Meet Lurana!
Wife, Mother, Professional, All-around Boss
Years styled: 7
Services used: Closet Clean-out, Styling Session, Monthly Subscription
Do you feel that the way you dress has affected your confidence?
“I noticed the change after my first ever styling session. I had two children, my body had changed significantly, and I forgot what it felt like to fit in clothes. I based my postpartum clothing choices on a weight scale for sizes and not on how clothes actually fit me.
After meeting and trying on clothes with Emily, I finally could move around without being self-conscious. I forgot what that felt like and I didn't realize I was subconsciously adjusting my movements and never truly comfortable. I found my stride again after not even realizing my clothing choices were preventing me from strutting.”
Describe a time that a particular outfit made you feel like you could do something exciting/scary/out of your comfort zone.
“I had to renegotiate a multimillion dollar contract due to a major unexpected loss from a bad acquisition. I had my sticking grounds, but I also had a customer who wouldn’t budge and was willing to walk.
Because it was a Zoom call, I only needed to be professional from the top up. I chose new acid wash jeans and a navy blazer find. I wanted to show [everyone off camera and in the office] that I was feeling edgy, yet in control. My counterpart could see that I was dressed for the call, but she didn’t know I was pushing boundaries underneath the desk in my jeans. (Both the VP and another Director made ‘90s jokes when they saw me!)
I succeeded with the negotiations and walked away with a deal never done before. I was thrilled, as well as satisfied and proud. The acid wash jeans are now requested by those same individuals whenever we have tough phone calls on Fridays.”
Describe something new you tried that you were resistant to at first.What surprised you after trying it?
“High quality clothing — particularly cashmere. I thought I was too clumsy or careless to wear it. Plus, I’ve lost clothing in the past due to my husband’s version of “doing” the laundry and I feared an inadvertent slip into the wrong basket would leave me donating another expensive sweater to my kid. Turns out, cashmere rarely needs to be washed and is by far the warmest item of clothing in the winter. And it lasts!”
What reservations did you have about working with a stylist? What would you tell your past self about your experience?
“I love shopping, but with two children and working full time, it became another chore and lost its appeal. At the same time, I didn’t like what was in my closet.
I originally started with a subscription service, but after I received two shipments and gave feedback, it was clear my “stylist” choices were based on an algorithm. Even though I gave measurements and described my body type, the same styles kept arriving, only in different colors, and I began to find the same brands at other stores for half the price. I sought out a real person so that someone could see what I really looked like and how clothes fit on my body.
At first, I received a negative comment from a good friend that made me feel like having a stylist was an unnecessary luxury. I realized I had the same misgivings in the beginning and was ashamed of saying I used a stylist. Now, I would equate it to essential self-care. Whether it’s the gym or getting my nails done, protein powder or food delivery — whatever your thing is that keeps you happy and confident.”
What has been the most enjoyable part of working with a stylist?
“You mean other than the fact that I consider her a good friend and we really just hang out vs ‘working’? First, finding the confidence to show my personality with clothing again and cultivating a wardrobe, instead of just stuff, in my closet. Second, learning about sustainable brands and how I can add my support to the fashion industry. I love hearing about how individuals are trying to make a difference.”