Tomboy, Who?

I have blogged most recently about some of my new and old friends and how they have greatly impacted my life. It has been so rewarding to be included in their transformations. I am honored that they have faith in my styling capabilities and have allowed me to dress them up!! What I never really imagined was how much my "new" clients would influence this journey. It's much less complicated styling people that you have a relationship or past with. There is a level of comfort, even if just subtle. My new clients, however, involve more than just fashion. It's an opportunity for me to create and forge bonds with inspiring women and families. It's important for me to be authentic and honest as possible. I want my potential clients to get to know me personally and understand my goals and aspirations for myself and for them. It's also extremely vital for me to get to know them beyond the surface. If I am cognizant of their insecurities, objectives, preferences, and lifestyle we will have a much better outcome. The trust level we adapt will ultimately produce a beautiful finished product. I hope to walk away with a new friend and steady relationship after every new styling session.

Shannon Swider is my first "new" client I have had the pleasure of styling. Prior to our experience, we have never met. She is a friend of Diana's and read my recent blog about her. She loved seeing her friend's personal journey and thought this was a great opportunity for herself. Shannon, instantly intrigued me after our initial phone consult. She described her style as comfortable and pretty basic. Lots of leggings, yoga pants, and plaids decorate her closet. She is the quintessential "tomboy" yearning for a little more femininity and color in her life. The task of dressing a tomboy seemed daunting at first because this term is foreign to me! The challenge, however, is what makes this so invigorating.

Shannon has been a preschool teacher for 15 years and a nanny for the past 7 years in Pennsylvania. After speaking with her, I could see how fitting her profession was. She was so sweet and patient, yet firm on what styles and colors were not for her. Pinks and florals were a no-no!!! In her early 30's, Shannon was striving for a little reinvention. Her goal was to dress trendier, yet age appropriately. She has never been one for fashion but she is tired of her sweatpants and hoodies! Like Diana, Shannon, also works for Arbonne and has many events and functions to attend. Rather than throwing things together, she was looking for some guidance. Stay at Home Stylist to the rescue!!!

Since distance is a hindrance right now, we decided to hold off on jeans for the moment. Pants are such a difficult piece and achieving the perfect fit requires a more personal touch and a lot more time. In the meantime, we focused on some new tops, dresses, and a wedge for spring. Shannon is tall and slender. We needed to be mindful of heel heights and dress lengths in the process. Some dresses would easily be too short and while maxi dresses are amazing for her body type, some would also be too short for her taller frame. Her height (which I envy) made it more difficult to shop for shoes. While she loved a high heel, it just wasn't as practical for her height and career.

Shannon has been beyond open-minded through this entire process. I admire her availability, commitment, and eagerness to new styles, colors, and prints. As previously mentioned, she was very vocal about her initial hatred for florals. I decided to play devil's advocate, however, and I introduced her to a few floral printed tops that she realized "weren't so bad!" While she didn't end up purchasing them, we made some strides!!! The best part of our journey was her boyfriend's involvement! She showed him some of the styles I had chosen for her and he even voiced his opinions. I loved that he was positive and encouraging. It is so important to have that support. Her boyfriend is going to be awe struck!

I quickly understood Shannon's style and comfort level and our relationship was natural from the start. She trusted me to narrow down the top picks on my own without her final say. That was such a confidence booster. The idea that a new client believed in my abilities was congenial. By the end, this girl was on a roll. She actually took the time to peruse an online boutique for her upcoming birthday outfit in May! The fact that she was making herself and her wardrobe more of a priority was inspiring and motivating. This shy tomboy is proof that a little prompting and guidance can ignite more self- assurance, confidence, and a newfound love for fashion!!!

"I have always believed that fashion was not only to make women more beautiful, but also to reassure them, give them confidence."- Yves Saint Laurent

Meet Shannon:

Arbonne is a 100% vegan, gluten free, botanically based beauty, health, and wellness company. I have been in Arbonne a little over 3 years. I joined on a whim for my sister but after using the products and personally seeing results, I was hooked. I finally started caring about not only what I put in my body, but on it as well. Teaching others to do the same was an easy decision. Arbonne truly is the best thing I could ever have asked for in my life. The products are made from nature so they are the safest around.

Contact info:

ss512ss@yahoo.com

Shannon Swider 267-312-5498 Shannonswider.arbonne.com HEALTHY IS THE NEW HAPPY!!