Sue! Thank you ever so much for letting us know you don't post before and after pics. I never do. My reason is that style is a moving thing and it's the feeling of the person in the moment. One can never capture the spirit of the person, inside the clothes, with before and after pics. As stylists, we also know that those photos are all about the purpose of the stylist, which is to advertise her or his service. And what rules do I still follow? Only two. They are, "what does the client want?" and "did I check in with the client after I offered a color, pattern, texture or item to be sure I understood her or him as best I can?"
Fabulous Kerry. Totally agree and love your philosophy. Checking in with the client is super important. We all know you can look good but if they don't feel good, then it's not working.
Following a hard days work at smartworks I reflected why it felt so hard ( take away the 5 hours straight standing and no lunch) most women today who are being styled for imminent interviews all wanted to still feel like themselves but be confident. It’s a tall order in an hour and one I take very seriously. The transformation does not happen because of the clothes necessarily it’s more having someone taking an interest and listening to them. Very often women who have been referred from a job centre or a training course are told they should dress in a certain way. I could write more but I’m now need
I get it. Often 1 hour just isn’t enough to really dress someone because we don’t know them. People think dressing others, or yourself, is simple but it’s not easy! To truly reflect who you are by what you wear you need to know who you are inside and out. Great that you’re donating your time and effort to such a worthy organisation. I’m sure you are able to help these women value themselves
I am not a stylist, but I used to watch all the tv shows like Trinny & Suzanna, hoping to "transform" myself into a beautiful woman. It wasn't until I met Sue that I started to realise that all the so called rules were a load of cr*p! Sue helped me to be myself and it was the first step on a long journey. A journey which has had lots of bumps and with which I still struggle from time to time. Now when I see these programmes they make me quite angry that the person being transformed isn't listened to! Thank you for the education Sue. Xx
Lovely, Sue. Such important points to ponder. I especially see this on Instagram with people sharing ultimate transformations via weight loss, plastic surgery, relationships and yet, me, like you, wonders "Who is supporting them? Who did they talk to during their 100 pound weight loss. Are they strong enough to catch themselves when they fall?" Because that is all that matters, really. Through change, do we integrate right into our cells, the new definition of who we are? I visited my closet and felt the "conversation" my clothes were having via your suggestion. They were positive. When I am in a leadership position or a teaching position, especially with Fashion Feng Shui, I am guided by the Five Elements of Feng Shui and the IChing: in a nutshell, no Ego, only listening and responding. No hierarchy. This goes for thoughts, too. Helping people to rise up to themselves is a privilege; helping them build a structure that they love and trust, is the key. Whatever the vehicle, style, environmental consulting, listening close as a mentor, it is all the same. They are in charge. We are witness to their courage to change. Yes. Thanks, Sue.
Sue, so true and thank you for the timeliness of this writing. I am writing my mission statement for my new business. Your words are inspiring. I am one of those image consultants who use the word, "transformation." Now I can fully understand why clients say, "Well, my husband (wife) hired a stylist for me and I hated everything she bought." I want to be better than this. Lovely article.
I am so excited for you and thrilled that you can look to use a better noun than transformation. I think what we do is more about coaxing out what is already there so the person shines readily and happily in their own light - via their clothing.
Gorgeous piece Sue x
Sue! Thank you ever so much for letting us know you don't post before and after pics. I never do. My reason is that style is a moving thing and it's the feeling of the person in the moment. One can never capture the spirit of the person, inside the clothes, with before and after pics. As stylists, we also know that those photos are all about the purpose of the stylist, which is to advertise her or his service. And what rules do I still follow? Only two. They are, "what does the client want?" and "did I check in with the client after I offered a color, pattern, texture or item to be sure I understood her or him as best I can?"
Fabulous Kerry. Totally agree and love your philosophy. Checking in with the client is super important. We all know you can look good but if they don't feel good, then it's not working.
Hi Sue
Following a hard days work at smartworks I reflected why it felt so hard ( take away the 5 hours straight standing and no lunch) most women today who are being styled for imminent interviews all wanted to still feel like themselves but be confident. It’s a tall order in an hour and one I take very seriously. The transformation does not happen because of the clothes necessarily it’s more having someone taking an interest and listening to them. Very often women who have been referred from a job centre or a training course are told they should dress in a certain way. I could write more but I’m now need
My well deserved baked potato !
I get it. Often 1 hour just isn’t enough to really dress someone because we don’t know them. People think dressing others, or yourself, is simple but it’s not easy! To truly reflect who you are by what you wear you need to know who you are inside and out. Great that you’re donating your time and effort to such a worthy organisation. I’m sure you are able to help these women value themselves
I am not a stylist, but I used to watch all the tv shows like Trinny & Suzanna, hoping to "transform" myself into a beautiful woman. It wasn't until I met Sue that I started to realise that all the so called rules were a load of cr*p! Sue helped me to be myself and it was the first step on a long journey. A journey which has had lots of bumps and with which I still struggle from time to time. Now when I see these programmes they make me quite angry that the person being transformed isn't listened to! Thank you for the education Sue. Xx
Thank you Dawn.
Lovely, Sue. Such important points to ponder. I especially see this on Instagram with people sharing ultimate transformations via weight loss, plastic surgery, relationships and yet, me, like you, wonders "Who is supporting them? Who did they talk to during their 100 pound weight loss. Are they strong enough to catch themselves when they fall?" Because that is all that matters, really. Through change, do we integrate right into our cells, the new definition of who we are? I visited my closet and felt the "conversation" my clothes were having via your suggestion. They were positive. When I am in a leadership position or a teaching position, especially with Fashion Feng Shui, I am guided by the Five Elements of Feng Shui and the IChing: in a nutshell, no Ego, only listening and responding. No hierarchy. This goes for thoughts, too. Helping people to rise up to themselves is a privilege; helping them build a structure that they love and trust, is the key. Whatever the vehicle, style, environmental consulting, listening close as a mentor, it is all the same. They are in charge. We are witness to their courage to change. Yes. Thanks, Sue.
Amazing reply. Listening is key, not telling as most of us are wont to do. Great wisdom Ellen as always
Sue, so true and thank you for the timeliness of this writing. I am writing my mission statement for my new business. Your words are inspiring. I am one of those image consultants who use the word, "transformation." Now I can fully understand why clients say, "Well, my husband (wife) hired a stylist for me and I hated everything she bought." I want to be better than this. Lovely article.
I am so excited for you and thrilled that you can look to use a better noun than transformation. I think what we do is more about coaxing out what is already there so the person shines readily and happily in their own light - via their clothing.