AI try ons & Style Club

I've shared recently that I'm very excited about all the potential with the new AI try on feature I have access to through my virtual styling platform that I utilize for my Style Club membership program as well as with my personal styling clients. I've been playing around a lot, and wanted to share a couple of examples as to how I feel it can be useful. 

I am sure some of you can relate to this. Over the years I have had 2 particular pieces in my closet that I have absolutely LOVED, wore on repeat (their cost-per-wear is down to almost nothing) and have literally loved to death. One is the pink pants I am wearing in the photo above. While I technically still wear them, they are starting to pill and the rear is looking quite droopy. They work if I style with a longer jacket, but I find myself not reaching for them quite as often because the fit isn't exact. Sadly, at the same time, a red vegan leather pleated skirt from Zara which was another go-to for almost a decade finally gave all it could (the fabric started peeling - I loved it so much I even considered colouring it in with a red marker). I had to let it go. 

I always chat about the importance of a strategic shopping list. A vibrant coloured bottom in red or pink tones has been on my list. I came across these lovely reddish orange pants below which feel like they could fill that hole. They are more of an investment piece, but given how much I wore the other 2 items, I don't mind paying a little more if they are also something I would wear on repeat, over time, multi-season.

Something I also say to my my clients is that you should make sure a potential new purchase can be styled at least 3 ways (hopefully more) with your existing wardrobe. I thought this could be the perfect use for my AI try on tool - I'm sharing a few of the examples below.

Here are the pants I felt might fill the gap in my wardrobe and some of the outfits I've come up with from my existing wardrobe. They are from a new small Vancouver boutique L'Apartment that has a very similar feel to Sezane where I originally purchased my pink pants in New York. Before hopping in my car to drive across town to Kitsilano to physically try them on, I put together some virtual looks to determine whether it was worth the effort and realized it was also a good opportunity to illustrate this AI feature. I've also included the image I provided of myself in fitted clothing in order to give the AI a general idea of my shape.

As I would do for my clients, I selected pieces from my own closet I wanted to "try on" as an outfit with the potential purchase. Here are some notes on the looks I created:

1) Leopard top with blazer - really like this look and could see myself wearing it with or without the blazer

2) Playing around with some printed top options (here I have polka dot and gingham) as well as tucking a top versus a shorter style untucked

3) Striped cardigan with sneakers - more casual vibe

4) Ruffled white top with shoe options (first is leopard, second is black with pearl strap). I also have a few other white tops I would style with these pants

5) Quilted jacket with background in my home rather than white backdrop just to show AI options

While the AI styling isn't perfect (for example, the tops always seem too tucked for me), it gives me enough confidence that I am willing to try the pants on in person as I feel they definitely would support my wardrobe and fill that gap I've been noticing. It's important to note, that this doesn't guarantee that I will actually like the fit in real life, but it's an informed starting point.

If you feel like something like this could be helpful, consider joining my Style Club which starts again this September. Members are welcome to ask me a set number of questions throughout the duration and we will definitely be utilizing this feature!

And, if AI try ons aren't for you, I completely understand! Regardless, I hope the above exercise serves as a reminder of the value in having a strategic shopping list as well as considering the wearability of garments you are considering adding to your wardrobe. 

Below I wanted to illustrate another fabulous way the virtual try on will be utilized in Style Club. Throughout the month, I share weekly outfit inspiration in club member's portals. It's not meant to be stressful or added work. It's there for them when they have time.

The intent is not to shop more, but to get ideas from complete looks that are styled by a stylist. This gives the opportunity to "try on" different styles, colours, silhouettes, without leaving the comfort of home. It's really all about adding to our style education through asking questions like: do I like this colour on me? How does this overall vibe feel on me? Is this a silhouette or garment type I'd like to try in real life? It allows members to see themselves in looks that they likely would never have imagined - that is where so much learning - and magic - can happen. I hear this so often in the fitting room with clients when I encourage them to try something they would have never selected for themselves. But, in style club, you can play around in the comfort of your own home!

Recently, I was checking out pieces from the Nordstrom Sale (I do miss Nordstrom) which focuses on pre-Fall so I thought I'd have a sneak peek. For fun, I put a little look together and then tried it on virtually. I made a last minute tweak and put in my own pink bag rather than the backpack - but the rest is just head-to-toe clothing that isn't mine, trying on for fun.  From this look, I am reminded how much I like a culotte with a tall boot and really prefer these softer neutrals on myself to black.

There will be so many looks for members to have the opportunity to try on throughout the 10 month membership program. 

Style Club benefits

It's hard to believe we are already into August - I've already started planning so much content for Style Club for when we kick off in September. Here's a little recap as to what I think are some of the top perks in case you are trying to decide if it's right for you...  

 1) Style is on your radar

Just being in the club, you are telling yourself that you've made your everyday style a priority for you! This may sound small, but I've seen it make a world of difference for so many people.  

2) Guided support

Throughout the program, I am your stylist on standby. I am there to answer questions/quandaries as they arise. Perfect for people who feel they might need a little style help, but don't require a complete styling service. And, if they do need more...members receive 15% off my services.

3) Experiment with style and improve your "style smarts"

As shown above, this new feature offers even more possibilities to have fun with and learn so much about your style!  

If this sounds like it would support you and your style, join me here and we can get you all set up for September! Lori xo