Some people love giving makeovers, shopping and making styles work. If this describes you, then becoming a personal shopper stylist might be the best career for you. Businesswomen, politicians and celebrities may not have time to find their own styles and shop for themselves. This is where you come in. A good personal stylist is trusted for her expert sense of style and ability to pick out multiple outfits that will make her clients presentable.

Things You’ll Need:
Business cards
Website

Instructions
Step 1
Complete training courses. Sterling Style Academy is one of the places that specialize in personal shopping and stylist training. These classes offer information about how to put outfits together. At the end of the training course, a certification if offered. This certification will help you appear professional to your clients.

Step 2
Practice on friends and relatives. Ask people to let you style them for free. When you are finished, you can have them give you feedback on what aspects of your styling and shopping are good and what needs improvement.

Step 3
Get a job in a boutique. This is a way to learn about helping clients with their clothing fit and individual style. It is also a way to start gaining personal clientele.

Step 4
Establish a client base. Tell everyone you know that you are a personal shopper/stylist and how to refer to you. Pass out business cards at salons and spas. Post an advertisement online.

Step 5
Build an online presence. Start a website about your services. Include success stories from past clients. Try to get success stories from a few people who are in the public eye.

Read more: How to Become a Personal Shopper Stylist | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6768576_become-personal-shopper-stylist.html

Are you one of those exceptional people who seek out further training for personal growth and development?

Are you interested in becoming an image consultant, wardrobe consultant, fashion consultant, personal shopper or personal stylist however are not able to make the full investment for training at this time?

If your answer was yes to any of these questions, the solutions can be found in the workbooks and training videos now available in the Sterling Style Boutique.

We encourage you to review 3 of our newest wardrobe consultant, personal shopper, and personal stylist learning tools and resources as well as sample video tutorials:

The Wardrobe Consulting Workbook and Training Video has been developed to get you started in the image consulting industry. We teach you how to mix and match, and cluster outfits for your clients according to the elements and principles of design to create a cohesive wardrobe for your clients.

The Wardrobe Consulting Learning Resource and Training package includes:

• A 90-minute video tutorial on how to perform an effective Wardrobe and Closet Audit
• How to organize a client’s closet and build a cohesive wardrobe
• How to evaluate and understand the needs of your client
• How to effectively manage client expectations
• Ways to solve various issues that arise during Wardrobe and Closet Audits
• Types of Wardrobe and Closet Audits
• Industry terminology for Wardrobe Consultations and beyond

The Personal Shopping Workbook and Training Video will teach you the ins and outs of a personal shopping career – all while saving you time, money, and stress. Michelle T. Sterling offers her exclusive knowledge of the industry and proven methodology to become a powerful personal shopper and asset to your clientele, particularly when working with men. Start on the road to a successful personal shopping career on your own time.

The Personal Shopping Learning Resource and Training package includes:

• A 75-minute video tutorial detailing a Personal Shopping Consultation
• How to work with men and women as a personal shopper
• Factors to consider when personal shopping and working with clients
• How to understand your client in order to start shopping
• How to interpret your client’s personal coloring
• How to put looks together for your client according to their personal coloring, fashion style, personality, and lifestyle
• The do’s and don’ts when shopping for men

The Personal Styling Workbook and Training Video will teach you the crucial skill every personal stylist and personal shopper must master — putting together a Look Book for the client. Learn from one of the best in the industry how to present wardrobe recommendations to your client in a professional and cohesive manner.

The Personal Styling Learning Resource and Training package includes:

• A video tutorial detailing the concepts and thought process behind creating a Look Book
• Men’s and women’s customizable Look Book templates complete with instructions on how to use the template for your clients
• A sample men’s case study Look Book featuring outfit selections for the client based on occasion and lifestyle – enabling you to see the final product
• Detailed instructions on how to add on this service to your clients, how to bill clients for this service, as well as discussion of the organizational process and factors to consider when putting together a Look Book for clients in the professional arena

Shop each of these product offerings for US$497 at

Postage and handling for US or international delivery will be billed in addition to your investment outlined above. Please allow 2 – 3 weeks for your package to arrive.

