We chat to our Thread contributing writer Stacey Gillies about her new fashion styling business that’s affordable and also – being pregnant herself- perfect for women to dress when expecting. “I have just launched my own fashion styling business under my blog name, ‘Fashion Fairground’. For the past 18 months I have been building my portfolio of styling work in editorial, television, costume and personal styling and decided it was time to do this seriously. My service offering is focused on personal styling as I enjoy the one on one nature of helping people achieve their wardrobe goals and overcome any challenges.
The objective of my business is that working with a fashion stylist should be as accessible as going to your hair stylist – i.e. not just for the well-off. I offer online and op shopping guidance as part of my ‘guided shop’ so that there is a wider range of options for people to choose from.
It’s as a very good price point and is a simple, stepped process. I am also 9 months pregnant with my first baby, so now have the knowledge of dressing a pregnant body shape and I see there is a gap for stylist advice in this area as well.
What is Fashion Fairground?
A new fashion styling service based in Auckland. We use a simple, step by step process that allows you to work to your budget and time frames. We are unique in that we offer a ‘concept board’ that sets a recommended style direction as well as guided shopping advice that includes online and recycled/op shop options (opening up a bigger choice and price point to the client).
Many personal stylists in the market are expensive and are targeting a particular audience, normally the well-to-do. The insights I’ve gained are that many people would love to get advice and direction from a stylist but the cost to do this puts them off. Our services are accessible and is why a particular area of focus is mums-to-be and new mums.
How will it benefit customers?
There are many benefits but the top 3 would be:
1. Feeling and looking good without spending a fortune.
2. A wardrobe that you ‘want’ to wear.
3. Reduce the anxiety that comes with a cluttered and out of date wardrobe.
Why have you developed this?
Over the years I have had many people ask me about what I’m wearing and ask for advice. I’ve had a keen interest in fashion for a long time now which was intensified during the 8 years I spent living in Melbourne and London. Over the past 18 months I’ve been volunteering my services on various styling projects giving me experience in all areas of styling including television, costume, editorial and personal styling. It was the personal styling work that I enjoyed – being able to work one-on-one with people to achieve their wardrobe/style goals. Being pregnant myself (with my first) has also encouraged me to develop this offering as I now understand the challenges and what works well for dressing a changing body shape – especially when dressing for the corporate environment.
What was the need?
I spent some time researching what was on offer in the way of personal styling particularly in Auckland, and I felt there was a gap for a unique, styling service that was accessible to all, but in particular a service that incorporates online shopping, and recycled/second hand options. I also found there was a gap for advice on dressing pregnant and post baby body shapes.
Who is the target audience?
Primary audience: female 25 to 60yo, Auckland
Secondary: mums to be or busy mums – many of which don’t have the time to spend shopping especially with children in tow.
Really, anyone who wants guidance on how to dress their body shape in order to achieve a personal goal.
How does this service differ to others already out there?
Many of the styling services available have a cluttered offering, and an often, ‘out of date’ image. Fashion Fairground aims to provide current, fashion-forward advice and direction that is stylish and achievable. We follow a simple, step by step process allowing clients to use us as much or as little as they need. A concept board sets the style direction and budget and our guided shopping session includes online and recycled/opp shopping which opens up a wider variety of options at competitive price points.
What feedback is out there on your service?
“I was so excited to have Stacey Gillies work with me as my stylist for the first season of The Cath Vincent Show. I knew I needed a style that was professional and made a brand statement, and I was daunted by the challenge of looking good week after week after week! Not only did Stacey put together great outfits and negotiate the supply of clothes from fashion houses, she really extended my range of personal expression. I never wear green, and my favourite item for the season was a zingy little green jacket – I received so many compliments on it.” C. Vincent.
“Stacey Gillies not only has a gift for seeing colour and shape, but also for making women look and feel their best. She takes the whole person into view when considering their style – emotional drivers, profession and body shape. Her gentle nature encourages confidence, openness and trust, and a willingness to try new things. Following our session together I had a renewed sense of confidence and I felt like a million bucks and inspired to continue my new image!” M. Malone.
“You rarely meet someone with good and unusual fashion sense in the office environment. Stacey caught my eye the moment I saw her. Her outfits were so rad, which instantly singled her out from the rest of the team. I remember being totally stoked to see that she was wearing these elaborate prints, which I’m so into. I thought that her style was rather quirky, yet wearable and totally appropriate for the office. I really don’t know how she worked it all out, but she certainly did. I’ve seen quite a few colleagues of mine approaching Stacey to compliment her or to ask whether she would style them. Stacey suggested that we should work on a fashion project together in order to develop her styling skills and get some cool looks for my DJ gigs. I agreed without thinking. We had so much fun shopping together. Some of the stores that Stacey has taken me to were so amazing. Her intuition and super fun attitude amazed me. I’m extremely thankful that I was given this great opportunity to share these special moments with Stacey.” DJ Natty Headlock (aka N. Kobayashi).
A bit about me:
I have been working as a marcomms professional in the corporate world for the past 13 years. Over the last 5 years I have been a contributing fashion writer for online fashion magazine www.thread.co.nz and I write for my blog www.fashionfairground.co.nz. Working in fashion has always been a goal for me and I felt that my experience and the timing was right for me to now help people with their wardrobe challenges or goals in a more serious manner by starting up this business. I see there is a direct correlation between having a wardrobe that ‘works’ for you and feeling good about yourself.
See more on Facebook here www.facebook.com/fashionfairground
Styling projects here www.pinterest.com/fashnfairground/fashion-fairground-styling-projects/
More info
Her process and pricing:
7th April 2015
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