Me? Shop with a Stylist? {Sponsored by SIDE by STYLE}

Disclaimer :: When SIDE by STYLE contacted the Fort Worth Moms Blog, we were more than a little bit excited. SIDE by STYLE offered one of our contributors a two-hour shopping excursion with a personal stylist. While SIDE by STYLE sponsored this post, the following review is an honest and thorough account of the shopping experience with the company. 

Me? Shop with a stylist? Only in my Hollywood dreams, right? That is absolutely what I thought until I learned about SIDE by STYLE and its services. According to its website, “SIDE by STYLE was created to provide a broad audience with focused, knowledgeable help with what to wear at affordable prices.” And that is what won me over. Affordable stylist helping me search for practical, affordable clothing. Sign me up.

Here’s how the process worked:

STEP 1 – I perused the available Fort Worth stylists on the SIDE by STYLE website. There clients can review the stylists’ in-depth bios, areas of expertise, outfit examples, and more. This gives you a really good idea of each stylist’s personality and fashion philosophy. The stylists’ rates are also front and center, charging from $16-$20 per hour.

STEP 2 – Once I selected a stylist (shout out to BreAnne!), I clicked the “Request to Book” icon. This pulls up a calendar with all the stylist’s available dates and time slots. During this portion, you also determine how many of hours of styling you want, input your contact information, write a brief bit about what you’re hoping to find, and pre-pay for your services. (There’s also a deposit, pay later option, too.) A one- to two-hour session is usually enough time to meet most styling needs.

STEP 3 – BreAnne contacted me via phone a couple of days after I scheduled my appointment. We talked further about what I wanted on the shopping list, what stores I liked or was willing to try, any specifics to be considered when shopping, my budget, and where/when to meet. I totally kept it REAL with this gal. I’m a mom to two adorable, active, messy, so-much-fun little girls under the age of four. I’m not wearing a lot of designer duds in my everyday life. Silk, sequences, or dry-clean-only? No thanks. I need comfortable, quick, easy wash/dry, no ironing kinda clothes. And if it hides spit up, EVEN BETTER. I tasked BreAnne to help me find a quality pair of yoga pants (because my current collection is so worn out); easy wash/care shirts to go with said yoga pants (other than the tshirts/pajamas I usually wear); and a lightweight, easy wash/dry (notice a theme?) dress for summer (you know something that could work for church or the park).

STEP 4 – After our phone conversation and before our shopping day, BreAnne researched the best stores for my price point and wish list. She even visited the stores two days prior to our meeting to get familiar with the layout and inventory. (Impressive, right?)

STEP 5 – On the appointed shopping day, we met at a nearby cafe to discuss the game plan. She suggested we start at one store that had several of the items I wanted. Now, you need to brace yourself for the next part. We walked into the store, she quickly showed me items that matched my “must haves.” She pulled my sizes in several different styles, gently escorted me to the dressing room section, greeted the store employee, and settled me into my very own fitting room. For the next 35 minutes, she gave guidance as I tried on items; she went back and forth to the store floor searching for other pieces, different colors, etc; she put away the “discard” pile; she discussed various ways to wear the clothes I liked, explaining the balance of “cost per wears.” There were no children running wild, asking for a snack, needing to use the restroom. (I adore my kids, by the way. I’m just presenting reality here.) I never left the cocoon of the dressing room to hunt down a store clerk, find another style/size . . . . I never became overwhelmed by the sea of choices. BreAnne did it all. (I could cry just reliving the moment.)

STEP 6 – I purchased my finds (fine, BreAnne found them, but the clothes went home with me!). This is no exaggeration, no sales pitch: I genuinely liked, really liked each piece I bought. I felt good about the quality and about the functionality of the clothes.

This is not a news flash, but I am a busy mom. As much as I swore it would never happen to me, I now find it difficult to shop for myself. Who has the time? And then, when a shopping trip does occur without my kids in tow, my mind can hardly focus–thanks to frustration about sizes/styles, selection overload, and price points. With SIDE by STYLE, someone else was able to research and focus for me. BreAnne was not afraid of or insulted by my need for yoga pants. She was incredibly knowledgeable, down-to-earth, helpful, and encouraging.

If you need yoga pants, something to wear to that summer wedding, a knock-’em-dead reunion outfit, or just updates to your current wardrobe, try SIDE by STYLE. Whether it’s Neimans or the Target sale section, these stylists can find the fashions just right for you!

Ready to go shopping? SIDE by STYLE is giving away $50 in shopping money along with a free 2-hour session with the stylist of your choice. Contest will last through Monday, April 27, at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be announced on the Fort Worth Moms Blog Facebook page on Tuesday, April 28. Good luck!

Founded by husband and wife team, John and Amanda Scott, SIDE by STYLE helps those who want to look great, dress with style, and feel confident in their appearance, but either aren’t sure where to start or don’t have the time to invest. Through SxS, clients can book a session with a local, personal stylist who will help them find great looking clothes and accessories. It’s fun, quick, and affordable. Visit www.sidebystyle.com to get started!