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Fashion

Let’s Talk Personal Shopping with Laura Jordan

By Fashion

We caught up with Laura, the Founder and Creative Director of StyleSavvy®, to chat about the world of personal shopping. From the beginning to the end, we discuss what makes these experiences special, who’s booking them – and why. We’ll discover what sets StyleSavvy® apart in the fashion world- and, we’ll get a sneak peek at her top picks for the upcoming season.

Hi Laura! Can you give us a breakdown on how a Personal Shopping appointment works with you – both online and in person?
Hi! Of course, this is a very common question, as it can be a daunting prospect to place your new style in the hands of a stranger.

For online consultations, once your session is booked in with us, we send you a Welcome Pack detailing what to expect and how to prep. We also ask you to complete our digital questionnaire, which is a quick and easy way to share helpful info with us and think about your consultation goals. During our Zoom session, we talk through this and gather as much information as possible, to create the best possible edit of product links for you. Each is tailored, providing an edit that works for your life, style, body and budget. We ask for feedback once the list is sent and also once your product arrives. Online consultations are ideal for our clients who prefer to shop online, are short on time or don’t wish to travel to Dublin, or find the shopping experience inaccessible, for many reasons.


Online consults are growing in popularity, as we require only a 30 minute Zoom call during your working day, the rest of the work is on us, it is just product ordering and feedback required, which can be done from the comfort of your sofa.

Our in-person consultations have the same prep elements, with a sit-down consultation at the start of the appointment, usually over coffee, to discuss goals, the completed questionnaire and our plan for the session, including shops we intend to visit and any questions regarding brands or budget. We shop with purpose, there is little browsing, making the experience very time efficient. Our clients are often amazed that we can complete a capsule wardrobe within one appointment session! We often have follow-up after an in-person consultation also, with links to products that we like and could not see in-store, or online alternatives that we prefer.

What are the reasons someone might book you for a personal shopping appointment?
Most people have either had some kind of life change (pregnancy, weight loss or gain, change of job or personal circumstance), have no time or interest in shopping, or feel out of the loop with the shopping experience, including what is on-trend or in fashion. Most of our clients do not enjoy shopping at all, we are very sensitive to that. Those that do often feel that they have not got the best value from their spend, and are keen to work with us to try and fix this.

Your spend is focused, your time is focused and your outcome is focused. We set our clients up for success, whether they shop with us twice a year, or want to learn how to shop for themselves.

Do you notice many similarities between people who book?
Yes, most do not enjoy shopping; they find it stressful, overwhelming, or simply don’t feel they are successful at finding the right clothes for them.

How do you understand a client’s preferences and style?
This comes about surprisingly quickly. We ask for style inspiration in our questionnaire, including aspirational brands, encourage increased feedback for the first couple of shops we visit, so we can focus our edit further and from there we often get a successful read. This requires honesty on the part of the client and flexibility on the part of the stylist. The more times we work together, the more focused we get.

 

Personal shopping is the most rewarding of the services that we offer and the work that I do. My most significant appointments are when I can see a client stand taller in the mirror when they see how they look in new clothes and most importantly how this makes them feel. One of my clients became emotional when she saw her reflection and after a tough few years felt like her best self again, I will never forget her, that is priceless to me.


With the rise of online shopping and virtual personal shopping services, how has the landscape of personal shopping evolved in recent years?
This is so interesting to experience, we are now able to offer a global shopping and styling experience, which fascinates me. We can source clothes and accessories from all over the world and can offer a broad edit. Even pre-covid, we were heavily reliant on in-store product selection, this is no longer the case.

The time and effort involved in shopping can be significant, especially for busy professionals or individuals with specific requirements. How does personal shopping help clients save time and make the process more efficient?
Clients are often fascinated by how fast we work! For the most part, our clients are happy to relax in a changing room, while we bring the clothes to them. This allows some emails to be answered or quick calls to be taken, without booking annual leave to work with us.

 For our wardrobe edits, we require only 30 mins of talking time, for our outfit- pairing services, it is more like 10. We work fast and efficiently, as we are used to working with busy people, who are under time pressure.

Are there any key pieces you would suggest to clients at this time of year?
Absolutely, we are seeing Autumn stock arriving thick and fast, here are some of my top picks:

Womenswear: 

Cream trench coat:
Why? Cropped but not tight, this works over blouses and tees, is smart enough to pair with tailored trousers, while looking smart with jeans. Add a scarf when it gets colder and you’re set until some heavy wool is needed. Use again from April onwards.

Loewe belt: a punchy price, I’ve chosen this due to its cost-per-wear potential. Add to Summer dresses now, tailored trousers for work and jeans for the weekend and you have a year-round luxe product, offering a potential 3-4 day a week wear.

