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[title]Do you know of any stylists [for hire] in Chicago that are both shoppers and fashion/design consultants for men—à la what you see on some of these TV shows like What Not to Wear?
—Perry, Gold Coast
While it’s true that everything seems easier using the magic of television, these personal shoppers have some tricks up their sleeves—without a camera crew. Working out of St. Charles, Laura Siebold of LiveStyle (livestylist.com) has had clients fly in from New Zealand to use her services. She makes look books where she incorporates photos of your existing wardrobe. Her rates vary, but they start at $100 per hour. Based in the city, stylist Susie Esterline (pictured, susieesterline.com) says her male clients typically want one of two looks: “It’s either ‘make me look better when I am casual’ or ‘this is my job and I want to look the part of success,’_” she says. Her rates run from $75 per hour to $500 for a full eight-hour day. If you’re looking for something on the free side (and who isn’t?), hit up one of the four staffers at Andersonville boutique His Stuff (5314 N Clark St, 773-989-9111). As part of their customer-service program, they’ll assist you for no charge. Bring in a pair of pants and they’ll pair it with a blazer that looks much better than that corduroy one with elbow patches you’ve been sporting since college.
Have a shopping conundrum? E-mail us at personalshopper@timeoutchicago.com.