Cheap Chic Shopping Tour

We’d be lying to ourselves if we didn’t admit that, at least once or twice in our life, we struggled with pulling an outfit together. Whether it’s for a major event or an everyday dinner date with the girls, sometimes figuring out what to wear is downright annoying. When this happens to me, I’ve usually emptied my entire closet onto my bed and/or floor, fidgeted in front of the mirror with a furrowed brow for at least an hour, sent pictures to honest friends who will tell me if my ensemble is nightmare-worthy and then huffed in frustration as I pulled on the same outfit I’ve worn a dozen times before. The worst is when you actually buy something new and then never wear it. It’s a sad day — for both your wallet and you — when a new garment never sees sunlight.

I think this wardrobe discontentment stems from the fact that a) it’s difficult to know what type of garment flatters your body and b) whether those new wedge sandal work with your favorite belt. It’s also a matter of personal confidence in who you are and what you want to portray to the world. Seriously, defining/carrying out your personal style may actually equate to asking yourself, “What’s the meaning of life?”

Obviously, fashion gurus have made it their job to help people with this very frustration. The problem? Not everyone has thousands and thousands of dollars to fork over to a personal stylist. And that “thousands and thousands of dollars” quote is before the cost of actual garments come into play. We all love Rachel Zoe and Kate Young, but a lady’s got to stick to her budget.

Turns out, a few style companies and fashionistas are bucking the “expensive stylist” trend. Their goal is to make styling yourself ultra convenient and ultra affordable, to boot. I’ve highlighted two recent examples below.

CakeStyle: Personal Stylist at Your Doorstep

As the name of this new company implies, styling yourself should be a piece of cake. After subscribing to the service and providing measurements, lifestyle and wardrobe needs, the client’s personal “CakeStylist” sends them a box filled with hand-selected outfits just for them that arrive on their doorstep each season. This option is for those who enjoy the finer things in life, since all the clothing and accessories are from high-end designers such as Kate Spade and Elie Tahari. The only price you pay, though, is for the items you wish to keep. And what you don’t like? Send it back with free shipping. This is all done over the phone and through the mail. Talk about convenient!

Cheap Chic Shopping Tour with Jess Zaino

This one’s for all the NYC-based ladies who are on a seriously restricted budget. Jess Zaino, who was a former host of the Style Networks, “The Look for Less” and now works with Clinton Kelly on “The Chew,” promises a customized shopping trip for on or around $100. That includes the cost of your stylist (who may be Jess Zaino herself) and the clothing. How is that possible? Jess has formulated a unique, inexpensive retail tour for any age and size. I think a Cheap Chic Shopping Tour would be perfect when preparing for a big date or major event and it’s great that the client’s have a stylist with them at all times to say “Ow ow, hot mama! That’s a keeper!,” or “Sorry darling, let’s try something else.”

By Wendy Rose Gould