Stacy London

No heat wave is going to unravel Stacy London’s spot-on style. “I believe in a sundress and a good wedge,” says the co-host of long-running TLC series, What Not to Wear. I interrupted London’s Bloody Mary brunch in Brooklyn on a recent 100-degree day to talk (on live radio) about summer style, and her new service, Style for Hire, designed to help you find yours in any weather.

“Summer is all about the talent of accessorizing,” London says. A few of London’s rules of summer:

• Dresses are a no brainer—just make sure you look for a flattering cut. “Don’t waste your waist!”
• Beware, the cropped/capri pants. “You’re shortening the leg line to a great degree. You have to be careful, especially if you’re under 5’’4—you can look stouter.” An ankle length with pointy flat is a flattering alternative.
•  Don’t reveal too much. There’s no age limit on shorts, London says, but if you’re over 40, don’t try to look 20. Make sure shorts are an appropriate length – London suggests a 7 to 9 inch inseam – and if you are showing off legs, cover the arms.

Sara Rogers

Easier said than done? London recently launched Style for Hire to connect the fashion challenged with wardrobe stylists nationwide. In the Twin Cities, her suggested stylist is one I’ve been recommending for years: Sara Rogers. Rogers recently attended a Style for Hire workshop in New York led by London. There really is a stylist screening process: Rogers says she was assessed on her ability to put together outfits and evaluate a closet. Rogers and London bonded over their shared philosophy of fit over fashion. Of course, Rogers, a model since the ‘80s and trend expert for Mall of America, has been at this for quite a while. Her time with London, she says, “reinforced the things I was already doing, and also gave me additional ideas on how to better serve my clients.”

For $150 an hour, Rogers will edit your closet, show you new ways to wear what you already own, and help to fill in the holes. A stylist, says London, should be “part mom, part financial advisor, part therapist, part coach. Investing in your image is just as important as hiring an interior designer or a financial advisor and the benefit is exponentially higher than the price.”

Listen to my conversation with London on Shop Girls (June 30, Hour 2), myTalk107.1.