Dr. Danielle Tart

Using Online Stylists

In November 2015, Polish, Stuff by Illyse LaneLeave a Comment

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Like so many women, Dr. Danielle Tart is busy, juggling the roles of mother, wife and dentist  (she’s a partner in Triangle Dentistry). Like so many women pushed for time, shopping became a drudgery.

Online personal stylists are coming to the rescue.   

Companies such as MM.LaFleur, Stitch Fix and Keaton Row are carving out a niche in the fashion world, appealing to women who want a wardrobe with stylish, quality clothing but have no time to shop for it.

The concept is simple. Complete a style profile and, based on your preferences, an online stylist shops for you. Keep and pay for what you like, and return what you don’t, letting your stylist know why a particular item didn’t work.

These companies are betting that you’ll like a few things enough to order again—at least core pieces; that’s how Dr. Tart use it. With the help of that feedback you gave, your stylist will be able to make even better choices the next time you order.

“I get many of my foundation pieces, such as skirts, dresses and blazers, from MM.LaFleur,” says Dr. Tart.  “Then, I can pick up a few mix and match pieces at local boutiques when I have time.”

Want to give it a try?  Raleigh Mag looked at three of the more popular sites. Here’s what you need to know:

MM. LaFleur | www.mmlafleur.com

Style:  Professional

You Get: A Bento box with 4 -6 wardrobe staples (dresses, a top, a skirt or knit, and accessories).

Brands: MM.LaFleur’s label

Price Point: Majority range from $140-$290

Days to Decide: Four (from day of delivery)

Styling Fee: $25 per box, waived for first-time order and, after, waived if you keep one item from your box on future orders.

Care: Mix of dry clean only and machine washable

Stitch Fix | www.stitchfix.com

Style: Professional and casual

You Get:  Package with 5 items

Brands:  Over 250 labels.

Price Point: Average price $55 per item, with a wide variety.

Days to Decide: Three (from day of delivery)

Styling Fee:  $20 per box, charged when stylists select items and then applied toward the cost of final order. Buy all 5 items, 25% off entire purchase.

Care: Mix of dry clean only and machine washable

Keaton Row | www.keatonrow.com

Style: Professional and casual

You Get: A “look-book” assembled just for you that you can shop from for 90 days. If you buy, more looks are added.

Brands:  Combination of smaller and larger brands, such as Theory, Diane von Furstenberg, BB Dakota, Thylo, & Cooper and Ella.

Price Point: Contemporary range $75-$399, Premium range $250-$400 plus.

Days to Decide: 30 days for items shipped by Keaton Row; others depend on retailer.

Styling Fee: n/a

Care: Mix of dry clean only and machine washable

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