GUIDE TO PERSONAL SHOPPING: HOW TO MINIMISE RETURNS & HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SHOPPING TRIP

In this interview with our newest stylist, Nathalie, I discuss the importance of sustainable shopping, and how to effectively maximise your time and minimise returns when you go shopping for new clothes to add to your wardrobe.

Stefania: Nathalie, welcome to the team! It’s fantastic to have you here. As our newest personal stylist, I know you bring a wealth of experience and passion to the table. Today, I’d love to talk with you about something that often frustrates our clients—returns. We've all been there: you buy something you love in the shop, but when you get home, it just doesn’t work. What are your top tips for minimising returns and making sure a shopping trip is successful?

Nathalie: Thank you, Stefania! I’m thrilled to be here and to share my thoughts on this topic. Minimising returns really comes down to preparation, understanding your personal style, and being mindful during the shopping process. One of the most important steps is knowing your body shape and what flatters it. Before you even step foot in a shop, having a clear idea of what styles, cuts, and colours work best for you can save a lot of time and reduce the likelihood of buying something that doesn’t quite fit or flatter.

Stefania: That’s great advice. What about the actual shopping experience? How can clients ensure they’re making the right choices in the moment?

Nathalie: When you’re shopping, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and buy something just because it’s trendy or because it looks great on the mannequin. But it’s essential to think about how it fits into your existing wardrobe. Ask yourself: Can I style this with at least three different outfits I already own? If the answer is no, it might not be the best choice.

Another tip is to pay close attention to the fabric and quality. It’s tempting to go for a quick fix, but investing in pieces that are well-made and durable will serve you better in the long run. And don’t be afraid to try things on—walk around in them, see how they feel, and make sure they’re comfortable. If something feels off in the fitting room, it’s likely not going to get better at home.

Stefania: I couldn’t agree more. Comfort is key, and it’s something we always stress to our clients. What about online shopping? That’s an area where returns seem almost inevitable for many people. Do you have any specific tips for shopping online?

Nathalie: Online shopping can be tricky, but there are ways to make it more successful. First, always check the size guide and read customer reviews, especially when you’re shopping with a brand for the first time. Reviews often give insights into how an item fits and whether you might need to size up or down.

Secondly, if possible, stick to brands and styles you’re familiar with. You’re more likely to be satisfied with your purchase if you know how the brand’s sizing and cuts typically fit your body. And don’t forget to check the return policy before you buy—knowing you can easily return or exchange an item gives you peace of mind and can encourage you to try new things without too much risk.

Stefania: Excellent points! It’s all about being informed and mindful. Before we wrap up, do you have any final advice for someone who wants to have a truly successful shopping trip, whether it’s in-store or online?

Nathalie: My final piece of advice would be to trust your instincts and take your time. Shopping should be an enjoyable experience, not something rushed or stressful. If you’re unsure about a piece, don’t feel pressured to buy it on the spot. Take a moment to think about it, or even sleep on it if you’re shopping online. Often, that little bit of extra time can help you make a more confident decision.

And if you’re really looking to minimise returns and ensure that everything you buy is perfect for you, consider working with a personal stylist. We can provide that extra bit of guidance and expertise to help you make choices that you’ll love for years to come.

Stefania: Thank you, Nathalie! That’s such valuable advice. I’m sure our readers will find these tips incredibly helpful. And speaking of personal styling, I’d love to share a bit more about your background with them.

Meet Nathalie Bridges – Your New Personal Stylist

Nathalie Bridges is passionate about creating a positive impact on women’s lives through styling. At 55, as a wife and mother of two, Nathalie’s journey into personal style began later in life. During her career in the reinsurance industry, she discovered that her wardrobe was her primary means of self-expression and empowerment.

Nathalie firmly believes that dressing in clothes that flatter your shape and choosing the right colours for your skin tone can transform your appearance and boost your confidence. When you look your best, you feel your best, and this positively impacts everything you do.

Fashion and makeup have always been her passions, and meeting Stefania was the turning point that transformed this passion into a vocation. Under Stefania’s expert guidance, Nathalie has honed her skills to help other women feel and look their best. Now, she’s excited to share this knowledge with you!

