Girl! If you’ve ever felt that you just can’t get your wardrobe right – this one’s for you!

I met Aleks at Feminvest – a phenomenal occasion celebrating women in business. Aleks is a professional personal stylist and we somehow got to chatting. We connected immediately, laughing like school girls at silly stories. She told me about her business and I told her about my book. We connected on the socials and determined to stay in touch.

Now, my women entrepreneurs, hear this: people do not always invest in you because of what you say or how you market your product or service. They invest in your energy. Aleks had such an uplifting, light and pure presence about her, that I knew even then that I wanted more of it. So, to cut a short story even shorter, Aleks was an amazing guest on my podcast and I purchased a styling package from her.

Aleks sent me information ahead of our styling session so I would have an idea of what to expect, but I still felt concerned. I’d never done anything like this before. I wondered what it would be like to have someone in my home and fortress, ransacking through my belongings. I imagined she’d sneer at my precious items and maybe even tell me that I was the first hopeless case she’d met! I was worried. Anxious. And yes a little crazed!

When the day came, the first thing Aleks did was put me at ease with that magical presence I spoke of earlier. I opened the door for her and immediately felt myself start to calm down. Then there was her smile that chased any niggling doubts away. I felt that I was in safe, kind hands and that made all the difference.

We started with a round of questions with Aleks seeking to understand my own style preferences and where I was looking to take my look. What did I envision myself feeling, portraying and being? Frankly this was much easier for me than questions on what I envisioned myself wearing. I’ve often felt that the world of fashion was out of my reach and that mine was not the kind of body dressing up was meant for. I recognise now that it is a false narrative playing in my mind and continue to work on it.

Next was the colour analysis. I hadn’t known what to expect, but it ended up being an enlightening journey. The exercise was to put up a number of colour swatches against my face and take pictures. I noticed that I would completely light up when it was a colour I gelled with. Aleks reflected that there are colours that brought out my personality and I felt that they also brought a spark to my whole being. Colours (well the right colours) just bring me to life! What a thing to discover one afternoon in my forties!

Next was the wardrobe raid. This also turned out to be a very interesting exercise. We went through my entire wardrobe with me trying on pieces and our discussing them. Aleks gave guidance on my silhouette and things that worked or didn’t. As an example, I said I’d prefer to remove attention from my tummy area to which she pointed out that the double breasted blazer I was trying on at the time, actually brought attention to my tummy through the extra gold buttons in that area. Live and learn! Aleks was very kind in her approach. She was candid about items that didn’t work for me and why without making me feel small. She celebrated the items that she found fabulous and provided styling guidance. We found that there were essentials missing from my wardrobe and took note. In the end, all the things we tossed for donation were things I already did not resonate with and so didn’t wear. There was only one dress that I fought for tooth and nail! It was a little too small, but I insisted that we would find a way to make it work! We must!

During the session, Aleks noted, “Your posture, the way you move and the way you carry yourself change in such fundamental ways depending on what you have on.” It is difficult to notice such a thing on your own. It was like certain outfits brought out the purer essence of me. What if I could bring this authenticity out more everyday based on the clothes I wore? Wouldn’t that feel amazing?

This day was the first phase of my styling journey, and Aleks is now working on a detailed blue print of my new personal style. This will include curated outfit combinations, styling guidelines, the result of the colour analysis with a personalised colour guide, a silhouette analysis with tailored recommendations and a personalised shopping guide. She has tricks and tips on things like bra shopping and who to call for tailoring needs. She’s also given me access to her for styling and outfit questions.

I feel like I finally get to be the girl who has a working wardrobe. The one who can effortlessly put things together in a way that works, on a regular basis. This experiences has already given me such a boost of confidence! Today, I’m wearing a dress that has been idling in my wardrobe unworn for about a year. Why? Because I get to look fabulous on any given Tuesday!

What’s your styling journey been like? Have you ever considered a personal stylist? Tell us about it in the comments!

I leave you with the podcast Aleks & I recorded.