I shopped like it was my job. And it was!

Disclaimer: I work for Sears Holdings Corporation.  They are piloting a new Personal Stylist program and asked me to test it out.  So basically, my job today was to shop with my very own Personal Stylist all afternoon.  Best.work.day.EVER!  I was not given additional compensation for testing, and I had to pay for my own purchases.  Don’t tell my husband.  All opinions are my own.

The one thing about working in retail is that shopping is acceptable in the workplace.  I shop online and have my groceries and prescriptions delivered to my desk at the end of the day.  If there’s too much stuff, I pull my car around and they put the groceries in my trunk.  There’s an actual store in the building where I can by clothes, toys, patio sets, or kitchen stuff on my lunch break.  I buy coffee on my phone when I’m sitting in meetings and it’s waiting for me at the coffee shop as soon as my meeting is over.  Trust me, I work really HARD, but some of those perks that make up for it!

I’m a project manager in innovation and strategic initiatives – or as my senior VP told me, “You get to work on the coolest projects in the company!” She’s right. Anytime they are launching something new they use associates as their guinea pigs.  This time it was for a new Personal Stylist service they were testing out in the nearby Sears store.  The notion of having a personal stylist is not anything new or innovative, but people tend to think that it’s only for the rich and famous.  EEEH – not anymore!  You better believe I was one of the first people to volunteer as a tester!

Michaeline was my Personal Stylist and we started off by exchanging emails so she can learn more about my sense of style and my sizes.  I sent her some of my blog posts (here and here) just to give her an idea.  Then, she set up an appointment for me to meet her in the store.

She was super friendly and made me feel comfortable right away.  She took me over to a large fitting room and said, “Let me show you what I’ve been working on…” and pulled back the curtain to reveal a carefully curated assortment of outfits, accessories, and shoes…Just.for.me.  EEEEK!

I think the clouds parted and angels sang from above.  It was like someone put together a Pinterest board of blouses, dresses, pants, leggings, shoes, chunky jewelry, and jackets for me IN REAL LIFE.

SearsPersonalStylist

I tried on the pieces that really caught my eye and she pulled additional items based on my feedback.  For example, there was a basic grey shirt that was so soft and fit just right.  It was only $6 and I was so excited!  So she pulled one in every color in my size so I could stock up.  I also mentioned my slight obsession with pleather leggings and she found me a pair of those, too!

SearsPersonalStylist2 SearsPersonalStylist3

Playing dress-up was so much fun!  I ended up getting everything in that top block of photos, the white tee and pleather leggings, and the accessories.  I was shocked at how much I saved with the promos – dresses were 50% off, the leggings were on sale from $39 to $15, and the jewelry was on clearance for $4 -$6.  Oh yeah, my associate discount helped a little too.  I ended up paying just about $100 for ALL THAT STUFF.

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Thank you, thank you, thank you Michaeline!  My coworker who met her earlier this week gave me the heads up that “Michaeline makes you feel beautiful.” And that, she did.  Her personal styling service was free, but making a full-time working mother like me feel special and pampered and care-free was priceless.  (Psst…If you live in the NW’burbs of Chicago and would like Michaeline to be YOUR personal stylist send me a PM).  If you want to see what awesome outfits she’s working on, then follow her on Instagram!

Thanks for reading along!  Have you ever had a personal stylist or an awesome shopping experience? I’d love to hear it!

xoxo // gracielle.

Comments

  1. Woowww!! Having a personal stylist is so cool — probably especially for me who can’t decide on what to buy whenever I’m shopping. It takes me forever to shop only just to go home empty-handed. Haha. But like what you said, my impression of having a personal stylist is that it’s just for the rich and famous — (I’m thinking Gossip Girl type of shopping).. I love the green dress and the neck pieces.. 🙂
    Rea recently posted…The Show Must Go On..My Profile

    • I’m the same way! I get so overwhelmed that I just end up empty handed. I loved how everything was put together for me, I didn’t really have to think!

  2. This sounds like a ton of fun. I love those dresses. All the patterns are just great. Is the $6 tee available online?
    Shana Norris recently posted…What I’m Into: February 2014.My Profile

  3. This is my dream. And those prices! And you’re such a beauty. I’ve never had this experience but I need it. I’m the middle sister of three sisters (and two brothers) and I often feel I’m the awkward one. Both of my sisters are in Jersey and they have helped me for years with makeup, eyebrows, clothes, shoes, etc. Often I get it right on my own, and often I don’t!!
    I need this. I wish I lived closer so I could have Michaeline!

    • My sister is a champ when it comes to shopping! I see her about twice a year and she’s really good at helping me pick out stuff. Every girl needs a Michaeline in their life!

  4. I never think about heading into Sears to shop! I usually head right to Old Navy or H & M. But after seeing this cute stuff, I’m totally going to run over there. I need super cute and affordable stuff!
    NJ @ A Cookie Before Dinner recently posted…Ask Away Friday With The Dose GirlsMy Profile

    • You’ll be surprised to find some really cute stuff there…but it might be buried behind and in between the not-so-cute stuff. I think that’s why this trip was so fun – she did all the filtering for me! But then again, you’re a thrifter – so you should be able to hunt down some cute stuff!

  5. This is SO COOL! I’ve always wanted to have a personal shopper. My mother in law does and it’s awesome. You have no idea how I wish I was near you so I could work with Michaeline. She’s great!! –Lisa

    • I had so much fun! I’m wearing some of my new gear today, but some of the stuff will be sitting pretty in my closet until the warmer days decide to show up!

