyle and find the looks that bring out the best in your personality. The stores we visit will be reviewed beforehand by your Stylist, to keep things speedy and efficient during your trip. After your shopping trip, there will be a complimentary tea-house/café stop for beverages included with your package. If you book a Personal Shopping trip for more than three hours, there will be a non-billable lunch break.

Q. What information do you require from me?

A. The basics like your age, height, weight, and measurements; surface details about your job and lifestyle (so you can be guided on the most appropriate looks for professional and social settings); your favorite colors and pieces of clothing/accessories; your budget parameters (so we can work within your comfort zone). All information provided is kept strictly confidential. If you’ve signed up for Virtual Consultation, please be prepared to provide adequate photographic references. You might also be asked to take a full length shot in a pair of tights/tank top, so we can evaluate your particular body type and work to its advantage.

Q. How often should I opt for Personal Styling?

A. As frequently as you want! However, if you have budget or time restrictions, it is recommended that you hire a Stylist at least 1 - 2 times a year, preferably at the onset of a seasonal change, or after significant weight loss / gain, or simply before attending a major event (e.g., a wedding).

Q. Do I have to completely overhaul my wardrobe?

A. Not at all. Overhauling the entire wardrobe can be expensive and stressful. It’s more important to work with what you already have; enhancing your existing wardrobe by adding any necessary pieces and by guiding you on the best ways to accessorize and improvise.

Suggestions will be given on the DON’Ts of your wardrobe, but it’s entirely up to you whether to toss that clothing or keep it. However, it is recommended you follow the guidelines to derive the most advantage out of your styling consultation. Think of it as “Spring Cleaning” of your closet; you’ll only be creating space for newer, more flattering pieces.

Q. Can I bring my significant other/best friend/mom to my appointment?

A. Please don't! The styling sessions are designed to be one-on-one experiences, and such appointments can be most productive without family members or friends in tow. Remember this is time devoted to YOU.

Q. Do you receive commissions from the stores we visit?

A. Absolutely not. The Personal Shoppers that make commissions are the ones affiliated with specific stores. A Fashion Stylist, on the other hand, will try to incorporate a variety of stores in the shopping trip to meet the clients' style and budget parameters.

Q. Do you provide look books?

A. Absolutely! For complimentary online look books, sign up here:

http://www.keatonrow.com/mromanovich

You will be given various looks with clothing and accessories that are cohesive, and the ability to buy directly from the retailer. There is no obligation to buy; this service is completely complimentary. Should you decide to buy any of the items suggested in your look book, you’ll be buying them directly from the online store/retailer. Retailers include Nordstrom, Shopbop, ASOS, and Les Nouvelles.

Q. OK, I signed up! What happens next?

A. There will be an initial consultation (either in person or via e-mail / phone), where you will be asked a series of questions about your lifestyle, fashion choices, style preferences et cetera. If you’ve signed up for a Wardrobe Edit or any of the packages, then the next step will be sorting through your existing wardrobe and setting aside anything that might be outdated or unflattering -- this is what we’d refer to as the DON’Ts in your closet.

After weeding out the DON’Ts, we will work together in helping you figure out how to utilize the pieces left in your closet. You will be shown how to accessorize or mix and match the items you already own in new and unexpected ways. Ultimately, you will be informed about any key clothing / accessory staples lacking from your current wardrobe. We will schedule a shopping trip to fill in the blanks and add pieces that will complete and complement the ones remaining in your wardrobe. If you have signed up for the Platinum Package, your Stylist will take photos of you (up to ten) in the new clothing that will then be printed and bound in a keepsake look book.