All Sterling Style Academy training programs and consultant resources are non-refundable and are billed through Global Image Group. The templates from the Sterling Style Academy Sales, Marketing and Business Brand Identity Launch Kit can be translated into your primary language to suit your needs; however the Sales, Marketing and Business Brand Identity Launch Kit workbook can not be translated for reproduction without prior consent of the Sterling Style Academy.

We hire hairdressers to tend to our tresses, tailors to alter our clothes and accountants to sort out our finances. But the thought of hiring a personal shopper or stylist is one the UAE is gradually warming to.

With four well established personal shoppers in Dubai catering to a few hundred clients a month, personal shopping is gaining ground as women look to save time and money whilst staying “trendy and relevant”.

Dubai-based Lundberg – a self-confessed shopaholic – quit her job as Emirates Cabin Crew four years ago when she saw a gap in the market for a personal shopping service.

In the UAE, personal shopping has only become popular in the past couple of years as department stores, boutiques and individuals began to offer their shopping expertise to the fashion-challenged.

After launching Divine in September 2005, 28-year-old Lundberg has averaged 50 consultations a month and has since branched out into interiors and uniforms.

“I’m kept very busy, which is a sign that there is a need and great potential to grow business,” says the Scot.

The best part for her – on top of being financially better off – is that she gets paid per hour to do something she loves.

“I still have to pinch myself as I feel blessed to be doing a job I like. I never thought it would fail and being naïve helped because I went into it thinking it would work, and if it didn’t I wouldn’t be any worse off than my peers who accumulated debts at university,” she says of the personal loan she took out to get Divine off the ground.

Although Lundberg has gone down the consultancy line, some of the country’s top stores, including Harvey Nichols and Boutique 1, as well as department store Debenhams offer a free personal shopping service limited to their stores, while Dubai Marina Mall also employs an in-centre specialist.

They may cater to different demands but our experts say female clients tend to fit into three categories; new mums, career women; and those who need an occasion outfit – but they transcend nationality.

Marissa Woods, the owner of Image Factor, which launched in London 10 years ago before shifting to Dubai in 2006, says: “My clients tend to be more corporate now whereas a couple of years ago it was linked to fashion. A lot of my clients are working women but they want value so look for investment pieces.

“They are still shopping for occasion outfits but while they once spent Dh10,000 on one outfit, they now have Dh5,000 and they want something they can wear more than once.”

For Boutique 1, the shift has been different. “We have a lot of very classy women who are changing what they wear and want a more casual look but who still adore fabulous shoes, bags and accessories,” says Jo Wright who was headhunted from Harrods in London. The store launched its VIP Lounge two months ago following its move from Jumeirah Emirates Towers to The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence.

“A normal appointment is two to three hours but one for a very wealthy family can last 15 hours because we go and have dinner and spend time with them before they shop,” says Wright.

The specialists admit trade has tailored off slightly this year due to the recession, but they are not worried and expect business to pick up again over the next couple of months as Dubai begins another winter full of events.

“Like any business I’ve had a drop in revenue but as long as I cover costs and am surviving then technically I am still growing. The business was very busy at the end of last year but dropped off after Christmas so I’ve had to be more creative in what I do, especially because my clients come from word-of-mouth,” says Lundberg.

Having said this, some of her clients still spend up to Dh40,000 a time, proving that the downturn is not affecting everyone’s spending habits. Woods, however, is finding that while expat clients spend more cautiously, locals have not changed.

“Expats will spend Dh5,000 to Dh10,000 on their working wardrobe but they also need pieces that will work outside. Emiratis will spend that in the first hour in one shop,” she says.

Wright agrees estimating that a typical Emirati woman spends Dh30,000 a time at Boutique 1, but the store had one client who parted with Dh300,000 in one go.

Wright, and her colleague, Nameera Khan, who previously worked for Harvey Nichols and Selfridge’s in London have been so busy they need to expand the team from two to five. But while customers don’t pay for their services, Woods charges Dh300 an hour in Dubai and Dh800 in London where personal shoppers are more established. Lundberg charges Dh700 for a two-hour shop during which she takes clients to different stores and malls and believes it is money well spent.

