Style Advisors work to combine classic looks, convenience

Sunday, April 16, 2006
Julie Killion (standing) and Kim Wilcox prepare for their open house to display the latest clothing from Carlisle Collection.

SIKESTON - Preparations for her daughter's wedding weren't leaving the Sikeston resident much time to shop for herself. As the series of parties and events leading up to the big day neared, the woman turned to Style Advisors and their "store in a box" to help her through the fashion dilemma she faced.

Kim Wilcox and Julie Killion, the duo behind Style Advisors, helped the woman pick out some pieces from their most recent arrival of clothes by New York's Carlisle Collection LTD, an upscale women's clothing company. Because the woman was a regular client, Killion and Wilcox were able to match the pieces with others she had purchased.

"We showed some different ways she could put the outfits together and she was ready for every situation from casual to cocktail," said Killion.

Style Advisors is marking its second year of offering Sikeston area residents the opportunity to buy classic fashion through direct sales. Currently the two are displaying the Carlisle 2006 Summer Collection by appointment through April 19.

"These clothes come to us four times a year - spring, summer, fall and holiday collections," said Killion. After unpacking the boxes, the two transform Wilcox's home into a display area featuring racks of the clothing and displays of the many accessories available.

"This is a service to women, they don't have to drive anywhere, drag themselves through mall after mall. They can find beautiful clothes right here in their hometown," said Killion.

Also the two combine their talents to offer personal service. They try to help each customer find the right colors and styles.

Because Carlisle is a private label featuring designer fabrics, the two women agreed that prices reflect that quality. But, they added, it is really investment in a wardrobe.

"Our whole philosophy is they are building a wardrobe. If you buy a few pieces each year you can mix and match the pieces," Killion said.

Wilcox recalled one of their recent clients who came across a Carlisle jacket she liked. Because of a Carlisle purchase several years ago, she found it matched perfectly and blended well into wardrobe.

Describing the styles as classic, Killion added: "These are things you can buy and wear 10 or 15 years and they will still look great."

Their clients are all ages from young mothers to older women, they said. Because they are primarily from Sikeston, the Style Advisors go one step further in making sure their clients are happy - if someone buys an ensemble, Killion and Wilcox won't sell the same outfit to another local resident.

Another plus from buying through the Carlisle Company, Wilcox said is that all sizes are available.

As Style Advisors, the two said they work hard to please their customers. In additional to the personal service by appointment, they have even gone to their clients' houses to review ways to mix new items in with previous purchases. Killion said they have even taken Polaroids of different ways outfits can be combined to make it easier for women to recreate the variety and update the looks.

"We really try to follow fashion, to be aware of what are the trends so our customers can update their wardrobes yet the pieces are classic and won't be something that goes out of style at the end of the season," Killion said. She pointed out their summer collection will feature the fuller pleated skirts, scenic prints and embellishments on the various pieces.

It isn't just the clothing that clients find special. There are also a variety of accessories such as belts, purses and scarves. Twice a year Carlisle offers a special scarf that customers can purchase with all proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, according to Wilcox.

At the end of each showing, the two agree it is a lot of work but worth the effort. Killion explained: "This is a great service for people. They have the convenience of buying good, quality clothing while building a wardrobe they will have a long time. Best of all there is the convenience of shopping right here at home."

To make an appointment to view the summer collection call 573-471-7709 or e-mail wilcox9396@sbcglobal.net.

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