  6. Wow – what a fun experience!! And, you look super cute with all of your modeling. Love the great prices and bargains you scored.
    Kim recently posted…A Fun Challenge for MarchMy Profile

  7. This sounds like it was super fun and I think she totally got your style right on the nose! I know you had a ball. Does hubby read your blog? I forget! LOL. 🙂
    Brittnei recently posted…Countdown in Style- Week 13My Profile

    • He does read only when I ask him to. I had a blast and she totally nailed my style. She even found things that I would have never picked for myself but ended up loving!

  8. love, love, looooove the outfit ensembles! can she come to DC and work with me? 🙂
    Roaen recently posted…Half Marathon Training, Week 4My Profile

    • Well, it’s just a pilot for now so who knows how soon it’ll roll out to the DC area? That would be awesome if she could outfit you before your move to Brazil!

  9. I know quite a few ladies (and men!) who would love having a personal shopper help them pick out clothing. Me… not so much. I have a really good grip on what I like and what works for my body & confidence, plus I love the hunt and am kind of a control freak 🙂
    Jennifer recently posted…Garden Planning 2014My Profile

    • It was kinda nice to let go of the control for once and let someone else do all the thinking for me. LOL I love the hunt, too, but mostly at garage sales and thrift stores for stuff for my home.

  10. what an experience, she really did a great job picking out your clothes and creativing outfits. I would love to hire a personal shopper one day too…maybe once I’m in better shape.
    karen recently posted…Would I Even Listen?My Profile

  11. You are ridiculously stylish! I need to take lessons from you! I ‘m glad I found your blog on the blog hop, am now tagging along, and can’t wait to read more. Hoping you stop by to say hi sometime. http://wanderlust-wishlist.blogspot.com

  12. i love that first strapless dress. GORGEOUS!

  13. BEST JOB EVER! How much fun; your stylist could honestly have put you in paper bag and you would’ve worked it!
    I love those accesories mama!

  14. I would love to utilize a personal shopper some day. Especially when I’m shopping for a big even like a wedding. I love the outfits Michaeline selected for you. Great accessories too.
    Savvy Working Gal recently posted…First Darling of the Morning by Thrity UmrigarMy Profile

  15. April Grant says:

    That sounds so awesome! As much as I hate shopping, I would love to come into the store and have some things already picked out for me. It would ease a lot of the anxiety that I have going from rack to rack. Thanks for letting us know that Sears could be rolling out a personal shopper near us in the future here at Countdown in Style!

    • I loved that I never had to go the racks myself to find the cute items or my size. It’s like all the hard work was already sone for me and all I had to do was try on, like playing dress up !

  16. That’s like the best job to have….EVER!! All items you tried out were cute. You make me want to hit the malls now! I’m visiting from #SitsShareFest
    Louida recently posted…Product Review Weekend Link Up Party #ProductReviewParty #2My Profile

    • Thanks for stopping by, Louida! The best part was at the end when the items ended up being 50-75% cheaper that what was in the tag. I’m a sucker for good deals 🙂

  17. Hi found you blog via #SITSSharefest
    I love reading about the new stylist program at sears! I am actually trying to be a stylist my self and love that it can be more affordable to work with a stylist. I would love to go through the process and have a stylist put together my outfits. Do you have more info on this program and when/where it will be available for everyone to try
    Come check out my blog http://www.cidstylefile.com
    Cid (@CidStyleFile) recently posted…Style Report: 5 Overalls in Plus SizeMy Profile

  18. Hello Gracielle I’m stopping by from SITS Sharefest. Great post and great looks. I love to get cute outfits for a good deal. I was wondering if you would be interested in sharing one of your favorite looks on my blog. I recently started a new series called What Wives Wear. It’s a place for wives to share their look, while inspiring other wives in their own personal style. I would love to feature you. If you are interested please contact me at godlifehappywife@gmail.com ~Sherri@godlifehappywife.blogspot.com
    God Life Happy Wife recently posted…What Wives Wear:Sweater WeatherMy Profile

  19. Wow LOVE all the stuff you got there. And it all looks totally adorable on you!! Totally jealous, just being honest 🙂 I host a weekly beauty link up party! If you have a moment, I would so honored if you would post this to it. I think everyone would love to see all those great outfits that you put together.
    Please and Thank You
    Kat
    http://www.confessionsoftheperfectmom.com/2014/03/31/monday-morning-makeup-madness-party-8/
    Kat Ryan recently posted…Monday Morning MakeUp Madness.. Party #8My Profile

  20. Okay, first of all, you’re just too stinking cute and I love you! Second of all, you look AH-mazing in the black leggings and white tee. Although I feel the need to tell you that white tee is NOT long enough to wear as a dress, so don’t go forgetting your pants 🙂

    I’m super jealous of your awesome getting paid to shop experience. I get paid to shop daily but shopping for clothes is a whole lot more fun than shopping for steel. Lol.

    Thanks for linking up, as usual. 🙂
    Heather recently posted…Etsy Shop Grand Opening!My Profile

    • I actually wore the black pleather leggings and white tee to a girls’ night out the other week. NEVER AGAIN – will I forget to wear pants. LOL I actually helped one of my friends get a job as a personal stylist so she’ll get to shop and dress people up all day long!

  21. Love the big necklace and lots of bracelets.
    Julie recently posted…Chicken EnchiladasMy Profile

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  2. […] blog, but again – no specifics. One time, people at my work found out that I blogged aobut my Personal Stylist experience and my head exploded when my work life and blog life collided. Neither are inappropriate or […]

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