Testing: CakeStyle
When CakeStyle launched in November, I had a hankering to to try out the Chicago-based personal styling service — weekday mornings generally find me gaping into my cluttered closet, attempting to mix and match outfits. If inspiration doesn’t strike within six minutes, I give up and grab the nearest dress.
Pumped for some personalized fashion advice, I sent in my measurements and filled out a short questionnaire on the website about where I like to shop (J.Crew, H&M, TJ Maxx), what I currently wear on regular rotation (motorcycle boots), and my style goals (adding color to my neutral-heavy wardrobe). After providing my credit card info, all I had to do was wait for a big box of hand-picked goodies to show up in the mail, along with a video link where my personal stylist (Kait) would show me how to put a few different looks together. Afterward, I could keep whatever I wanted and send the rest back — shipping pre-paid.
My shipment contained a selection of tops, bottoms, dresses, and accessories neatly packaged in tissue paper and velvet bags—it was like a designer-version of Christmas morning. Prices ranged from $26 (a Shimera Camisole and pair of Spanx tights) to $475 (a Tory Burch “Evelina” blazer). Most of the clothing was priced at over $100 per piece and included brands like Theory, Robert Rodriguez, Joie, and Citizens of Humanity. Accessories ranged from $28 to $215 and included earrings from Alexis Bittar and bangles by Marlyn Schiff. Most of the tops fit me perfectly, though the pants and denim were, unfortunately, off the mark — either too long or not quite fitted at the waist.
While I drooled over both the Robert Rodriguez leather trim skirt ($365) and Valette Vega top ($148), ultimately I didn’t keep anything — a recent ski trip to the mountains all but depleted any extra spending cash I had lying around. But anyone who doesn’t have the time or energy to scour shops for clothing (check) and appreciates a little style advice (check) for no extra cost (check), should give this service a whirl.
Check out the video that Kait put together:
Anne Vickman from CakeStyle on Vimeo.
