Alarna Hope says career in personal styling is not as glamorous as it appears

PASSION for fashion is not all you need to be a personal stylist — the ­industry involves tears, hard work and empathy, says Alarna Hope of That Effortless Bitch fame.

Stylist and blogger Alarna Hope says styling is not all about dressing up the celebrities as many believe.

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IT GOES without saying that any good personal stylist has a passion for fashion. But it is not as glamorous as it seems, says Alarna Hope.

Hope, a stylist, image consultant and blogger says making a mark in this ­industry involves tears, hard work and empathy.

“We’re here to make people look great and this ­requires more than just putting together a few stylish outfits,’’ she said.

Stylists can have a huge impact on the lives of their clients so it is important to understand them, she adds.

“And its definitely not about styling celebrities as many believe,” Hope said.

“Stylists aren’t only available to stars (they’re certainly not my bread and butter). Everyday men and women are.’’

Alarna Hope’s blog called That Effortless Bitch, is aimed at women who can't afford a personal stylist but have real, everyday styling issues.

After receiving encouragement from her mother, Hope studied at TAFE, FBI Fashion College and later in the United States to turn her dream into a ­reality.

“Getting started is the hardest part,’’ she said.

“Then there’s interning, logistics of setting up a business and creating strong connections with your contacts. Business skills are a huge factor.”

Another important factor is developing people-skills.

“Hiring a personal stylist can be an emotional thing ... trusting a stranger to come into your home and to see you in your underwear, sharing your insecurities can be hard,” she said.

“It’s important to make clients feel like they’re in a judgment-free zone.’’

Stylists also learn lots from their clients, Hope adds.

“Each client gives you something different to take away,” she said.

“I’ve had clients with cotton allergies, those who hold onto too much clothing, some struggling with body dysmorphic disorder and others who work in an image-conscious environment. No two people are the same.

“I’ve learned more about fit and tailoring working with real people than I ever have from a text book.’’

That Effortless Bitch started out as a manuscript for a book.

Hope also has a blog titled That Effortless Bitch aimed at women who can’t afford a personal stylist.

“It actually started out as a manuscript for a book under the same name, that I started writing while still at FBI Fashion College, and then it turned into a blog,” she said.

Alarna helps everyday women solve everyday styling issues.

“I noticed that magazines weren’t catering to the women who had everyday problems — no magazine is going to headline ‘What To Wear When Your Breasts Are Fluctuating After Child Birth’ or ‘How To Dress For Hot Flushes’.

“I got over reading ‘just change your shoes and add a clutch and you’re set for a night out after work’.

“I love magazines, but when it comes to answering the questions of women who need help with finding their own style and maintaining it — there’s not much diversity in what’s on offer. So because of this, I decided to start That Effortless Bitch.

“The blog is for everyday women who need realistic advice who look for last-minute answers for anything like stain removal to dressing in a hurry.’’

ALARNA HOPE’S TOP TIPS ON SUMMER FASHION AND STYLING

Invest in a great bra.

“In summer, the fabrics are lighter and thinner which will naturally show off more of your frame,” she said.

“If you’re wearing a great bra, your waist will be longer and your clothing will fit you better. “It’s amazing what a well-fitted bra can do for you in summer, when there’s less layering than other seasons.”

SOME TIMELESS PIECES MEN AND WOMEN SHOULD HAVE

■ Alarna Hope said men should have a well-fitted sports blazer.

“They can wear them with jeans and a tee, or a nice collared shirt to a cocktail event, or even to a business casual or casual Friday day at work,” she said.

“Have the sleeves tailored and if you’ve got a narrower rib area, make friends with the local tailor and have them deepen the darts in the back.

“You’ll always look like a gentleman in a sports jacket.”

■ For women, a great basic is a collared shirt..

“You can do so much with a great collared shirt; pick a lightweight fabric like cotton or linen that will breathe and dry quickly,” she said.

‘You can wear it to the beach, with a pair of jeans, or even with a skirt or tailored pair of trousers to work.

“I'm a huge advocate for tailoring your clothing, so make sure you have the sleeves tailored to your wrist size ... these are very inexpensive alterations but makes such a difference.”

■ For more tips, go to alarnahope.com.au and thateffortlessbitch.com.au

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