A colourful connection: how our relationship began
Thirteen years ago, I colour-analysed GD on the Isle of Wight. She turned out to be a “Spring” — and recently exclaimed to me that she’d never have bought a bright orange jumper if it hadn’t been for that session! 😆
Staying in touch with your stylist
We’ve kept in touch over the years through my monthly newsletter, and this year caught up over a cuppa ☕️ when I revisited the Island to see clients. It was lovely to reconnect in person again.
A few weeks later, GD emailed to ask if — despite appearing “very busy” — I could help her find two or three dresses for an upcoming cruise. Well, I’m NEVER too busy to help someone shop! 🤭
Although we’d had a long-standing client relationship, we’d never actually shopped together. So I got to work, asking questions by email to understand her brief and budget. I was keen to get started and make sure we had time for success.
Behind the scenes
I offered my most affordable shopping service which I thought would be suitable: I’d send her an email with links to order the dresses herself, and we’d follow up with a Zoom call to review them. She’d then decide what to keep or return.
However, she had imagined we’d shop together in Southampton or Portsmouth — a minor miscommunication – as in-person shopping is a different tier in my pricing and charged hourly. Still, I stuck to the original quote. To be honest, I hadn’t offered the in-person option because I suspected the shops wouldn’t have enough choice within budget. So, when I found some great options online — and spotted a 25% discount if ordered quickly — I volunteered to place the order on her behalf to secure the deal.
Me ordering (and paying) nudged us into my top-tier service: I order the items, bear the upfront cost, and bring them to the client’s home to try on. It’s a stress-free experience — no changing rooms, no parking stress, no dashing between shops wasting time. Afterwards, I handle the returns and unwanted items. It’s a popular choice for clients who are time-poor, dislike shopping, or simply trust me to curate their wardrobe.
What happened next
Once the dresses arrived, GD came to Southampton and we met at a lovely hotel near the ferry port to try them on. Afterwards, we enjoyed a relaxed lunch together.
She was thrilled with the selection and chose two of the six dresses — both excellent value and perfectly aligned with her brief and budget.
Here’s what GD had to say:
“I decided to go for Fiona’s shopping support because my friend — who usually helps me shop — was away, and she’d advised that what I planned to take on this special cruise wasn’t suitable anymore.
I knew Fiona would be impartial and honest, and that she’d be looking for the best options for me. She knows me, which helped enormously — far more than a shop assistant could.
I also learned what to look for in future and where to shop. Fiona gave me the links and list of items she’d researched, so I have that for reference.
She showed me things I wouldn’t have picked myself. She nailed it!”
Final thoughts
This turned out to be a hybrid shopping experience — something I hadn’t done before — but it suited GD perfectly. That’s the point: I tailor my services to fit each client’s needs. Flexibility is key, and my goal is always to deliver the best experience and outcome.
Happy clients = happy me.
Fancy a style adventure?
If you’d like to explore my shopping support — in whatever format suits you best — I’d love to help. As the saying goes, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
Let’s chat!
Fiona
Your Colour & Style Consultant 📞 07469 246722
