Article: What It's Like to Work With a Personal Stylist in North Alabama (and What It Costs)
What It's Like to Work With a Personal Stylist in North Alabama (and What It Costs)
When I tell women we offer personal styling, I can almost see the thoughts running through their heads. "Isn't that for celebrities?" "That must cost a fortune." "I'm not fancy enough for a stylist."
I get it. I used to think the same thing. But here's the truth: a personal stylist isn't a luxury for the few. She's simply someone whose whole job is to make getting dressed easier for you. And at Carriage House, it doesn't cost a thing.
So if you've been curious, let me pull back the curtain and tell you exactly what it's like.
What Does a Personal Stylist Actually Do?
A good stylist does three things. She listens, she edits and she encourages.
She listens to how you actually live. An attorney's wardrobe looks very different from a busy mom's or an artist's, and your clothes should fit your real life, not a magazine page.
She edits. Most of us don't need more clothes. We need the right ones. A stylist helps you find the few key pieces that make everything you already own work harder.
And she encourages. I see women in the dressing room every day who are focused on the parts they want to hide. A great stylist helps you find the parts worth celebrating, and gently nudges you to try the print, the color or the silhouette you'd never have picked for yourself.
What Happens at a Styling Appointment at Carriage House
Here's how it works with us:
We get to know you. Your lifestyle, your favorite pieces, the things you never wear, the events coming up and the parts of getting dressed that frustrate you.
We look at what you already have. Our stylists can do a closet consultation call to help you use the great pieces already hanging in your closet. You have more to work with than you think!
We pull pieces for you. Your stylist will gather options in your size and style, and a few wild cards just for fun. You try everything on in a relaxed, no-pressure setting.
We make sure it fits perfectly. Our in-house seamstress can tailor what you love, because a quarter inch really can make or break an outfit.
Appointments are available in store and virtually, so you can work with us whether you're in Decatur or across the country.
What Does a Personal Stylist Cost?
Many independent stylists charge by the hour or by the session. At Carriage House, your styling appointment is complimentary. You only pay for the pieces you decide to buy, and there is never any pressure to buy anything at all.
Why do we do it this way? Because we want you to love your wardrobe, and we'd much rather build a relationship with you than make one quick sale. Some of our clients have been working with the same stylist for decades.
Meet Our Stylists
Our team includes owners Nicole and Kate along with our stylists, each with her own specialty. Some are wizards at building a wardrobe around a few hard-working basics. Some can find the one "jackpot" piece that takes your closet to the next level. Some love dressing the mother of the bride. And one has a black belt in scarf tying (truly!).
You can see each stylist's current favorite looks and book with whoever feels like the right fit on our Stylists page.
Too Busy to Come In? Try ShopBox
Life is busy, and sometimes you need the boutique to come to you. With our ShopBox, your stylist hand-picks pieces for you and ships them to your door. Try everything on at home with your own shoes and your own mirror, keep what you love and send the rest back with the free return label. You're only charged for what you keep.
Live in Decatur? We offer same-day ShopBox delivery Monday through Saturday when you send your request before 2 PM.
Who Is Personal Styling For?
The woman who stands in front of a full closet thinking, "I have nothing to wear."
The busy professional who doesn't have time to shop.
The mother of the bride or groom who wants to look and feel her best.
Anyone whose body, job or lifestyle has changed and whose wardrobe hasn't caught up.
Anyone who simply wants shopping to feel fun again.
Your Questions, Answered
Is there a personal stylist near Huntsville?
Yes! Carriage House is in historic downtown Decatur, about a half-hour drive from Huntsville and Madison, and we offer virtual appointments too.
How much does a personal stylist cost at Carriage House?
Nothing. Styling appointments are complimentary. You only pay for what you choose to buy.
Do I have to buy something?
Never. Come, try things on and learn what works for you.
How do I book?
Call us at 256.355.4349, email stylist@shopcarriagehouse.com or choose a stylist on our Stylists page.
Let Us Help
You deserve to open your closet and love what you see. You deserve clothes that fit your body and your life right now, not five years ago. And you deserve to have someone in your corner who wants that for you as much as you do.
As Kate always says, "One quarter of an inch can kill an entire outfit." Let us help you get that quarter inch right. Come see us in Decatur, or let us send you a ShopBox, and let's build a wardrobe you actually love.