“It’s the equivalent of three bad tops,” she says. “How many people have items in their wardrobe they never wear? Wouldn’t it be great if you liked everything and wore everything you own? That’s why I have some clients who won’t go shopping without me,” she says.

Men are even cottoning onto the trend. Some have signed up because their wives use personal shoppers and look great as a result, while others panic before a holiday or a big event.

Woods, whose corporate male client base is now 70 per cent compared to 30 per cent six months ago, says: “Men don’t have the knowledge. They are often bored of the image they are projecting but don’t know how to change it within their safety net.”

My personal shopping session

I like to think I know what suits me; no stretchy fabrics that cling in all the wrong places; rich colours, such as blue and purple; and trousers that sit above my hips. I was not totally wrong, but a personal shopping consultation, with Image Factor, Marissa Woods revealed much more.

Our session started with a questionnaire about my style personality, which revealed I am a natural and romantic; in other words I have a feminine style but like to be comfortable. Not totally wrong but I also wanted a more polished look and to get away from the block colours.

Usually when I shop, if I like it, it fits and is within budget I buy it, but Marissa gave me advice about the kind of clothes I should go for; structured, starchy tops that hug my shape but floaty skirts that flair to balance my hips.

Although I didn’t buy anything during the 90-minute session, I have a much better idea about what I should look for; square or v-neck tops, which follow the contours of my face; and bags that don’t hang at my widest point.

I now agree with Kelly Lundberg, that the Dh600 investment is better than wasting money on tops. All I have to do is clear out everything with a yellow element to make room ?for new purchases.

INTERESTED IN COURSES IN DUBAI TO BECOME AN IMAGE CONSULTANT AND PERSONAL SHOPPER?

THE STERLING STYLE ACADEMY DUBAI – NOVEMBER 1 – 17, 2009

The Sterling Style Academy Image Consultant Training Program takes place at the Mall of the Emirates, home to the world’s luxury designers including: Chanel, D&G, Emporio Armani, Marc Jacobs, and Versace. The Sterling Style Academy is the leader in preparing you to work with up-market fashion wardrobes and top level executives to properly execute an image and style consultation. Our graduates are educated toward positioning themselves as experts and style icons. Graduates not only learn the theories behind perfecting image and style, but they also acquire invaluable business and marketing skills to strategically position themselves within their chosen markets. Sterling Style Academy Certified Image Consultants are licensed to utilise our industry-proven, copyrighted style evaluation tools, training manuals, and the Sterling Style Academy Certified Image Consultant Logo. Approximately 15% of our on-location graduates are invited to join the elite team of Global Image Group Consultants.

The 2.5 Week Certification Program is an exciting image, fashion, and style training course designed to meet the needs of individuals and professionals with jet-setting lifestyles. Students will acquire the following skills:

• Introduction to style – How do we define and refine it?
• How to analyse fashion, incorporate trends, and develop style
• The elements and principles of design as it pertains to style
• How to assess facial features and body types to create suitable wardrobes for your client
• How to incorporate these elements into analysing an individual’s personal style and colouring
• How to develop a look specific to your client’s personal style and colouring
• The elements and importance of wardrobe evaluation
• The principles behind closet organisation and clothing care
• A day in the life of an image consultant
• Effective shopping strategies and protocol
• Determining your target market and develop your marketing plan
• How to conduct personal style and closet evaluations
• The essential elements of effective communication skills and its non-verbal impact
• How to utilize these elements to improve your corporate presentation and interpersonal communication skills
• How to develop your client’s image to improve their overall presence

Registration Deadline: September 28, 2009
Tuition Fee: USD $9947.
Program Schedule: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Extra curricular shopping sessions, wardrobe development and socializing are encourage outside of class.

For more information, please email us to receive a course prospectus.

To make your investment today, please visit the following link: http://www.sterlingstyleacademy.com/25_week_program.html

Upon receipt of your registration form, we will send you a Welcome Package outlining the logistics of the training program, suggestions on where to stay, a detailed agenda, and much more. Your investment is separate from air fare, lodging, transportation, personal expenses, program materials, or meals. Students should budget an additional USD $1500 per month.

