I have been working with my Stylist virtually for a little over a month. It’s not something I ever thought I would do but as a fan of What Not to Wear for it’s entire run, I have believed in the value of a professional stylist for a long time.
How it happened for me is actually related to my first layoff, from Oil & Gas in late 2016. I was one of a great many let go from Finance, and so was my stylist. We didn’t actually ever work together but I remember admiring her skill in the company arranged yoga classes we both attended (you didn’t know that, did you Jen?)
Our paths crossed again in our next roles – mine in corporate finance of a large health care provider, hers as a recruiter with a firm my organisation engaged. Jen made her own path out by following her passion for fashion. I wasn’t so brave and didn’t pursue my dream until I was once again laid off.
Just a few months into my new life/career path, on my Christmas trip home from Africa, I saw a posting of Jen’s on LinkedIn, talking about her services **unsponsored plug for LinkedIn – connect with people, you never know where it can lead ** I thought – hey, I’ve been fumbling around this fashion/style thing for 30 years, why not get some professional help?! And support a fellow corporate defector and dream chaser at the same time!
We connected for just one face to face meeting at Second Cup (how Canadian!) Jen agreed that we could try this virtually since I was off to Uganda days after we talked.
My end goal – a wardrobe that can fit in two large suitcases, that will take me to work, through the weekend and even the odd fancy night out. Work will be largely business casual, but I still need a few fully professional business outfits. I love dresses but need them to be culturally appropriate (not more than an inch or so above the knee) for some more modest countries, since I don’t know where I may land. Climate – well I hope to focus on warm if not hot countries, so fabric is also a constraint.
We are now more than a month into the actual process and I am so happy and confident that I will end up with even more than I hoped for.
We have been creative with how we share information. I needed to show her my wardrobe which meant sharing pictures of everything I have here in Kampala. It took the better part of a Sunday for me because I brought much more than I thought; and in two suitcases! How to get that many pictures from East Africa to Western Canada? Why share a shared Google Drive of course!
Also shared via email, the shared Drive and Instagram – my body shape, using leggings and a tank top and my outfits for several days to better show what I have and how clothes look on me. I learned to cover my face to hide the stern looks of concentration 🙂
How can we discuss what I like without going to a mall? Jen created a private Pinterest board and I pinned away. Then, another Pinterest board for her to share potential items with me. It’s been a very smooth process actually.
And regular Skype meetings. Not a simple task finding times that work for us since we are 10 hours apart. We have settled into morning for her/ evening for me. Usually between 8 and 9 am MST, which is 6 to 7 pm EAT.
We are now at the buying stage – most exciting!!!! Over the next few days Jen is going to send me links to purchase items we’ve agreed on. Some I never would have thought of or looked at without guidance. And I have to let my Mum know that I’m shipping them to her in Manitoba so she can bring them to me when she visits in April! (sorry not sorry Mum)
You can reach Jen and learn more about her and her services on her website jendstyle, and social media- Jen’s LinkedIn and Jen’s Instagram and I highly recommend that you do. You don’t have to sign on for a full meal deal like I have. She has great content and suggestions, and she is just a very real, positive person. 
This post is already long, so I will leave off here. In another post soon to come I will talk about another side of Jen’s services. She is building me a look book of how to mix and match what I have and what I am getting. I’m excited to learn how many more ways there are to wear what is already in my closet. I even had the nerve to order this piece from a Uganda designer! I hope to have it in hand this week!
A Travelling Accountant 