Miss Chris can organize your closet and rework your wardrobe

I've always thought that having a stylist was one of those things that only celebrities needed.

But that was before I met Miss Chris.

I found out about her through a friend who handed me her business card.

Putting a modern spin on the whole idea of being a personal shopper, she shops your closet and styles outfits from pieces you already own. It's so ingenious (especially in this economy), I wish I'd thought of it myself.

So I made an appointment, and one day last week Miss Chris came out to my place for a total reboot of my closet which, truthfully, kind of needed it. Between writing freelance and a retail gig where I can get by in jeans and a T-shirt, I had become a little lazy in some of my wardrobe choices.

As she was setting up a rolling rack in my living room, we talked briefly about her background as a model living in Paris and working with stylists. I looked on enviously because her outfit -- fitted cargo pants rolled to the ankle, long lightweight cardigan, tucked in tank top and black ballet flats -- achieved the perfect balance of casual yet pulled together that I aspire to.

For the next hour, Miss Chris pulled items out of my closet, asking what I'd wear with them. Then she'd suggest other options, putting a complete outfit together with shoes and accessories.

What was interesting is that she started to make me consider different ways of wearing clothes, and sometimes through the simplest change.

For example, she pulled out a full, slightly above the knee skirt in aqua. In the past, I've usually worn it with a tank top and flat sandals. Admittedly a little boring. When she paired it with a blousy, Mexican-embroidered tunic, I wasn't sure about it, but she advised tucking the shirt in, which made the whole look a lot more high-end and chic.

Part of her style philosophy involves the rule of "three pieces." They're basically elements that really finish an outfit: a cute shoe, jewelry and a layering piece (sweater, jacket).

Miss Chris also encourages her clients to have a staple piece. Like Jackie O. with her oversize sunglasses. It's something that sets you apart from the rest of the fashion pack. As Miss Chris says, this is, "your statement that people will notice or comment about."

Other advice includes: Add some color, pay attention to details, find a good tailor, make sure you have a full-length mirror and get rid of the clutter.

At the end of the hour, I had 10 "new" outfits.

Miss Chris can be reached at 530-7548. She gives student discounts, and the first hour is free.