This is my Idea and my 1st attempt to explain it.

Many women have very little confidence when it comes to choosing and wearing clothes. They don’t understand their body shape and aspire to be like the images they see in the media. Add to this the huge range of clothing and trends available to us it’s no wonder many women find shopping for clothing confusing. Items are bought that never seem to look quite right and are therefore not worn. This results in money and time being wasted.

I believe that it’s not the size you are that matters but more importantly, the shape you are and dressing to suit this.

I am very aware that Self esteem and image are closely linked. I want to help women to realise their ‘style potential’ and to be comfortable and confident within their skin I hope that this will go some way towards boosting their confidence.

There are a few people where I live already offering image consulting services; however, there is nothing to set them apart from each other. The services they offer are all the same and so is the way they carry out the different options available.

Working currently as a fashion advisor for a department store I regularly see up to 4 or 5 women a day. The service is increasingly popular and I often have a waiting list. I would therefore suggest that the demand for this kind of service is increasing. The customers I see come to me for a whole variety of reasons whether it’s to purchase a specific outfit or to buy their wardrobe of clothes for the new season. Some of my customers are women who simply don’t have time to shop and want me to do this for them. The one underlying reason however is a lack in confidence.
In my current position as a fashion advisor, my sole purpose is to sell clothing. Although the service is free there is an expectation that my customers will spend. I am expected to sell around £500 worth of clothing in less than an hour and a half. I feel that this doesn’t allow me to ‘advise’, the part of my job I most enjoy and also, In my opinion, the most important part. I often experience customers who need to use our service having already been to one of the Image Consultants. Often they are confused and put off by the ‘rules’ they are told to follow. This suggests to me that perhaps the services being offered in the area are not as effective as they could be.

The current services available all follow the same rules – Colour is their first and most important one, followed by body shape and make up. Whilst I agree that these are all important learning stages I also think that they need updating for the modern woman. I don’t believe it’s as easy as labelling someone a certain type. There are, according to these image consultants, about 6 different styles that you could be. Everyone fits into one of these boxes!! Surely everyone is individual and has a unique sense of style?

As a result I want to provide a ‘style advice’ or ‘personal styling’ service. This will enable me to really spend time with a client. Ultimately they will be looking to me to make them feel fantastic, boost their confidence, save them time and, in the long term, money; which in the current climate is extremely important. I will tailor my service to suit each individual clients needs. Instead of using a set of rules that suit all I will devise a ‘style guide’ tailored to each customer and their needs. They will be looking to me to boost their confidence and self esteem. I am aware that my clients image must reflect their personality and confidence levels and I will ensure I manage the pace of change so that they feel comfortable with their new look.
My clients will leave feeling confident, happier within themselves and will have a new found knowledge and understanding of themselves along with more of an ability to make considered purchases in the future.