Newsletter

Getting sorted: my wardrobe workout with a style consultant

— by Alyson Walsh

style consultant_9695

Anna Berkeley photos: Sam Scott

As research for my new book (or what I’m now referring to as the Difficult Second Album) and part of a more general desire to sort my shit out, I did something I’ve never done before. Arrange a Wardrobe Management session with a style consultant. I’m continually assessing and refining my wardrobe – not in an obsessive, expensive way, or for Instagram, just to keep in tune with what’s going on. Items that are no longer worn go to charity, and I do try to practice the “one-in-one-out” rule. Having said that, I seem to have reached a decluttering plateau, a point where a new tactic is needed. Bring on Anna Berkeley. With over 20-years experience as a buyer for brands like Selfridges, Prada and Topshop, and her style consultancy business, Anna also does the range planning for Margaret Howell. Perfect.

wardrobe management_9724

That’s Not My Wardrobe

When you work in fashion, you think you know it all, but sometimes it is hard to be objective about yourself. So. Anna came round to That’s Not My Age Mansions and went through my autumn/winter clothes and shoes, and it was remarkably easy. Like a magician, she’s made all the things I’ve been hanging onto since my fashion editor days (and NOT wearing), disappear. Not physically, I was the one who couldn’t wait to take it all down the road to the charity shop – what a relief. I guess, deep down I knew that this stuff was just clutter, or as Anna politely put it, ‘A bit corporate for your lifestyle, now – and taking up space.’ But sometimes it takes an outsider with a more objective view to sort things out properly. I’m not going to go into too much detail here (that’s in the book!), but, this woman has changed my life.

Have you ever sought professional help from a style consultant?

Read more about Anna HERE. And here are a few stealthy wardrobe favourites:

 

Keep Reading

How to wear pattern and print without looking frumpy

As research for my new book (or what I’m now referring to as the Difficult Second Album) and part of a more general desire to sort my shit out, I did something I’ve never done before. Arra…