There’s a difference between fashion and style, as fashion insiders will tell you. While most of us love to shop, not everyone will know how to work the season’s trends to their best advantage.
Cue in your own personal stylist. They help you pick out clothes and accessories that suit not just your body type, but can even tailor their advice to fit your budget.
Their services can range from free to over $300 an hour, with services that are offered in-store at department stores to even personal stylists who are knowledgeable about a wide range of brands and labels, and may even go to your place to help you do a closet sweep if you think you have too many clothes but nothing to wear.
Diva susses out three such services.
Glitz by Karen
Fashionista and self-styled "power stylist" Karen Ng helms this image consultancy that she says offers something very different. Glitz is an image consultancy that promises exclusivity and personalisation and blends all these with a healthy dose of fashion and style.
Karen travels to London to pick out items from various designers' collections to showcase to her clients in Singapore, is well-versed in fashion trends and has a comprehensive collection on the different styles, features and trends of the season all packed in one big file.
Glitz also caters to customers who want a complete lifestyle makeover from head to toe, including hair, and make-up for the women.
While pricey, personal style adviser Karen claims to offer very personalised service right to the last detail. She will even provide consultations that are catered to that special event you're attending, and sometimes heads down to clients' homes to pick out outfits for them.
She also sends down limousines to pick up her clients to bring them to her home office, where she does her consultations.
What are the different services offered?
Glitz by Karen offers personalised service from image consultancy to advising clients on the latest trends of the season.
How to go about getting this service?
To book an appointment you can either head to her website, http://www.glitzbykaren.com/. Or contact her at 6732 1141.
Price?
$300 an hour.
Where is it available?
Most of her consultations are conducted at her Tanjong Rhu apartment.
How long is a session?
Sessions for image consultancy lasts about an hour. However, the time varies as customers might want a full makeover.
Topshop
What are the different services offered?
Topshop's style advisors help you to choose the perfect outfit, size, colour & fit as well as up-to-date fashion advice.
Topshop has a cosy suite in which you can spend time picking and choosing your own outfits as you relax and hang out with your friends.
How to go about getting this service?
Call the stores directly at 6509 8602 (Topshop ION) and 6273 9261(Topshop VivoCity) to book an appointment with their style advisors or enquire about the service. Price? Free of charge.
Where is it available?
It is available at two different Topshop outlets, VivoCity as well as the Ion Orchard outlet. However, it is not available at their sister brands such as Dorothy Perkins, Topman, or G2000.
How long is a session?
There is no fixed timing, but customers usually take about an hour per session.
Who should use this service?
The clothes at Topshop are more suited for teens and young adults.
Tangs
What are the different services offered?
Tangs offers personal shoppers not only to help you choose and buy clothes but also to help you choose the right electrical appliances for your home.
They offer advice on not only what to buy but how to wear your outfits, and they are all well-versed in the latest trends of the season.
How to go about getting this service?
To book an appointment for personal styling, you can call their customer service counter at 6737 5500.
Price?
Free of charge.
Where is it available? Personal shopping is only available at TANGS Orchard as there is a wider variety of merchandise than in VivoCity.
However, Tangs does make arrangements for customers who prefer to have sessions at the VivoCity store instead.
How long is a session?
There is no fixed timing, but customers usually take about 2-3 hours per session.
Who should use this service?
The clothes offered at Tangs are more suited for the working adult, and you will have a wide variety to choose from as Tangs other brands such as FCUK, TANG + CO and Island Shop have their own set of personal shoppers as well.