FAQs

Here I answer some of the Frequently Asked Questions that clients ask when they're thinking of working with me.

What's the difference between you and a personal shopper in store?

Personal shoppers are great if you want to update your wardrobe with some new trends, and are happy to stay in one shop. If you'd prefer someone to get to know you a little better and you'd like to have the freedom to go to different stores then a personal stylist like myself would be more suited to you. I send out a questionnaire to clients before meeting up with them so I have plenty of background information on you and shop with your needs and lifestyle in mind.

Frequently I will have done a Personal Styling session and/or Wardrobe Edit with you before the shopping trip and afterwards I can put outfits together for you, either by coming to your home or by compiling a list, or images for your future reference.

Also, it's worth mentioning that I'm not on commission from stores, so it's up to you how much you spend. As long as you go away happy, I don't mind! For more info on different types of personal styling & shopping services, check out this blog post.

What sort of budget do I need for a Personal Shopping trip?

There's no set amount and I've shopped with clients at all different levels. As a rough guide most clients have around £1,500 upwards to spend, but that's not to say that I can't help you if you have a tighter budget.

What can I expect to receive after a Personal Shopping session?

Compliments!! Plus a wardrobe that's easy to put together and suited to you.

As well as this, if there are any items we couldn't find whilst shopping because of sizing issues etc then I will send you links to them online. I will put together outfits for you - either in a written format or with images.......clients have told me how they refer to these frequently afterwards, sometimes for a good few years!

Plus if there's any other helpful information we may have discussed during the session then I can send that to you too. e.g.: links on how to fold a pocket square, tie scarves etc

If you'd like to follow up further afterwards I am also happy to come to your home to create outfits incorporating what we bought with items you already have, or add some items to the core of what you bought via my Subscription Service.

Where do you travel to see clients?

The furthest I've been is Romania! However, most of my clients are in or around London and I am happy to travel if costs are paid (usually train fares & taxis, and on occasion planes and hotels). If it's outside of London, travel time will be charged at £55 per hour from the London station the train departs from.

I generally prefer to shop in London as I know the shops well and there's a very good choice but if you are unable to get here, then please contact me to discuss.

Do I have to do the Personal Styling and Wardrobe Edit before Personal Shopping?

It is helpful as I get to know you and your wardrobe better before shopping and you will have the Style Profile I have created for you to refer to afterwards. However it's not essential and if you have very few clothes or live abroad then you may not wish to do this part.

Why would I pay you when I can take a friend, my wife or rely on the shop assistant?

Having a personal shopper is a very different experience from having a friend along with you. Firstly, my attention will be 100% on you. I go out to the shops before meeting with you to do a "recce" and work hard to hook into what your unique personal style is, so I can recommend the right products. I am patient and understanding and will put outfits together for you and suggest how else you could wear things.

Most shop assistants won't be trained in which colours and shapes suit you, whereas I am. Many of them will be trying to hit targets and it's possible that may be more important to them than telling you the truth about whether or not something suits you. People pay me for my honesty, and as I hate lying you can be assured that's what you'll get!

How can you choose clothes for someone you don't know?

When I first started working as a personal stylist for men, I thought this might be a problem but now I think it's an advantage. I don't have any preconceptions about how you dress and that leaves my mind free to see what would suit you according to your colouring, body shape and lifestyle.

Obviously you will have likes and dislikes, which of course I will listen to but I find clients are very open minded in general and willing to try new things and consequently end up with some surprise purchases that they would ordinarily have dismissed.

Why do I need a personal stylist?

A personal stylist is like a fresh pair of eyes for you and your wardrobe. No preconceptions, no attachment, just lots of kind honesty, and suggestions of how to enhance and upgrade your look to create a good first impression.

Most of the clients I work with, dress okay to start with, but they'd just like to make some tweaks to enhance their appearance and appreciate having someone to help them do it. The majority of clients will come for a general update to their day to day wardrobe but there are also some who come when they want to shop for a special occasion.

I hate shopping can you still help me?

Of course! That's why I set up Sartoria Lab. I believe that most men don't like shopping because they don't know where to look or go for the things to achieve the look they want and that's why they enjoy shopping with someone that does know. I have had countless clients say to me "I really enjoyed it.....I never thought I'd say that about shopping"! When they achieve the results they want. then it becomes enjoyable.

What age range do you work with?

The average age range I work tends to be mid thirties to mid forties. I find this age range tend to start wanting to change their look a little and feel what they wore in their twenties is not appropriate anymore and they'd like to look a little more "grown up" but they don't want to look like their dads either and find striking the balance difficult.

This is particularly relevant in the work place when they may work for a creative or tech company who's dress codes are relaxed, but many of them are in a senior position and would like to differentiate themselves from the juniors without looking like they don't belong there.

That said, I have also worked with clients from 17 to 71, so whatever your age, please do get in touch to see if I can help.

Still need more information or have other questions you'd like to ask? Contact me here and I'll be happy to answer any other queries you have.