Zara sequin ballet flats:
as ridiculous as they are fabulous, swap your sandals for these for as long as bare feet are bearable. A great evening option when you don’t want height. These have a padded sole, making them a comfy wear at a  good price point.


Slim Jeans:  my current pick. Why? No whiskering, uniform dye. Opt for the bright blue wash now and deep blue for Autumn.

 

Menswear: 

Best tees on the market: soft and sleek, with a great fit.

Pure Cotton Overshirt:  ideal over a white, navy or striped tee for Autumn. 
Best high street jeans: I would choose Indigo only.

Please note that some product suggestions contain affiliate links. 

Laura Jordan’s Ultimate Sale Shopping Guide: What & Why To Buy This Summer

By Fashion, News

Wow! Thank you all so much for the fantastic feedback on our recent Zara Sale Shopping Picks.
The response sparked lots of enquiries about sale shopping in different stores and at different price points so I was inspired to compile an ultimate list of sale shopping picks and most importantly, shed light on the reasons behind each of my selections.

As I mentioned previously, The StyleSavvy® Method revolves around the art of smart shopping, regardless of your budget. Understanding which colours and shapes flatter you, as well as how to identify quality pieces, can significantly enhance your sale shopping experience.

For those interested in personalised support during the sale season, we offer a range of services designed to help you shop smarter. Whether online or in-person, my team and I are here to chat! You can contact us here 


High End:

BA&SH Verlaine Short Coat: With its sharp cut and an attention-grabbing collar, this bomber outshines its high-street counterpart at Zara, earning extra style points. Original Price €345.00. Sale Price €241.50, Brown Thomas.
MAJE Varreau Checked Tailored Jacket: This workwear basic looks equally chic with a tee, wide leg jeans and sandals, as with black trousers and loafers, or a black dress and heels. A truly versatile and timeless piece you will have for years to come. Original Price€355. Sale Price €177.50, Brown Thomas.

MAJE Bourget Leather Jacket: The ultimate leather/bomber hybrid, a must-have for effortless transitional dressing.  Original Price €455.00. Sale Price €273.00, Brown Thomas.
SANDRO Clarance Draped Asymmetric Dress: This stylish dress ticks all three major boxes: it features flattering sleeves, a V-neck to complement a larger bust, a diagonal cut that flatters the tummy, and a versatile length suitable for various occasions. Original Price €265. Sale Price €185.50, Brown Thomas.

Farm Rio GRAPHIC FOLIAGE MINI DRESS: With its warm-tones, this dress is the perfect companion for your hot holiday adventures, keeping you cool and chic throughout. Original Price €225, Sale Price €179.95, Zalando. 


RIXO Daisy open-back sequinned tulle midi dress:  One of my favourite things to do in a Sale is to purchase off-season. Buy this stunning sequinned dress now for a New Year’s Event or Christmas Wedding. Original Price €490. Sale Price €245, Net-A-Porter.
High Street:
Wool double-breasted coat: Buy ahead for Winter, this is a classic shape and will not date. Original Price € 89.99. Sale Price € 59.99 € 59.99, Mango.

Modal-blend suit blazer: Choose blue for cool tones or green for warm tones, available from XS to 4XL. Mango has excellent curve options. Original Price € 79.99. Sale Price € 49.99, Mango.

Floral quilted gilet: The only trend item to make it into the Edit; wear over a tee at weekends or with a white or blue shirt and dark wash jeans for work. Original Price € 49.99. Sale Price € 39.99, Mango.

Pocket tweed jacket: This jacket lifts a tee and jeans, a complete winner for most skin tones. Original Price € 69.99.  Sale Price € 49.99, Mango.

Suit jacket with buttons: This jacket features a vibrant colour that will pack a punch. Even better, it’s now 50% off! With its drop-buttoned style and fantastic cut, it’s a must-have for so many events – from the races to weddings. Original Price € 69.99. Sale Price € 35.99, Mango.

SLIM-FIT HEAVYWEIGHT LONG-SLEEVED T-SHIRT: This is a great weekend bright basic and makes a bright alternative to white. Original Price €35.  Sale Price  €19,00, COS.

REGULAR-FIT DOUBLE-BREASTED BLAZER: Wear with the matching suit trousers (below ) now and black in Winter. The fabric is thick enough to pop a polo neck under it also. Original Price €150. Sale Price €75, COS.
WIDE-LEG TAILORED WOOL TROUSERS: These are a beautifully cut wide leg trouser. Can be worn with matching jacket ( above ) or with a simple black or white long sleeve top. Original Price €125. Sale Price  €60, COS.
TWIST-DETAIL HALTERNECK JUMPSUIT: Pair this stunning piece with heels and consider investing just €20 to have it expertly taken up, ensuring a perfect fit that grazes your ankles (Think a two-finger gap just above your ankle bone). Original Price €115.  Sale Price €80, COS.