Enroll in our 2.5 Week Certification Courses in San Francisco or Dubai by July 31, 2009 and we will include the value-added benefit of our Corporate Image Certification Program in Las Vegas, September 11 – 15 (a value of $5947) for the all-inclusive value of $9947.

Are you planning to launch an image consulting career with a business partner? Do you wish to train with a friend or colleague? Stay in the states and enroll with a business partner or friend into the 2.5 Week Certification Course in San Francisco, October 5 – 17, for only $6747 per person and enroll in our Corporate Image Certification Program for just an additional $3,200 and save $2700 for registering in both classes! Or get an overwhelming international experience in Dubai for only $9947. If you and another person each enroll by July 31, 2009, not only will you receive complementary enrollment into the Corporate Image Certification Program, we will also provide you with complimentary shared hotel accommodations in Las Vegas, September 11 – 15 for the Corporate Image Certification Course.

The Sterling Style Academy produces first-rate image consultants with one of the largest networks of Certified Image Consultants worldwide. As you are investing in your education through our image consultant certification training programs, we are committed to re-investing in you! Your certified image consultant training is tax-deductable. So act now as the benefits of this program are endless!

New York is one of the leading, international fashion capitals of the world.  It is the heart of the fashion, modeling, finance, advertising, and publication industries.  Students from all over the world travel to Sterling Style Academy-New York for the unparalleled education, the vibrant, urban atmosphere of Manhattan, and to train on Madison Avenue where celebrities frequently shop.  

Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys NY, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales and the best high-end boutiques are just steps away from the classroom located at the AKA Luxury Hotel in Central Park. Graduates from the Sterling Style Academy- New York become recognized industry experts worldwide. Students receive unparalleled hands-on and interactive training; and graduates from the Sterling Style Academy- New York become recognized industry experts worldwide with a global address book full of industry contacts.

The Sterling Style Academy Image Consultant Training Program prepares graduates to work with top level executives, celebrities and individuals of diverse cultures, budgets and lifestyles. Our graduates are educated to position themselves as industry experts. Graduates not only learn the theories behind perfecting image and style, but they also acquire invaluable business, marketing and technical skills to strategically position themselves within their chosen markets. Sterling Style Academy Certified Image Consultants are licensed to utilize our industry-proven, copyrighted style evaluation tools, training manuals, and the Sterling Style Academy Certified Image Consultant Logo. Our course also prepares students to register for and to pass the AICI First Level Certification Examination which allows consultants to place the AICI FLC letters behind their name. Approximately 15% of our on-location graduates are invited to join the elite team of Global Image Group Consultants.

The 2.5 Week Certification Program is an intensive program designed to meet the learning needs of working professionals and individuals who prefer accelerated training. In this program, you will learn the following:

• Introduction to style – How do we define and refine it?
• How to analyze fashion, incorporate trends, and develop style
• The elements and principles of design as it pertains to style
• How to assess facial features and body types to create suitable wardrobes for your clients
• How to incorporate these elements into analyzing an individual’s personal style and coloring
• How to develop a look specific to your client’s personal style and coloring
• The elements and importance of wardrobe evaluation
• The principles behind closet organization and clothing care
• A day in the life of an image consultant
• Effective shopping strategies and protocol
• How to determine your target market and develop your marketing plan
• How to conduct personal style and closet evaluations
• The essential elements of effective communication skills and its non-verbal impact
• How to utilize these elements to improve your corporate presentation and interpersonal communication skills
• How to develop your client’s image to improve their overall presence

The Benefits of the Sterling Style Academy are the following:

1. Commitment to Excellence. We consistently update our course curriculum so that our students receive the most current and timely style industry information. Wardrobe case studies are shaped by the hippest celebrities and designer style, and our coaching of corporate communication and appropriate wardrobe is geared toward persevering through economic downturns.

2. Faculty Reputation. Your instructors have 50 years of combined industry experience and the Sterling Style Academy’s Founder is a Wellesley Alumnae, member of the National Organization of Professional Women, AICI, ASTD and other professional organizations committed to excellence. You will train from experts who are recognized as being in the top 2 percentile in the image consulting industry.