If you’re interested in having a successful shopping trip without the hassle of returns, why not book a personal shopping session with Nathalie? She’ll guide you through the process, helping you make the right choices tailored to your style and needs.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR SEASONAL SHOPPING

As a new season is welcomed, this may mean you need to head to the shops to get essentials for your wardrobe. Seasonal shopping is something many of us do as our wardrobes require a refresh, past pieces no longer serve us, or we want a new piece to love for the season!

While this can be fun for many, heading to the shops can also mean expensive trips that may not result in the most economical results. I am all for shopping, but shopping effectively is where my passion lies.

With sustainability so important for our environment, investing in pieces that last for years rather than one season, is something we all need to be mindful of. With that in mind, if you want to add new pieces to your wardrobe for the new season, here is my guide to seasonal shopping and how to make the best use of your budget.

Know your budget

Talking of budget, this is one of the most important things to know when you go shopping at any time of year. Understanding what you want to invest in your wardrobe during the shopping trip, whether in person or online, will help you navigate the shopping experience. It will also remove any feelings of guilt that can come from an overspend when shopping (you’re not alone if you feel this!), and make it a more enjoyable experience.

Know your wardrobe requirements

Something I always start with when having a Personal Shopping experience with any of my clients is understanding what they already have in their wardrobes. Once we know what we already have, we can then get to see what we may want or need to add to them.

For example, if you have plenty of beautiful summer dresses that you want to use into the Autumn and Winter, you may need to invest in hosiery, long-sleeved tops to go under the dress, or even thermal vests that cannot be seen but keep you warm. Other pieces may be cardigans, jumpers, or long-sleeved dresses for the cooler months. Whereas if you are going into Spring/Summer you may need lighter options like a bolero, linens, and undergarments for comfort when not wearing tights.

Go through your wardrobe as the seasons begin to change, so you can clear out any unwearable garments for the coming season, and look at outfit opportunities within what you already have, and where the holes may lie.

Play with trends (that suit your style!)

I love new trends for each season, but sometimes we can get excited about a trend that truly won’t serve our personal style. We end up buying trendy garments, that we wear once and never again. Knowing the trends that you feel will work within your wardrobe and personal style will mean they can be worn over and over, and taken into future years – because they work for your style.

Invest in the seasonal essentials

Depending on the new season you are welcoming, there are some essentials you will need for your wardrobe. For Autumn, for example, there are some pieces you’ll want to add to your wardrobe if you haven’t already got them from the previous year.

Consider the place you live, and these essentials may change. For example, in the UK, while we may welcome Summer with open arms, this doesn’t mean our jumpers, tights, and boots need to go into storage! Whereas in Italy, we tend to only keep a few light layers in our wardrobe for the summer for cooler evenings.

Play with the seasonal colours

With a new season comes seasonal colours – Autumn with its falling leaves, Spring with new blossoms, Summer with strong colours all around, and Winter with it’s bright and fresh colourings. These colours can inspire your seasonal shopping. Pick and choose from your colour wheel to add colours from the season ahead to create new outfits with just a change of colour. For example, as we approach Autumn you may want to add reds or deep hues through your accessories. Find some beautiful boots that are in the season’s colours, that also keep you warmer on the cooler days.

If you are going shopping for the new season, I hope this guide has helped to prepare you. If you want someone there to support you and guide you through the shopping process, please get in touch.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: HOW TO PLAN YOUR SHOPPING ONLINE AND MAKE IT REALLY WORK FOR YOU

My gut tells me online shopping will be the preferred options from the majority of consumers over 2021. Online shopping can be "tricky" so, while I absolutely understand that people feel safer and want to avoid stepping into a physical store (and also, most of them do not allow us to try things on during these times) I'd recommend being careful with shopping online, trying to search specific items and avoid random/compulsive purchases. So here are some tips to help make sure your online shopping experience is a good one!

Write a list

My first tip is to write a shopping list and follow it while researching items. Start your list by going through your Spring wardrobe and find the items you feel are missing that can extend your outfits. Do you have a need for new tops, or camisoles, perhaps you may need a few replacement light cardigans – whatever you feel you may need to add to your wardrobe that would actually work with your current collection will ensure you have a list that works rather than a haphazard approach to shopping.

