About a month ago I was contacted, well tweeted by Toronto stylist Christie Ressel. She was interested in working together and I was intrigued.
Most of our ideas about stylists come from celebrity stylists like Rachel Zoe who help stars look great for awards shows. But this type of styling doesn’t really translate into our every day lives. I mean how many of us are regularly attending balls and awards shows? I know me neither.
What I liked about Christie’s approach is that it is targeted at us regular women. She helps us shop our closet and find colours that flatter. She aims to make shopping easier not harder. She is like Stacey & Clinton without the embarrassing 360 mirror and you get to keep your clothes. Well some of them anyways.
I asked Christie some questions about what she does and got some tips for you know the rest of us!
1. What exactly does a stylist do?
CR: I help women translate what they see in magazines and on runways and bring into their everyday lives. I help them find their own unique style and flair and make that work for their lifestyle requirements. Women finish with me feeling confident and chic!
2. Where do you tend to shop for clients? What store do you keep going back to?
I shop all over the place – depending on what clients are looking for. There are hundreds of the most amazing boutiques in Toronto – each offering something special. However, I really love the store, “Fredas.” They have some of the most unique pieces!
3. If you were able to blow the budget on one thing where would you invest your money?
A fabulous purse – if you choose wisely, a great purse will last you from season to season without becoming dated looking. I had a fabulous Michael Kors purse that lasted me almost 6 years! I still use it every now and again, and it’s still in great shape.
4. What are the biggest things you have to help your clients with in terms of style?
Dressing for their body type! Often times – women have a vague idea of what works for them. The problem is they don’t know what specifically doesn’t (and why). This is where I come in. And, it makes such a difference! People always look longer and leaner when they dress for their body shape.
I also find women have a tough time creating outfits from what they currently own. All of us have had mornings where we stare in our closet thinking, “I have nothing to wear!” because we get stuck in a rut of always matching certain pieces with one another. So, I help women “shop” their closet – and create a multitude of new stylish looks for them out of what they already own.
5. What are the most common fashion oops you see and what is the easiest things we can all do to fix/avoid them?
Not wearing the proper undergarments! Wearing good undergarments affect the way your clothing fits! Also, too many women have resorted to what I call, “The mom uniform” of Uggs, leggings, and a jacket with a cute purse – passing it off as “fashionable”. It’s awful looking. It’s so easy to be comfortable AND chic. Grab some yoga jeans, some great flats, a t-shirt, blazer and scarf and you’re good to go!
6. What is the hardest body type to dress and why?
I don’t think there is a particular shape that is harder to dress than another. But, generally speaking – women with an “H” body shape – that don’t have an overly defined waist – I find have issues with finding inspiration on how to style their body. Most magazines and designers often focus on the popular hour-glass shape.
Watch for more tips from Christie for dressing your body type. If you want to learn more about the services that Christie provides you can go to her website: Personal Power Image Consulting.