Ready for a change? A personal shopper could be the key to revamping your image

Image is everything according to this personal shopper. Appearance has a definite  impact on how others respond to you and the level of service you receive, personal shopper Gerlinda Aras says. But it’s also important to be practical, particularly for mums, and accommodate the demands of life in the tropics.

Gerlinda’s opinions on style are certainly worth listening to.“I had one client who wanted to buy a lawn mower and the people at the store wouldn’t serve them,” Gerlinda says. “They didn’t think the customer was dressed as they thought Cairns people should dress so they only showed them the cheapest mower.

These people were quite well-to-do so they went to another mower store and bought the one they wanted, which was much more expensive.”This is just one example the business woman and personal shopper has of the impact our appearance has on others. She says it is essential in the business world to present yourself professionally but still in a way that suits your personality.Gerlinda had worked in retail make-up and clothing for several years before travelling overseas where she encountered personal shoppers at the major stores.

“I saw that and thought it would be perfect for me,” she says. Two years ago she started the business in Cairns after further study.Originally from the Gold Coast, she  moved here four years ago and says dressing to the climate is imperative. Gerlinda says fabric is important, as well as being careful not to leave clothes in the sun too long to reduce fading.Locals have a reasonable idea of dressing for the weather, she says, with clients looking more for a change of style.“Anybody that comes to see me is ready for it,” she says.

“They really want change and they feel that things that used to suit them in their 20s don’t suit them in their 40s.”Her favourite part of the job is going shopping and showing people that styles they previously would not have considered can really give them that “wow” factor.

“It’s scary doing it on your own and if you have a friend or husband with you they can sometimes choose things they like, not necessarily what suits you,” she says.Before her training, Gerlinda says she often wore blue and pink. These days she knows they’re the worst colours for her. While some people might balk at taking clothing advice from a 25-year-old, Gerlinda says she always tries to find a way to get on the same wavelength as her customers.

“The biggest fear some people have is that I’ll dress them too young but I probably dress older than my age,” the mother-of-three says.And Gerlinda says she tries to notice the positives in strangers’ attire, rather than focus on the negatives. “Women particularly don’t get a lot of compliments so I think it’s important to talk about the positives,” she says. While women are her main clients, she has helped a few males, usually the husbands of women who have already undergone the process.

“Men are so different to women. Women will flick through the racks whereas men will say: ‘Just dress me’,” Gerlinda says.Her children, aged 7, 6 and 4 are dressed however they choose. “I shop at Target and op-shops for them,” Gerlinda says. “They should be able to wear whatever they like. It’s probably the only time in their life they can wear lime green and pink together.

The only thing is I don’t let them wear black, because there’s already so much black in the world.”Dressing to suit personality, body shape and colouring can help others see your best attributes, which Gerlinda says is what she is all about. “It’s about enhancing your best bits,” she says. According to Gerlinda, some people say she is like TV stylists Trinny and Susannah, only nice. Gerlinda says she tries to find a balance and tailor her comments to suit the client. Her own image and approach is certainly one to aspire to. 

WHAT NOT TO WEAR FOR WOMEN

1. Singlets, strapless dresses and tops must be covered with a jacket all day

2. Mini skirts or mini dresses will attract the wrong sort of attention in an office environment

3. Jeans, shorts and track pants, yes they are comfortable that’s why you should wear them on days off (this also applies to men tip 4)

4. Strappy heels scream party and flip-flops scream lazy5. Over-the-top jewellery: if people can hear you coming you’re wearing too much   

TEN TIPS FOR MOTHERS WITH STYLE

1.       Use a modern oversized handbag to fit in all our children’s needs

2.       Accessorise your outfits with inexpensive jewellery (you won’t mind as much if/when they get broken)

3.          Wear skirts or dresses and heels whenever you get the opportunity (hubby will love it)

4.          Dress in colourful tops that brighten your day

5.          Keep an eye on fashion trends so your look is up to date

6.          Apply make-up even if you’re just going to the shops. A little goes a long way to make you feel better

7.          Invest in a body shaper to hide any lump and bumps

8.          Wear lingerie that makes you feel special

9.          Wash and blow dry your hair at night to save time in the morning

10         When you buy something for baby, make sure to buy something for you too

WHAT NOT TO WEAR FOR MEN

1. Tops without a collar and sleeves. Also avoid anything that is too tight, this applies even if you are tanned and have muscles

2. T-shirts with inappropriate or offensive slogans, they really aren’t that funny

3. Hawaiian shirts are out of fashion and should be banned

4. No jeans, shorts or track pants

5. No sandals, runners or ugg boots please. Yes, we do notice your shoes  

GERLINDA’S TIPS TO DRESS FOR SUCCESS

• High heels make you look taller and slimmer• Wrap dresses are really flattering• V-neck shirts are flattering• Wearing all one colour can be
very slimming 

THE RIGHT LOOK FOR THE TROPICS

Black tie Men // A back tuxedo, white shirt, black bow tie and black shoes Women // Long evening gown, high heels and sparkly accessories are a must  Formal Men // Black suit, black shoes with a shirt and tie to complement their partner Women // Long elegant dress, high heels, sparkly accessories Semi formal Men // Dark suit with any colour shirt and tie Women // Elegant dress or dressy suit, with medium to high heel Cocktail Men // Dark suit, any colour shirt. A tie is not necessary Women // Best described as the little black dress (although any colour is acceptable), medium to high heel, and accessories should not be over the top Smart casual & business casual Men // Opt for a collared shirt with business-like pants Women // Dressy skirt, business-like pants, accessories should be kept low-key. Jeans, shorts and T-shirts of any description are inappropriate for smart casual for men and women. Casual This is when jeans, shorts and T-shirts are appropriate, basically anything goes, including the flip-flops! 

 

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