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In an online mom group, a member recently asked, “What is the number one thing that you struggle with when it comes to your appearance?”
I thought for a moment before settling on my answer: I just don’t care all that much. I hate make-up. I don’t enjoy shopping. I get my hair cut maybe once every 10 months. But sometimes, I’ll admit, I worry that I could look more polished or professional if I just put a teensy bit more thought into how I present myself.
So, full disclosure: when Kat Depner of Seven Styling contacted me about trying out a styling session with her, my initial reaction was to run for the hills.
However, when I told my husband about it later, he casually said, “Sounds like something you wouldn’t ordinarily do. Might be kinda fun.” Well, great. One of my guiding principles is to always try things just outside my comfort zone, and a styling session certainly qualified. So I booked a date with Kat, then promptly spent the next ten days wondering what on Earth I had been thinking.
But y’all. I am here to say: TRY NEW THINGS. You might be surprised what you learn. And, when the opportunity presents itself, try new things when they are FREE! Seven Styling is offering a complimentary styling session to one lucky mama this Mother’s Day. If you, like me, are totally freaked out by the very idea of a styling session, read on. Find out why you have nothing to fear and why you dare-I-say neeeeeeed this in your life. But first, the details on Seven Styling’s awesome offer:
Ok. Save those deets for later because you are going to want them. Pinky promise. Here’s what you might expect from a Seven Styling session.
Before the Session
To get to know my personal style ahead of time, Kat sent along a questionnaire that asked about fashion inspiration, sizing, and a few measurements.
The first question asked me to list celebrities whose fashion I admired. I had no idea (I don’t really follow celebrities), but I am currently re-watching the entire “Friends” series on Netflix, so I said “I like some of Phoebe Buffay’s outfits. Not the crazy ones. Just the good ones.”
After sending the questionnaire, I worried that referencing a fictional character with some out-there looks from a 90’s sitcom had been a poor choice. A fashionista, I am not.
Shopping (in my living room!) with Seven Styling
It turns out, Kat has some sort of magical spidey-sense. As she got settled, she said (paraphrasing) “I channeled Phoebe. I am not talking about when she wore fluorescent faux fur. More the earthy yet fashion-savvy Phoebe. Is that what you were going for?” Why yes, Kat, it was. And with that, my fears were washed away.
As Kat began laying out the items she had brought, I had a wee epiphany: this lady, who has a keen eye for fashion, had just spent a good chunk of time hand-selecting items for me at some of the best consignment shops around town. SHE HAD DONE THE SHOPPING FOR ME, PEOPLE.
Is this real life?
Yes. Real life, only better.
For the next two hours, Kat offered me outfits to sample, mixing and matching different pieces in fresh combos. Kat is so friendly and not intimidating in the slightest, which makes the whole process enjoyable instead of stressful. Kat gently explained options for how to wear each piece as we tried out different styles. She accessorized. She cuffed. She also gave me pointers on sizing. Wouldn’t ya know? I have been wearing the wrong size this whole time! Worthwhile info, friends.
I am almost certain that every item Kat selected is something I would have never picked up at a store on my own. And yet, each outfit was awesome in its own unique way. She went for a variety of looks: hanging with the family? Meeting with clients? Out on a date night? Kat totally got it that everything she offered had to be functional. I crouch and bend and move a lot, and I am not really one for showing off a lot of skin. She came up with solutions that were spunky but still age-appropriate, with combinations that all let a little personality shine through.
Take-homes and Takeaways
In the end, I had the option to purchase any pieces I liked for super reasonable prices. It was a hard fight, but I settled on a handful of choices. How can I argue with a dress that is cozy like pajamas, but looks kiiiiiinda dynamite? Bargain!
But more than the items themselves, I had an even bigger takeaway: maybe I just didn’t care about my style because I had never found any joy in my clothes. Clothes serve a purpose, yes, and that purpose was my focus. But without losing sight of that, Kat managed to throw in some sparkle. I genuinely enjoyed the experience of trying on options curated by someone who knows what they are doing. It gave me confidence in a situation where I normally feel somewhat intimidated. Our session wasn’t about hiding features I dislike or about investing loads of money into my appearance. In fact, it was a low-cost way to expand my wardrobe, and, without a doubt, it was the most fun I have ever had “shopping” in my life.
Even better? I tried something new and stepped out of my comfort zone a bit. And I’ve got some awesome outfits to prove it!
Pppppsssstttt: Seven Styling’s Mother’s Day Giveaway is on until April 27!
When it comes to style, Kat Depner knows a thing or two about helping transform Moms in a style slump into chic, comfortable Mamas-on-the-go. Residing in Southeast Portland, Kat is the owner of Seven Styling and blogs weekly on her style blog, Seconds to Impress. She loves to laugh and has a special talent for spontaneously recalling and quoting obscure lines from “The Office” while strolling through grocery aisles with her husband in tow. Enter Seven Styling’s Mother’s Day Giveaway for your chance to win a free styling session!
Thanks for the giveaway
Nothing like a giveaway to brighten the week 🙂
Great job Kat! Lee Ann, I am so glad you had fun and found pieces that you love. Plus free is awesome as well lol!
Aww Shux :). I agree a giveaway always means smiles all around :).
So fun! You look great in all the outfits. Nice that you spent sometime on you!
Hurray!
haha, i’ve always thought i was the only one who didn’t love shopping 🙂 love this service!
Hey Amanda, It appears you are far from alone in your lack of love for shopping. Nothing like a few hours of dress up in your living room :).
The outfits look fabulous on you. I like shopping so long as I find what I’m looking for.
I think that’s a big part of it! Sometimes I feel like it’s so much time/effort with little reward! 🙂
<3
I have extreme social anxiety so this type of thing would be perfect for me.
Oh, yes, shopping without the crowds. Amaaaazing!
I’m from Kentucky or I would jump at this chance! I’m graduating soon and will be starting my professional job, the issue however is my closet consisted of 50% clothes I’ve outgrown since pregnancy and then yoga pants and sweaters! I will I’ve been following styling and fashion bloggers lately to get some help!
Oh, we have all been there! My youngest is two and I am all done with babies; this is the first time I have bought anything outside the yoga pants and sweaters realm in YEARS!
Maybe next time I’ll focus the giveaway in Kentucky 🙂 😉
Wow, That’s pretty daring and interesting all at once. I love that you stepped out of your comfort zone.
<3
Those are great outfits! Well done Kat! And great job LeeAnn trying something new!!
Glad you loved the outfits! And Cheers to Lee Ann for not running for the hills and letting me channel her inner Phoebe!
Great outfits! It’s a great feeling when an outfit comes together 🙂
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