Working with a personal shopper reminded me of costume fittings.My shopper's name was Ilona, and she spoke with a thick Hungarian accent. She had pictures of me and already knew what colors went best with my skin tone. She guided me through the shopping district on the Strip. Each store we went into was expecting us with a glass of champagne ready. I would sit near the fitting room while Ilona worked with the women in the store. They would bring dresses, she would send most of them back, and the few we kept, I would then try on."No, does nothing for your hips.""Oh, that was a mistake for me to say yes to. Take it off.""Let me see the back. No, never mind, try again."We would leave each store and do the same thing at the next one. Finally, Ilona started to narrow things down at the stores."We need bright, jewel-tone dresses, or a soft neutral. Strapless or high neck only, no sleeves. Miss Vale will need to wear a sheath-cut dress with a high slit, or a fitted trumpet skirt.
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