Accessories – High End: 

BA&SH Suede Swing Bag: A bag to see you straight through to Autumn, this crescent shape is very on-the-money, a designer label without the Isabel Marant price tag. Original Price €350. Sale Price €245, Brown Thomas.

JW ANDERSON Chain Anchor Shoulder Bag: An evening bag for every month of the year for a highly discounted price. Original Price €790. Sale Price €295, Brown Thomas.

ACNE STUDIOSLogo Shopper Tote: This is laptop-friendly, a hard box to tick, great for commuter days. Original Price €490.  Sale Price €245, Brown Thomas.

ISABEL MARANT Cadix Raffia Basket Tote: A beach bag with a luxe element, that is a significantly lower price point than a Loewe or Celine. Original Price €420. Sale Price  €250, Brown Thomas.

PRADA Cat Eye Sunglasses: A great shape that will lift the cheekbones. Original Price €230. Sale Price €115, Brown Thomas.  

Accessories – High Street:
Natural fiber carrycot: Another dupe for the Loewe basket bag look. Original Price € 45.99. Current price €29.99, Mango.

LEATHER Chain leather bag: A great YSL dupe and similar colour to the Ba&sh above. Original Price €59.99.  Sale Price €39.99, Mango.

Long chain handle bag: Small, chic & boxy this bag looks so much more expensive than it is. Sale Price €22.99. Sale Price €15.99, Mango.

Polarised sunglasses: These shades look designer and the oversized frame suit most face shapes. Original Price €19.99. Sale Price €9.00, H&M.

Bucket bag: This bag is great for holidays or worn as a crossbody with neutral colours. Original Price €32.99. Sale Price €22, Mango.

Large patterned scarf: Statement scarves are a fantastic way to elevate a leather jacket and tee. Original Price€15.99. Sale Price €7.00, H&M.

Menswear – High End:
AMERICAN VINTAGE Devon Crew Neck T Shirt: A super tee brand, this one is soft and washes well. Original Price €55. Sale Price €25, Brown Thomas.

A.P.C. Chandler Crew Neck Sweater: Buy ahead for Autumn, this sweater is great for blue eyes. Original Price €250. Sale Price €120, Brown Thomas.

PS PAUL SMITH Mid Rise Tapered Leg Jeans:  A staple denim in a really versatile shade. Original Price €195. Sale Price €85, Brown Thomas.

Menswear – High Street: 

100% leather jacket : This is incredible value for a jacket you will wear all year. Layer over a tee in Summer and a fine knit jumper in Winter. Mango is often overlooked in Menswear, always well worth a browse. Original Price € 199.99. Sale Price € 119.99, Mango.

Checked flannel shirt: A hard-working layering piece that once again you can wear all year round. Original Price € 49.99. Sale Price € 29.99, Mango.

Slim fit denim-effect serge trousers: These are a chino-denim hybrid and are great for work. Original Price €49.99. Sale Price €29.99, Mango.

SPLIT SUEDE SPORT SHOES: A great sporty look shoe. Original Price €55.95. Sale Price €39.99, Zara.

MULTIPIECE TRAINERS: Another great versatile trainer that will take you from work to drinks with pals. Original Price €49.95. Sale Price €39.99, Zara.

Please note that some of these links are affiliates, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through them.

Navigating the Zara Sale: Top Picks for Smart Shopping

By Fashion

Summer sales can often feel overwhelming, which is why I’ve curated a selection of my top choices to help you prepare your basket without feeling like you’re spending just for the sake of it. At the heart of The StyleSavvy® Method is the art of smart shopping, regardless of your budget, and mastering the skill of navigating sales to invest in pieces you’ll wear repeatedly. Understanding what colours and shapes flatter you equips you with the knowledge to sift through the tempting bargains and focus solely on items that truly work for you. Additionally, fabric composition plays a crucial role, and it’s something we address in our consultations as well. Without further ado, let’s delve into my handpicked list of favorites from the Zara Sale, accompanied by brief descriptions explaining why I’ve chosen them. 
The Zara Sale is set to kick off tonight at 9pm on the Zara app.