3. Global Diversified Student Body and Internationally Recognized Student Alumni. Sterling Style Academy Certified Image Consultants span the globe from over 20 different countries from every continent. The leading image consultant in Japan, Yuuri Takano, residing in Tokyo, graduated from the Sterling Style Academy New York in 2005 and re-enrolled with her assistant in 2008. She has since pioneered the image consultant industry in her country, becoming a media darling, style author and premier image consultant in her market.

4. Every dollar of your Sterling Style Academy training investment is tax deductible. As a business owner, your industry education becomes a valuable tax deduction and may be written off as business expense.

New York: April 5-21, 2010

Registration Deadline: February 22, 2010

Tuition Fee: USD $6747

Program Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Clinic: Friday, TBA with assignments to be completed in the evenings.

For more information, please contact us to receive a course prospectus.

To make your investment today, please visit the following link: http://www.sterlingstyleacademy.com/25_week_program.html

Upon receipt of your registration form, we will send you a Welcome Package outlining the logistics of the training program, suggestions on where to stay, a detailed agenda, and much more. Your investment does not include air fare, lodging, transportation, personal expenses, school supplies or meals. Students should budget an additional USD $750 per month.

WONDERING HOW TO START AN IMAGE CONSULTING BUSINESS?

Many students often arrive at the first day of training wondering where to start and how to grow a successful image consulting business and get clients.  The Sterling Style Academy has therefore developed a training resource and tool for you to use to help you get started with our Sales, Marketing and Business Brand Identity Launch Kit.  Inquire today about the special offer to incoming students.

Rather than suffer through a cold winter, wouldn’t you prefer some fun in the sun while benefiting from an amazing educational experience in Miami?

Miami is truly an exotic city that never sleeps! This location is known for its beautiful people, lively entertainment, fast cars, unique food, and perfect weather. The entertainment, modeling and fashion industries are booming. Being a cultural melting pot, students from diverse parts of the world such as Central and South America, the Caribbean and Europe train at Sterling Style Academy-Miami. Graduates of the 2009 course received in-class training at one of the latest and most exclusive luxury hotels to open in Miami’s South Beach, The Mondrian Hotel. Students train in the field of personal shopping at the chic shopping areas of Bal Harbour, home to Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, and the Village of Merrick Park at Coral Gables, home to high-end designer boutiques.

The Sterling Style Academy Image Consultant Training Program prepares graduates to work with high caliber clients from Ricky Martin to political leaders of various countries. Our graduates are educated to position themselves as industry experts. Graduates not only learn the theories behind perfecting image and style, but they also acquire invaluable business and marketing skills to strategically position themselves within their chosen markets. Sterling Style Academy Certified Image Consultants are licensed to utilize our industry-proven, copyrighted style evaluation tools (which are also available for purchase in Spanish), training manuals, and the Sterling Style Academy Certified Image Consultant Logo. Our course also prepares students to register for and to pass the AICI First Level Certification Examination which allows consultants to place the AICI FLC letters behind their name. Approximately 15% of our on-location graduates are invited to join the elite team of Global Image Group Consultants.

The 2.5 Week Certification Program is an intensive program designed to meet the learning needs of working professionals and individuals who prefer accelerated training. In this program, you will learn the following:
•Introduction to style – How do we define and refine it?
•How to analyze fashion, incorporate trends, and develop style
•The elements and principles of design as it pertains to style
•How to assess facial features and body types to create suitable wardrobes for your clients
•How to incorporate these elements into analyzing an individual’s personal style and coloring
•How to develop a look specific to your client’s personal style and coloring
•The elements and importance of wardrobe evaluation
•The principles behind closet organization and clothing care
•A day in the life of an image consultant
•Effective shopping strategies and protocol
•How to determine your target market and develop your marketing plan
•How to conduct personal style and closet evaluations
•The essential elements of effective communication skills and its non-verbal impact
•How to utilize these elements to improve your corporate presentation and interpersonal communication skills
•How to develop your client’s image to improve their overall presence

The Benefits of the Sterling Style Academy are the following:

1. Commitment to Excellence. We consistently update our course curriculum so that our students receive the most current and timely style industry information. Wardrobe case studies are shaped by the hippest celebrities and designer style, and our coaching of corporate communication and appropriate wardrobe is geared toward persevering through economic downturns.
2. Faculty Reputation. Your instructors have 50 years of combined industry experience and the Sterling Style Academy’s Founder is a Wellesley Alumnae, member of the National Organization of Professional Women, AICI, ASTD and other professional organizations committed to excellence. You will train from experts who are recognized as being in the top 2 percentile in the image consulting industry.
3. Global Diversified Student Body and Internationally Recognized Student Alumni. Sterling Style Academy Certified Image Consultants span the globe from over 20 different countries from every continent. The leading image consultant in Japan, Yuuri Takano, residing in Tokyo, graduated from the Sterling Style Academy New York in 2005 and re-enrolled with her assistant in 2008. She has since pioneered the image consultant industry in her country, becoming a media darling, style author and premier image consultant in her market.
4. Every dollar of your Sterling Style Academy training investment is tax deductible. As a business owner, your industry education becomes a valuable tax deduction and may be written off as business expense.

Miami: January 5 – 21, 2011
Registration Deadline: November 22, 2010
Tuition Fee: USD $7247
Program Schedule: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with assignments to be completed in the evenings and on the weekends.

For more information, please contact us to receive a course prospectus.

To make your investment today, please visit the following link: http://www.sterlingstyleacademy.com/25_week_program.html

Upon receipt of your registration form, we will send you a Welcome Package outlining the logistics of the training program, suggestions on where to stay, a detailed agenda, and much more. Your investment does not include air fare, lodging, transportation, personal expenses, school supplies or meals. Students should budget an additional USD $750 per month.

The Sterling Style Academy equips you with the tools you need to start a successful image consulting business.

Personal Shopping is a fabulous career that allows you to shop, has career growth potential, and is quite rewarding.

Prior to making an investment in yourself to become a personal shopper, here are some things you should consider to ensure your success in the person shopping industry:

1. Make a Self- Assessment: When deciding to pursue a new career you should always analyze your strengths, weaknesses, and interests. The following are some questions you might want to ask yourself:
a. Do you have a passion for personal shopping?
b. Are you fashion savvy or have the desire to become fashion savvy?
c. Could you shop for someone other than yourself?
d. Why is personal shopping the career for you?

2. Know Your Industry: Having an innate talent for fashion and being able to style others is a plus however not a must to become a successful personal shopper. If are you passionate about helping others to help themselves through image, fashion and style, inevitably you will be successful. It is always important to stay abreast of new trends in the industry. Keep apprised of the season’s must-haves from fashion magazines such as Vogue, InStyle and Harper’s Bazaar. Now would also be a good time to decide what you enjoy shopping for: clothes, home furnishings, groceries, etc.? Once you decide on your niche in the industry and comfort level, assess the pros and cons of- and specific requirements for- becoming that type of personal shopper.

3. Make a Commitment and Set Clear Goals: Do you want to get work experience at a retailer such as Saks Fifth Avenue? Do you want formal training so that you can be an independent personal shopper? Where do you see yourself in two years?

4. Consider Personal Shopper Training: While formal training is not required to become a personal shopper, it is recommended. Training can give you the tools, contacts and credibility you need to penetrate the personal shopper industry independently or secure a job.
The following are a variety of ways that you can get training and experience in the personal shopper industry:
a) Work for a large retailer as a personal shopper
b) Train with an established shopper
c) Attend a formal training program such as the renown Sterling Style Academy

5. Market Yourself: If you choose to attend a personal shopper training program you will learn how to market yourself and gain instant credibility. Consider your established network of friends, family, and former colleagues who could benefit from your services. How will potential clients learn about your services? Target busy men and women whose professions dictate a certain dress and leave them little time or energy to get their wardrobe together. What will be your competitive advantage over other personal shoppers?

At the Sterling Style Academy, we teach you to effectively assess your skill sets and adapt them to your personality and work style so that you will inevitably become a successful personal shopper. We encourage open communication and foster personal growth at our personal shopper training program. A successful personal shopper has the drive and motivation to meet or exceed client expectations. If you want to establish a business as a personal shopper, consider attending the Sterling Style Academy as we will give you the professional tools, insider tips and overall foundation that you need to pursue your dreams.