MEAGHAN SMITH PERSONAL STYLIST

We’re currently in what can be, not quite disastrous, but certainly a dangerous period. Sales time.

This is the time when costly shopping mistakes are frequently made.

It’s when we can be easily lured into buying something we don’t really love, that isn’t at all flattering and doesn’t one bit represent the style and image we want to portray.

Here’s a scenario to think about…

You’ve been looking for something to wear to a friend’s wedding and not having much luck. You head out to the shops, thinking I have to get something today. I’m getting desperate.

You walk into a designer shop where they’re having a big sale. You’re thinking, this looks promising. But discover the only thing in your size is this pale pink satin ruched dress (pictured above). Its original price was $2072 and it’s on sale for $300. And it’s Nina Ricci. OMG, you think. I could never afford a designer dress like this normally. This is such a huge bargain. You try it on and it fits even though the neckline is too high for you, the length too short, you don’t really like the color (and it’s too pale for you) and you have no idea what underwear you’ll be able to wear to smooth out the lumps and bumps, which the shiny fabric seems to be highlighting. But it’s designer, it fits, it’s such a bargain and you’re desperate to buy something. The wedding is only 3 weeks away.

You’re still debating whether or not you should take it or not when the salesperson comes over and tells you you look incredible in it and that it’s beautifully made and only a handful of them were created – therefore nobody else will be wearing the same as you on the night. She gives you some ideas for how to accessorise it and how you could wear your hair and by now you’re starting to think it must look good if she says so. She works in fashion so she probably knows better than you. She could be right – the light’s not great in the change room, you don’t have any makeup on and you’re wearing bad undies.

What do you do? Do you buy it or leave it?

*If you do buy it…do you feel incredible when you wear it or do you feel uncomfortable, and unauthentic and wish you’d bought something that was flattering to your shape and reflected your style?

If you need help navigating the sales you can contact me here

You can read what styling services I offer here

Follow me on Instagram here

Trying to come up with a unique and thoughtful gift for your Mum (wife, aunt, Nan, sister, daughter, yourself, etc) for Mother’s Day?

I do Gift Certificates!

You can either choose a particular styling experience (including my one hour shop for jeans session) or give a monetary gift and let the recipient choose for herself.

This is what Sue said about her experience of working with me..

My daughter and daughter-in-law bought me a treat with Meaghan. I would have to say it is the best gift I have received in years. Firstly, just meeting Meaghan was terrific. She was warm, friendly, and easy to chat with. She came prepared to face the difficult task of ‘educating and guiding’ a 61 year old accumulator, spur-of-the-moment purchaser. Meaghan had me try on every piece of clothing in my wardrobe. She made me actually look at myself through somebody else’s eyes and revealed and confirmed things that I already knew, but had not dealt with. Consequently, my wardrobe was reduced by 135 articles! Some even had their labels on and had never been worn. I am confident now that I will use her tips and advice whenever I go shopping for new clothes. Firstly, I will not purchase anything, unless I LOVE IT. Meaghan it was a pleasure to have you in my home. You made me feel comfortable at all times. Your honesty and support was greatly appreciated. I would recommend your marvellous service to everybody. What a treat my day was. Thank you for your enthusiasm and your support.

You can read what styling services I offer here

Follow me on Instagram here

I might take two girlfriends shopping – both of them could try on the same dress and decide to buy it.

One would wear it to work with a blazer and pumps, in her classic style and the other would wear it casually to meet her friends at a cafe, in a pair of flat sandals and her denim jacket.

It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it.

For example, a simple white shirt can be worn in many different ways. (Demonstrated beautifully by Carolyn Bessette Kennedy above) As can a pair of chinos or a trench coat. A scrunch here, a fold, or a button up there. Even a little tweak, can make an impact.

It’s up to you to interpret each piece of clothing from your wardrobe in your own way.

Wear it so that it shows your personal style (and personality)

Wear it with accessories that feel authentic to you and your style

Wear it with an unexpected color or texture

Wear it in winter, as well as in summer

Wear it to work, and then wear it casually on the weekend

You can read what styling services I offer here

Follow me on Instagram here

Subscribe to my fortnightly substack newsletter here

Subscribe to Fabulous Finds & Favourite Things here

I receive regular emails from prospective clients asking,

“What sort of budget would I need to go shopping with you?”

My answer is always the same.

What you choose to spend on your wardrobe is entirely up to you.  I’ll work within your budget.

I work with people who only like to spend $100 on a new pair of jeans and some who wouldn’t blink an eye at spending $350.

The thing is, everyone’s different. Everyone has different lifestyles and priorities and we might have more or less to spend on clothes at different times in our lives.  (You might recall me talking about the time when I changed careers and I didn’t have a lot of money to spend on new clothes)

Despite your budget everyone deserves the right to look and feel great.

One thing I suggest to people who want to stay current and up-to-date with fashion but don’t necessarily have a lot of money to spend, is to not just avoid stores they think are too expensive for them, but to go in, sample what’s on offer and then if anything appeals to them try and find similar pieces at stores that are closer to their budget.  (And often during a “sampling” session people are pleasantly surprised that some of the stores they tend to stay away from are not as expensive as they had imagined – particularly if it’s a store where my clients receive my stylist discount) 

The above picture is an example of this.

The blazer on the left was $69.95, from Zara and the one on the right was $349, from Saba.

I will say that I do encourage people to look for quality. Even if the item is not overly expensive still pay attention to what the fabric is and how the garment is made.  (It’s not a bargain if it falls apart or looks shabby after two washes and you need to throw it out)  I also believe there are some things that are worth spending more on and may require saving for.

You can read what styling services I offer here

Follow me on Instagram here