For a lot of people, few things are as satisfying as finding the perfect outfit for that big event or doing a little retail therapy after a long week. But many people need a little help in the fashion department at one point or another, and that’s where these local shopping services can come in handy. Many stores in Calgary offer some kind of in-store or in-home styling or shopping service to help you make the most of what you already have or find those elusive, missing pieces. Here are a few services that could help do just that.
Give your favourite pieces a style refresh at Studio Intent
We all have that item of clothing we bought because we just loved it, but now it sits in the back of our closet, unworn yet not forgotten. Maybe you never could figure out how to wear it, or it doesn’t seem to go with anything else that you own. Well, now you can give it new life with Studio Intent’s complimentary style refresh service. Each appointment lasts an hour, and involves you bringing a few pieces of clothing or accessories from your closet (or photos of those pieces) into the store. Then, a Studio Intent staff member with help you pick out items that could pair nicely with them. Afterwards, the store can email you an overview and photo references of the suggestions made during your session. There’s no pressure to buy anything, so you may just come away with some new ideas or some actual items of clothing from the store.
805 1 St. W.W., 403-266-4211, studiointent.ca, @studiointent
Hold a private shopping party at Apt 22
If you’ve ever wanted to have a store all to yourself while you shopped, then this is the shopping service for you. At stores like Apt 22, you can book private shopping parties where you and a group of friends get the entire store to yourselves after hours. Store staff will help you put together different looks, or you can shop the clothing and accessories on your own. The experience is made even more fun with wine and appetizers supplied by Apt 22, and all shoppers get 10 per cent off regular priced items.
#3110, 8561 8A Ave. S.W., 403-452-5911, shopapt22.com, @apt22
Let an Espy Experience stylist intervene in your closet
If you have a closet full of clothes but you don’t know what to do with them all, you might need an intervention – a closet intervention, that is. With this service, available through Inglewood clothing store Espy Experience, a store stylist is invited into your closet to help you put together new outfit combinations, get rid of items you no longer wear, better organize the contents of your closet and more. The entire process is done using the clothes you already have so you can make the most of your wardrobe. Expect to try on a lot of clothes during the session so you and the stylist can get an idea of what does and doesn’t work for your style.
1009 9 Ave. S.E., 403-457-3779, espyexperience.com, @espystylists
Shop with a style concierge at Southcentre Mall
With dozens of stores to choose from, hitting up a mall for a new outfit or piece of furniture can sometimes seem like a daunting task. Thankfully, Southcentre Mall’s complimentary style concierge service makes that experience a little easier. After booking a 90-minute appointment, you’ll meet your stylist at guest services to go over details like your budget, your favourite places to shop, what you’re looking for and more before heading out to shop together. It’s not mandatory to buy anything, and the service applies to both apparel and home design and decor.
100 Anderson Rd. S.E., 403-271-7670, southcentremall.com, @southcentremall