Dresses & Jumpsuits
EMBROIDERED DRESS WITH STRING BELT: This v neck dress is perfect for warmer days and will flatter an hourglass shape. Original Prics 99.95 EUR Sale Price 39.99 EUR

STRAPPY MIDI DRESS: A versatile piece that will flatter more boyish shapes. Original Price 22.95 EUR Sale Price 15.99 EUR

EMBROIDERED SHORT DRESS: Great for Petite Shapes, Smaller Busts and Pear Shapes. Original Price 49.95 EUR Sale Price 32.99 EUR
ASYMMETRIC MIDI DRESS: This statement dress would look incredible teamed with gold accessories for a Summer wedding. Original Price 59.95 EUR Sale Price 39.99 EUR
STRAIGHT-LEG DENIM TRF JUMPSUIT: This jumpsuit could be mistaken for a designer piece. Team with wedges or heels for an evening look. Original Price 59.95 EUR Sale Price29.99 EUR

FLORAL PRINT MINI DRESS : Ideal for those who are petite and who have a cool skin tone. Original Price 45.95 EUR Sale Price 29.99 EUR



MINI DRESS WITH CUTWORK EMBROIDERY: Would look super stylish worn with tan accessories on those with a warm skin tone. Original Price 39.95 EUR Sale Price 25.99 EUR

FLORAL PRINT DRESS: This floral dress could be mistaken for a Zimmerman piece! Original Price 49.95 EUR Sale Price 32.99 EUR
RUFFLED DRESS LIMITED EDITION: This statement dress with added frill drama is a cotton blend and would be stunning for any Summer events. Original Price 99.95 EUR Sale Price 39.99 EUR
ZIP-UP DRESS – LIMITED EDITION:  Again, another piece that could pass as designer. Team with chunky sandals for a chic daytime look. Original Price 89.95 EUR Sale Price 39.99 EUR
Waistcoats:Waistcoats:

Waistcoats: 
Teamed with wide leg trousers or worn over crisp white tees, waistcoats can be such a great addition to your wardrobe. Here are two styles that I think will last through the Summer right into late Autumn.
TAILORED WAISTCOAT: Original Price 29.95 EUR Sale Price 19.99 EUR

STRIPED TAILORED WAISTCOAT: Original Price 39.95 EUR Sale Price 29.99 EUR

Jackets:
When purchasing jackets, consider opting for versatile styles that can be easily layered and paired with different outfits.
LINEN BLEND CROPPED JACKET: Original Price 45.95 EUR Sale Price 32.99 EUR
LINEN BLAZER WITH PRINTED CUFFS: Original Price 49.95 EUR Sale Price 32.99 EUR
CROPPED TEXTURED BLAZER: Original Price 59.95 EUR Sale Price 39.99 EUR
Looking Forward:
Another key tip for Sale shopping is to purchase off season. A quick audit of your wardrobe should give you a good idea of any gaps you may have for the coming months and change in weather.
CONTRAST FAUX SHEARLING GILET: Original Price 59.95 EUR Sale Price 39.99 EUR
TEXTURED BLAZER WITH POCKETS: Original Price 59.95 EUR Sale Price 39.99 EUR

LONG DOUBLE-BREASTED BLAZER: Original Price 69.95 EUR Sale Price 49.99 EUR
Menswear:
My clients are well aware of my affinity for Zara menswear; known for its timeless appeal, excellent quality, and affordability. The current sale presents an opportunity to snag some quality basics, a rarity in sales, making it the perfect time to stock up on essentials.
SOFT OVERSHIRT WITH POCKETS BLACK: Original Price 49.95 EUR Sale Price 25.99 EUR
SOFT OVERSHIRT WITH POCKETS KHAKI: Original Price 49.95 EUR. Sale Price 25.99 EUR
BASIC BOMBER JACKET: Original Price 39.95 EUR Sale Price 25.99 EUR
100% LINEN SHIRT: Original Price 45.95 EUR Sale Price 35.99 EUR

RTE Style Counsellors

By Fashion, In The Media, News

I shared my top tips on creating Capsule Wardrobes with RTE’s Style Counsellors, as well as where to find the best basic and how to choose hemlines and layers to flatter your shape. For more information on how to shop smart you can contact us on office@stylesavvy.ie or click here to check out our full range of services.

Hosting F&F Fashion Show, Tesco Christmas Party November 2022

By Fashion, Fashion Events

We are passionate about inclusive sizing and pricing, so it was a pleasure to work with F&F Clothing at Tesco for their Irish media showcase for Christmas 2022. In the days beforehand I selected and styled the looks for the show and press call, then hosted on the night. Thank you Tesco Ireland for having me.To take your event to the next level, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. Contact us at office@stylesavvy.ie or click here to explore our service offerings. We’re excited to hear from you!

Gearing up for Autumn Winter Shopping

By Fashion, News

September is here and both myself and Leah have busy calendars, full of wardrobe edits and shopping appointments. We are excited to create the most cost-effective wardrobes of each year, the Autumn Winter season.

We currently have a 2-3 week wait for appointments, more information can be found here and any questions you have can be sent to office@StyleSavvy.ie

IrelandAM

By Fashion, News

With weddings and events in full swing, it has been a pleasure to work showcase lots fo Irish fashion on IrelandAM over the Summer weekends. As Autumn Winter stock arrives into stores, we will soon be moving from hats and heels to coats and boots…tune in weekend mornings to see my top picks…

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