About Styling in the City
My name is Fiona Huntingford and I am a Personal Shopper and Stylist based in London. I’ve worked in the fashion industry for 11 years, initially starting out as a buyer and then moving into wholesale. Then in 2006 I thought I’d go it alone and founded my website www.stylestruck.com (to find out more about how I got into the industry have a look at my blogs “The right place and the right time”, “Fashion foundations” and “London Calling”).
Seeing clothes and fashion through my clients eyes gives me a sense of how difficult shopping can be for people, so I wanted to be able to give an honest view as an ”insider”, (hopefully) giving helpful tips and advice. Also, I receive so many emails from people who are desperate to work in fashion and from others who are fascinated by everything to do with the industry, that I thought I’d write a blog giving an insight into my world as a stylist (and self-confessed shopaholic!)… Welcome to Styling in the City!
P.S. All the beautiful illustrations have been drawn by my talented friend Kate MacFarlane. For any enquiries contact her at katymacf@hotmail.com.
Fiona, I came across your blog today and was automatically inspired! I’m in the process of starting my own personal shopping business, I live in the USA in Kentucky. Since I’m just starting out I could use all the help I can get especially from someone with your experience. I was wondering if you had any advice for me? Thank you for your time, I hope to hear from you soon!
Hi Sasha, thank you for your message. How exciting you’re starting your own business! What advice can I give you – well… know your customer and find out as much information about them before you go shopping as you can and be in the shops as much as possible (so when someone asks you where they can find the “perfect” white shirt for $50 or $500 you know). Most importantly, be enthusiastic about what you do! For example, after a long day’s shopping when your client can’t be bothered (after 7 hours!) to keep looking for the “right” pair of shoes to go with the final outfit, you have to be motivated to not give up until you find them… They’ll thank you for it in the end.
Good luck!
Dear Fiona,
I came across your website today and read the article about Killer Heels with enthusiasm! I have to say I love high heels but usually after a few hours of walking and sometimes even sitting, you realize that the shoes are not that comfortable and you are on the verge of throwing them away, even though its your favourite Louboutin pair of shoes or the beautiful YSL pumps.
I am also a lover of fashion and although I studied Law at Kings College in London, I decided to start my business in the fashion industry, more precisely the shoes industry.
As I read in your article you love flats, our SA7 Rolly would be perfect and useful for you as personal shopper. Especially since you are on your feet all day long and a pair of our Ballerina SA7 could save your day.
If you visit us on our website: http://www.saseven.com and let me know which size and color you like! We will send them out to you complimentary!
You are doing great work, we wish you success!!!
Susanna Antonoff