NORTHWEST SUBURBS April 22, 2004 -- It's been six years since Laura Siebold left the fashion industry for a quiet, suburban life. She soon realized that she could take herself out of the industry, but would still miss everything she thought she could leave behind. Siebold studied apparel merchandising and marketing at Indiana University with hopes to climb her way to the top of the fashion industry's most wanted list. She interviewed in New York City, Atlanta and Chicago before making the decision that the Windy City had won her heart. Upon arriving in August in 1997, she met with several industry players from Henri Bendel, Saks Fifth Avenue and the Chicago Apparel Center. She earned an internship with Michigan Avenue's Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Office, learning from the best: The fashion director, Ms. Nina Ivan. Siebold also managed to free lance for the "other" lady of fashion in Chicago, Ms. Susan Glick, fashion director for the Chicago Apparel Center. "Chicago was very good to me when I arrived. I was shocked by the energy and intensity that was exhibited every day. The excitement everyone had for the industry was inspiring and fun", says Siebold. Siebold knew for a very long time that she wanted to work for herself. It has taken five years, a lot of pen to paper and finally, the guts to go for it. "LiveStyle (pronounced LĪVE STYLE ) is mine. I've combined the talents and skill set that I have practiced in the professional arena, with my natural eye and passion for fashion. It's my dream and I'm finally coming to realize it through LiveStyle", confirms Laura.
LiveStyle will lend itself to a market of men and women who need assistance with wardrobe. The target client is one who hasn't a clue what clothes to keep, what to throw away and what to buy or not to buy! LiveStyle will help clients make decisions about personal fashion and build their style, for life. Once a wardrobe is established, the client decides if they need further assistance with the purchasing of essential pieces, to complement existing pieces. "This is a sensitive issue for many people. I want people to know they can trust me and that I will spend as much time with them until they are ready to make their own wardrobe decisions. The personal attention I will give each client will differentiate LiveStyle from any other company. I want to teach people how to dress based on their body type, coloring and personal style. I want my clients to be confident and know they look good when they are going somewhere. We spend a lot of money on clothing; you might as well invest in the right pieces", says Siebold.
LiveStyle will also work with those who are dressing for a special occasion. Black tie events are can be dreadful for some people. This is no longer the case. LiveStyle will spend time with each client, making sure they look stunning for the upcoming event. Siebold has practiced this with rock band Souls For Rent and is also courting the Chicago music market, offering to style "up and coming" bands for photo shoots, album covers and live shows. "Souls started two years ago and finally the guys got a break. They are playing in front of another label in April and at the Double Door in May in front of a thousand people, including industry execs. The music is strong, but they needed to look like they should be on the cover of Rolling Stone! After meeting with them, and yes, taking measurements, the band's look has solidified and they look like they are ready to go to the next level. We live in a world where appearance is important. It's not about an attractive face or a perfect figure. I want to learn about who each of my client's are, what they are looking for and enhance what shines on the inside by complementing that on the outside. We should all feel good about how we look. One of the variables we can control is how we complement our figure, skin tone and mannerisms and we do that with clothing", Siebold says.
A personal stylist may seem like a luxury to many people. LiveStyle offers a 30 minute complimentary consultation, to determine if a client wants to commit to working with a personal stylist. LiveStyle will discuss with each client personal goals, future plans and where they are in their wardrobe process. "Men have been great with feedback. Whether I'm working with them on building their career wear or helping them to define a style, they are appreciative. I find some clients who just don't have time to shop. Everyone's needs are different and the first 30 minutes will determine where our relationship will go", says Siebold. Once the commitment to proceed with LiveStyle has been made, a retainer fee will be required. LiveStyle will schedule an appointment, based on the next step. It may be a complete wardrobe check, which would require a closet review or it may be taking measurements, talking about body style and going shopping. Finally, the client will choose to continue to use LiveSyle services on an as needed basis for an hourly rate (clients only pay the retainer fee once for as long as they work with LiveStyle) or they have learned enough about their own style that they are confident to work alone. "I suspect I'll have some clients that will work with me throughout the year, seasonally. I also look forward to working with clients who need to be educated about the drape and hand of a fabric and cut of a garment, allowing them to make good fashion decisions and able to build their wardrobe on their own", says Siebold.
LiveStyle will officially be launched this summer. Locations are being scouted for the launch party, which will include a fashion show, a live music showcase and the opportunity to learn more about LiveStyle and the other partners involved, such as boutiques, salons and spas. "This is my dream. I will have the opportunity to work with people and fashion. In ten years, a new college grad may be interning for me and thinking it's the best gig ever", concludes Siebold.
Laura resides in Lake In The Hills with her husband Geoffrey and daughter Hannah. For more information on LiveStyle, call 847-612-0368 or send an email to [email protected].
This article courtesy of http://thaispa06.ru/.
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