I have worked in the fashion industry since 1998 – starting out as a shop assistant for an award winning designer store during my university holidays and then working as their ladieswear buyer once I'd graduated (buying over 30 designer brands including Gucci and Prada). My role also included management responsibilities and acting as the in-store personal shopper for VIPs (being in footballer territory we had plenty!). After 3 years I moved to London and changed into the wholesale side of the industry, working as the ladies sales manager for a Danish brand selling to independent boutiques and stores including Harrods and House of Fraser. In early 2006 I launched Style Struck and have grown my business working with both corporate and private clients. Also, since February 2008 I have been employed freelance by Bicester Village in Oxfordshire, as their Style Consultant, personal shopping with individual clients and speaking to groups at events.

Some of my clients like to meet up prior to a session; others simply do not have the time. All however receive a questionnaire to fill out so I can find out as much information as possible before we meet to achieve the best results. If a shopping trip has been booked, I will visit stores specific to my client's individual requirements ahead of meeting on the day, so our time together will be spent effectively.

This is totally up to the individual. I have clients who spend many thousands of pounds and want to buy a whole wardrobe for a particular season and have others who perhaps spend just £100, as they are looking at our time together as a learning session, simply wanting to find out what suits them and to build confidence for future shopping trips alone.

Whilst it may seem expensive to engage the services of an independent stylist, in practice the opposite can often apply. As I am not biased towards any particular store or brand and I don't work with a minimum spend, any budget can be accommodated, big or small. Therefore clients find themselves with pieces that can be far more diverse than if they had shopped alone or with an in-house stylist. And if price is a concern, an item can be sourced at any price point – I can inform my clients when they should spend or save on a piece as I don't have to work within the constraints of one specific store.

For any other questions please email me.