Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions | Stylist History | Cost and Payment | Our Studio | Other Services | Other Questions
General Questions
Not sure how you got here? Find out what personal styling is, what it can do for you, and how we approach it.
Why would I hire a personal stylist?
​Some reasons to hire a personal stylist are because you:
-
Hate shopping.
-
Are too busy to shop.
-
Can't find your sizes in a store.
-
Are not confident putting outfits together that make you feel polished / put together.
-
Don't know what your style is.
-
Know what you want to achieve with your looks / personal style, but don't know how to get there on your own.
-
Feel overwhelmed by an internet full of choices, don't know what size you'll wear in a new company's clothes, and when you do place an order, you dread the neverending process of returning/exchanging things that don't work, which as often as not results in a pile of unwanted clothes taunting you.
-
Have your eye on some brands or styles you want to try and would love guidance on "Is this even right for me?"
-
Have a closet full of clothes but wear the same 25% and ignore the rest.
Do you have any brand affiliations or partnerships?
NO. We are only interested in sourcing the right pieces for YOU. We are constantly researching and educating ourselves on new brands and designers which means we always have fresh resources to choose from when designing your collection. We base our selections on quality, fit, and your priorities and values.
What is your philosophy at Vallozzi Styling?
At Vallozzi Styling, we take a client-centered approach rooted in non-judgment and body neutrality. Our vision is to design personalized seasonal collections unique to each client's lifestyle, meeting them where they are today while helping to build confidence and simplify life.
When working with you, do I direct the process or do you?
You get to choose whether you want to direct the show or have Rachel design your collection. Her 20 years in commercial and film design has trained her to follow direction with precision. During that time, she has also led the creative process, pitching styles, looks, and entire collections for hundreds of clients, actors, and other performers. Rachel's favorite way to work is in a collaborative and explorative way with her clients, helping to guide the discovery of finding or refining their personal style.
Who are your clients?
We work with C-suite executives, professionals, and everyday people. We dress all bodies, all sizes, and all genders. Many of our clients are going or have gone through a transitional stage of their lives and we meet them exactly where they are. Some of the transitional stages include post child birth, menopause, career transitions, weight gain or loss, stage of life, and gender transitions.
Stylist History
Have you worked with another stylist? Curious how this experience might be different?
I already worked with another stylist to have my colors read. Will you incorporate my season/tonal palette into my collection if I work with you?
Absolutely! We will work with whatever color palette you want.
I had my colors and/or style and body archetyping done by another
stylist and now I feel stuck/overwhelmed. What now? How do I find the
right clothes in my colors and the right fit to my garments?
We are happy to take it from here! We will use the information you have already learned and incorporate it into the collection we design for you with one of these services - Custom Capsule Wardrobe or Private Pop-Up Shop.
​
Want to scrap it all and start over? We can do that too! If you found that these guidelines ended up feeling more like restrictions we will take an explorative approach to discovering the palette, styling, and silhouettes that feel right for you.
I worked with another stylist and they gave me links to shop from, but I HATE returning clothes. Can you help?
We sure can! Our In-Studio Services are FULL SERVICE - meaning we do everything and you just show up for the fitting! After a short and painless process of gathering information we research and present you with a plan for your personal seasonal wardrobe collection. Once we agree on the direction, we do the rest! We make all of the purchases, design your collection, and host you for your private fitting in our studio, complete with a tailor. We guide you through your fitting, documenting the full looks that you decide to keep. And best of all, we return everything you don't want!
Cost and Payment
How will I be billed
We invoice half when you book and half after the completion of services for all services.
How much can I expect to pay for the cost of my clothes?
Clients' investments in the cost of their clothes have ranged from $2,000 - $6,000 for a Custom Capsule Wardrobe and $6,000 - $12,000 for their Private Pop-Up Shop. We discuss price points, budgets, quality, and quantity with each individual and make selections based on their budget, goals, and values.
Is my service deposit or cost of goods deposit refundable?
No, but it is transferable. If you need to reschedule a service, no problem! You can reschedule a service up to two times. After that, you will need to send a new service deposit to rebook.
What forms of payment do you take?
We accept Zelle, all credit cards, cash, and checks.
After we have worked together, what if I only need a few updates the following year or season? Do I need to book a full service again?
After we have worked together on one of our services, you have the option to book Rachel for future updates at her hourly rate of $200 / Hour. If you find you don't need an entirely new collection, we are happy to help you with a few seasonal updates.
Our Studio
Learn how we transform our studio into your personal seasonal collection.
Where is your studio and what is it like?
Our studio is located at 5819 Ellsworth Ave in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood. It is private, climate controlled, and inviting. The interior design is meant to inspire with colorful furniture and fashion art hanging on the walls. We approach our work with joy and creativity in an atmosphere that is judgement-free and rooted in body-neutrality. We welcome all people, by appointment only.
What kinds of Special Events can you help me with?
Special Event styling includes but is not limited to galas, weddings, cocktail parties, vacations, themed parties, holiday parties, bar/bat mitzvahs.
What is a private pop-up shop
A Private Pop-Up Shop is a private boutique we build for you in our studio where every item has been hand selected in your sizes and palette, for your unique lifestyle, and represents your personal style. There are racks of clothes to choose from that will form a complete seasonal collection. Rachel will guide you through the selection, styling looks for you as you explore silhouettes and options. You have the place to yourself with no interruptions. A tailor will come towards the end of your fitting to pin your alterations. When you get tired, there are snacks and beverages to give you a boost. Following the Private Pop-Up Shop experience you will be given a digital guidebook of your new looks complete with styling tips!
Other Services
Learn about services that occur in your closet, online, or in-store.
My closet is very small and cramped, should we still have a closet consultation?
Yes! We travel with collapsible wardrobe racks and can find space in your home to set it up, pull items out of your closet, and do a thorough evaluation.
What is it like to shop with Rachel?
Rachel is organized, calculated, focused, and efficient. By the time you meet, she has mapped out your shopping journey and will guide you through the mall, taking you through the selection she has chosen for you. She will listen to your feedback and adapt. She loves to celebrate the wins along the way. And she will never try to force you into a garment or style that does not feel right to you.
I hate everything in my closet, should we still have a closet consultation?
We believe that starting in your closet is valuable. Often there are pieces in your closet that are working for you, and we can use those garments as building blocks to move your look in a new direction. It is also very important to learn what is not working for you and why, and the contents of your closet will reveal that information. However, if you truly want a fresh start, we can skip the closet and go straight to a personal shopping service.