My London Stylist
Working as a stylist for magazines such as Cosmo, Grazia and Empire,
Angela Barnard has styled a long list of celebrities, including Jessica Chastain, Emma Roberts, Jamie Dornan [sooo jealous] and James
Corden… Now a mum in Marlow, she has set up My London Stylist,
offering wardrobe detoxes and personal shopping experiences...
Tell me about you/your family and where you live
I live in Marlow with my husband, Gareth, and our two girls, Tallulah, seven, and Tilly, five. We moved here from London just over five years ago and built our forever home.
What's so good about your local area? Where are your fave places to go?
Marlow has everything we could ask for – excellent schools, a high street full of great places to eat and fabulous boutiques! We're even lucky enough have the Harrow & Hope vineyard here, who do brilliant tours and wine tasting.
At the weekend we love hanging out at Higginson Park with the kids and taking a walk along the river. During the week, on days I’m not working, I often catch up with girlfriends over brunch at The Coach, but my favourite place for dinner has to be The Ivy. On a Monday evening, you’ll sometimes find me getting creative at Coopers with The Big Canvas Project’s “Art School".
So tell me about your business
I set up My London Stylist about eight years ago while pregnant with my first baby.
I offer a number of different services to suit everyone's needs and budgets, but the most popular are the wardrobe detox with consultation - “The Wardrobe Edit”
http://www.mylondonstylist.co.uk/womens-wardrobe-makeover
And the Personal Shopping experience - “The Restyle"
http://www.mylondonstylist.co.uk/womens-fashion-stylist
Have you always been interested in doing this?
What do you like about it the most?
I can’t remember a time that I wanted to do anything else. What I like about this job the most is that every day is different. One day I may be doing a wardrobe detox with a new mum who needs some advice about dressing for her new shape, the next day I'll be trying on gowns with a client at Harvey Nichols for a red-carpet event.
What did you do before?
For 15 years, I worked as a stylist for publications such as Cosmopolitan, Grazia, She, Empire and The Mail. I styled a long list of celebrities including Jessica Chastain, Emma Roberts, Jamie Dornan and James Corden. I put together fashion stories and styled many reader makeovers. I also got to travel the world doing a job I loved!
​
What prompted you to decide to take it that bit further and start your own business?
As a new mum my passion for styling didn’t fade but I found it increasingly difficult to keep up with the busy schedules of travelling and last-minute shoots and celebrity demands. I always really enjoyed working on the "reader makeover” shoots, making everyday women look and feel fabulous, and this is what inspired me to set up My London Stylist.
Did you have to do any training?
After studying at the London College of Fashion for four years, I went straight into an assisting role with one of the best stylists at the time. We worked together for three years alongside photographers such as David Bailey, Terry O' Neil and the late Terrence Donovan. All old school and slightly terrifying, but it was the kind of experience money can’t buy!
Best and worst parts of the job?
The worst part of the job is resisting the urge to buy things for yourself.
The best part is the amazing messages I receive from clients telling me how I’ve changed their lives and boosted their confidence. That’s the best job satisfaction you could ask for!
Who is your style icon?
Kate Moss
What are you coveting?
The Charlotte Olympia “Farrah” silver platforms, see right.
What's in your handbag right now?
IPhone, Marni wallet, Sunglasses, Charlotte Tilbury lip gloss, Bobbi Brown concealer, Weleda Skin food, and a Mummy card from my five-year-old, my notes from yesterday’s client and a peanut nakd bar.
​
Angela is offering Mums About Cookham readers a Wardrobe Edit for £175 instead of the usual price of £250…
