In this month’s Style Spotlight we chat with a new client to The Difference, Mailiki Patterson about her experience working with Personal Stylist, Daron Deonier-Clemons.
Tell us about your lifestyle – with the emphasis being on “style”: I’m a general dentist. I describe my lifestyle as both hectic and non-glamorous. I work four, 10 hour days and typically wear scrubs 4 days a week (which if you don’t know is like wearing PJs!) The ability to wear PJs the majority of the week does not inspire one to dress “nicely” in one’s free time. Couple that with trying to come up with your own outfits….pshhhhh impossible! Besides, I like to be a little “extra” in my free time. Animal print, bright colors, I love to rock them all but am not nearly creative enough to curate such creations. Christmas is my favorite time of year and I celebrate each day of December with a different fun/funky Christmas sweater.
You’ve only been a client of The Difference since June. How did you first hear about us? I had been into the Lake Oswego location randomly a few times as a shopper and then Daron reintroduced it to me as a place offering personal styling service. Working with a stylist has given me a whole new appreciation for the options at The Difference. Shopping for clothes without knowing what fits your body and personality is a fruitless endeavor. The result is a closet full of clothes that you “liked” on a hanger but don’t look so great on your frame.
Describe some of your favorite things about your Stylist and experience at The Difference? Oh my! Where do I start? My FAVORITE thing about The Difference is Daron. She is SO incredibly talented, perceptive, insightful and she KNOWS what works for each client of hers and how the clothing will look on our bodies. She has an innate sense for each client’s individual style AND shares simple styling tips that I know I have never thought of.
I also absolutely adore the virtual footprint Daron is helping to curate for The Difference. During the uncertain times of COVID, many feel helpless and unmotivated. The virtual fashion shows, styling tips and smiling faces help to inspire you to get dressed and go out and conquer your day.
Do you have a favorite outfit/product/memory associated with The Difference? My favorite memory at The Difference would be my first visit via an appointment with Daron. She handed me some jeans that did NOT appear flattering at all to my eyes. She said “they need a body, trust me.” Guess what??? She was right! All they needed was my curves and they fit amazing! Honestly, they are a favorite jean for me now! Prior to this experience I had a tough time finding pants that fit well- now I have a lovely selection!
What’s something you’d share with women to encourage them to shop at The Difference? Don’t be seduced by traditional “sizing.” Every clothing manufacturer has a “size.” However, that size is just a number. It doesn’t really matter, it can’t control how amazing you feel when you are styled properly. It’s important for us as women to remember that society puts an INSANE amount of unnecessary stress on our psyches. Don’t let it interfere with your acceptance of YOURSELF. You are special, you are kind, you are beautiful. Work with a Personal Stylist and I promise you once you do, your numerical size won’t matter. It doesn’t matter if you’re a 0 or 20, curvy, vertically challenged, tall or blessed up top—styling can give you a renewed sense of confidence and fun in your daily life!