Which clothing brands do you love?

We often gravitate to certain brands that work for us, and our wardrobe will show us those brands. So, while you’re writing your list, find out the brands that seem to pop up regularly. With this in mind, you can then visit their online stores for their new collections or sale items, that match your shopping list!

What cuts work well for your body?

Our body can look amazing in certain styles, and with a knowledge of the style of jeans you love most, to the dress types that you feel amazing in, figure out the cuts and styles you love to wear and this will help you when searching for items online.

For example, if you feel fabulous in square neck tops – look for clothes with a similar neckline that you know you’ll feel confident in. Perhaps you need a new pair of jeans (now we are finally being given the opportunity to go outside with friends once again!), consider the style of jeans you like, as well as the leg length and waist size, which you can replicate with your next purchase. Flared jeans are coming back into fashion, so if you’ve been desperate to get a pair, now is a great time to invest.

What colours will suit your current wardrobe and personal style?

Another really important part to remember when it comes to shopping is to know the colours you love to wear, and that work with your wardrobe. Many online shops allow you to categorise by colour as well as type, so use this option so you’re not distracted by items that just won’t work with your current wardrobe!

Know your budget

My final tip is to consider your budget. Fast fashion works well for quick required pieces, but with so many of us still being wary of going out quite as much, you may want to step back and consider your budget. With a higher ticket price, you will often find a much better item – and if this means waiting a little while before investing in pieces that you will love, or waiting for a sale, then you will find your wardrobe has more clothing that you want to wear more often. Invest in a few important pieces while online shopping that stay within your budget, to treat yourself, but also to know that they will be worn with love & will work with multiple items in your wardrobe (if you’ve done all the other ideas in this list!).

If you are feeling a little overwhelmed by the thought of shopping online, or perhaps you have bought clothes in the past that you’re not using, please get in touch – I can help you with my online personal style masterclass where we will work together to create a perfect personal style for you. With this in hand, your shopping (online and offline) will be a much more enjoyable experience!

NEW YEAR NEW YOU - TOP TIPS TO KICK START 2021 AND FEEL YOUR BEST

As a personal stylist I love helping my clients boost their confidence through their personal style and with a wardrobe that they feel truly showcases their personality. This year has been a tough one for so many of us, so I wanted to share some of my confidence boosting tips to help you start 2021 with a growth of confidence and feel your best!

Find colours that you love and wear them more often

Do you find that sometimes you put something on that is in a certain colour and you just feel more confident? Colour can be a truly transformative element to our confidence. Bright colours, especially during the colder months, can be a wonderful way to make you feel a little more bright and fun. Try adding some colour to your outfit with accessories like a hat, scarf, or if you’re feeling really adventurous a coat or go for a classic with some bright and beautiful shoes!

Dress up for yourself

With everything that’s been going on in 2020, many of us have been staying indoors, living in our yoga pants, or pyjamas unless a meeting calls for it. Although this was fun at the beginning, it can feel a little repetitive. I find dressing up can really improve my mood, and is something I am actively doing at least twice a week. Whether it’s for date night indoors with your partner, a meeting online, or just to get yourself some coffee, going the extra mile with your outfit can be a great way to improve your confidence.

Whether it’s a demure long dress for the evening, or a glamourous shirt that you feel great in, treat yourself to an outfit you love and wear it.

Actually treat yourself!

Relaxation and self-care are ways to help build your confidence, and are important parts to helping us feel our best. For me, having a relaxing bath is a really lovely way to treat myself, and makes me feel great – I get to read a book, light some candles, and have some wonderful smelling body soaks to unwind. For other ideas you can treat yourself by painting your nails, reading a book, taking a break for coffee, calling a loved one, or using some wonderful body care items.

However you are planning to spend the last week of the year, and planning for 2021, I hope you spend time on yourself too. If you would like to treat yourself to the gift of a wardrobe that brings you joy, please do get in touch and we can organise an online Personal Style Masterclass together! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and New Year!