Recently engaged and have a million and one things on your mind? I've got one piece of advice that will not only lessen your stress and make all those parties and celebrations actually exciting, but will make you feel SO amazing and confident!
Sound too good to be true?
It's not! Enter...Randi Poilon of Styled by Randi.
Located in the New York area, Randi is passionate about her styling clients and is able to make those special moments even better by instilling confidence with rock start outfits and accessories to fit any event. As soon as I reached out to her and received her warm reply, I knew we would be friends (and I knew exactly where to turn for my next special event!).
Bonus: If you're not in the New York area...you can still have her fabulous styling advice! She now offers virtual styling services (woohoo!).
Bonus tip #2: What an amazing engagement gift idea this would be for your favorite couple! Just think...the newly engaged couple would absolutely LOVE to be pampered in this way, and will be sure to look great for all of those pictures that are sure to follow!
I've asked her a few questions below, so grab a cup of tea and get to know her better.
I guarantee you will love her!
Full Name: Randi Poillon
Business name and location: Styled by Randi- Clifton Park, NY and available anywhere for virtual styling
Your Team: I am the sole stylist and employee of my business, however I have an amazing network of photographers, hair stylists and makeup artists, etc. that I am lucky enough to work alongside with for some of my clients needs.
How long have you been in business?: 5 years (almost)
What is your business philosophy or inspiration?: The drive behind my business is to help my clients become their best selves and feel confident whether it be for a certain occasion, or to discover their personal style.
How did you get your start?: I opened a women's clothing boutique in 2006 and always enjoyed assisting my customers in finding their personal styles through my merchandise. When the economy took a turn and we were faced with the recession, owning a brick and mortar retail store proved very challenging due to the rise in online shopping and heavily discounted merchandise becoming available through big box stores. I coincidentally became pregnant with my first daughter and decided to close my boutique and have the flexibility to spend time with my family. I wasn't willing to give up my passion for fashion and shopping and helping others in their style challenges, so I just altered my career into a personal stylist and personal shopper.
Describe your day to day tasks: This career is amazing, and each day can come with a different itinerary. I consult with clients to find out their needs either in person or via email, spend hours shopping either at physical stores or online to curate suggested collections and options for clients, sometimes with the client alongside me so I can teach them which particular styles fit their bodies most appropriately and pushing them outside of their comfort zones a bit. I can be found on location for a photoshoot (engagement, maternity, professionally styled, etc) with my trusty kit filled with solutions for any fashion emergency that can occur (think fashion tape and hairspray). I also style entire weddings from engagement to down the aisle including every event in between.
Describe your role on a clients wedding day: I am more involved on the wardrobe planning aspect of weddings. I offer full service styling for the entirety of the wedding process from engagement shoot, engagement parties, bridal gown, bridal party fashions including groom and groomsmen, bridemaids, mother of bride/groom, and flower girls/ring bearers, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and rehearsal dinners (any and all occasions that can arise). All of my services are also offered a la carte as needed.
I am available on wedding day to assist in dressing and overseeing hair, makeup and photos before the aisle.
Describe your ideal client: I have such a wide range of clients, I just love working with people who are open and willing to be pushed out of their comfort zones to find their own unique style, or anyone I can help to just feel their most confident after we find their perfect look.
What is your favorite part of the wedding planning process, or weddings themselves?: I love when we plan every step of the wedding and the couple really sees it all come together and can be excited instead of stressed about all the moving parts it takes to have a wedding come to fruition, even regarding wardrobe it can be overwhelming, and I love to see confident, happy, relaxed brides and grooms.
What can a couple expect when working with you?: I am very hands on and willing to help as little or as much as needed. I keep myself readily available for anything that should arise throughout the process and reallyjust want to be there to facilitate and alleviate the stress of wedding styling.
What would your dream wedding be like?: I love when couples want to step outside the box a little bit and take risks, I happily accept any challenge! I do stress however, not to get too trendy or lose yourself when planning wedding wardrobe, but the small fashion risks (like an appropriately mismatched bridal party) can become the most beautiful.
What do you love to do in your free time?: I spend as much time with my daughter as I can when I have free time, and she is adopting my love for fashion and shopping, we spend a lot of time playing dress up, painting each other's nails, and of course shopping, she's a wonderful assistant.
What is one little known fact about yout?: i can have difficulty practicing what I preach at times. I urge clients to rid themselves of items in their wardrobes they haven't worn in well over a year, or not to make crazy impulse purchases that they know they won't be wearing, yet my closet is over flowing with pieces that still have tags attached and I am a "wardrobe hoarder".
List your favorite things!: I have a serious shopping obsession, specifically shoes and dresses.
I love licorice, too much!
I am a style chameleon and can go from boho chic, to country club prep, to rockstar glam in the blink of an eye.
Fav guilty pleasure?: Anything on bravo and it drives my husband insane.
What experiences have shaped you and your business?: I have been "gifted" to clients who lack self confidence and a sense of personal style in the past by friends or family, who are resistant when I arrive to help out. When I was able to turn those appointments around and have a happy, confident client who is excited about the pieces we have selected, that is what has shaped my business, it's purpose, and what keeps me going.
What is the best compliment a client has given (or could give) to you?: When the most stressed out brides and grooms let me know that after we started working together their stress was alleviated and they are able to relax and enjoy their wedding process.
What are your recommendations to brides and grooms who are planning a wedding now?: Stay calm and try to enjoy the entire process, it is supposed to be the happiest, most exciting time and not stressful. Once the big day comes, it's gone in an instant. As far as bridal fashion goes, picture yourself looking through your wedding album in 10 years, 20 years, and make sure you will be as happy with your choices then as you are today. Of course styles change, but if you don't remain "you", the answer most likely will be that you won't be happy in the future.
Website: http://www.styledbyrandi.com
Email: Styledbyrandi95@gmail.com
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:
If someone gifted you with a stylist, who would be your celebrity inspiration? Answer below, and give a shout out to Randi in the comments!