Every time busy career women turn around there’s a new trend or style on the move. And sometimes finding time to fit shopping and styling into a jam-packed work and life schedule proves difficult. Chicago-based start-up CakeStyle wants to take the headache out of styling with personalized style kits delivered right to your home. Founder and stylist Cecelia Myers mulled over the idea for CakeStyle while working at Sandbox Industries a few years ago. “My favorite thing is riding the CTA every morning, “ said Myers. “I love seeing all the women turned out for the day. It’s a great inspiration.” Clients sign up with their e-mail address, phone number and zip code and shortly thereafter, one of CakeStyle’s three stylists will set up a time for an interview — so the stylist can learn more about your needs and personal style. Questions ranging from lifestyle to size and help the stylists move onto the next phase: purchasing great pieces and sending them to clients. “It’s like What Not to Wear in a box,” said Myers. “Clients actually get a personalized video of the stylist explaining looks on a mannequin.” In addition to the current pieces, stylists also keep track of which items have previously been shipped to make mixing and matching easier. Stylists work with wholesalers and head straight to the racks at Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom to pick pieces for clients. Myers said they have also started reaching out to designers as well. No commission fee applies and customers are billed for the price of the items only. A few of the top brands CakeStyle sells are Theory, Elie Tahari, Diane von Furstenberg, Kate Spade, Vince, J Brand, Milly, Citizens of Humanity and Rachel by Rachel Roy. Keep what you like and send back what you don’t. Items that don’t work can be returned for free. Myers said the stylists have a rigorous inventory analysis and clothes will be steamed and inspected before being sent out to other clients. In addition to accepting more clients, an update to the website will be taking place soon that will allow clients to fill out the intake questions right away. CakeStyle currently services 25 clients with a growing waiting list. Enhancements in inventory control and customer management are in the works, as well as building more relationships with wholesalers and designers. To keep up with the CakeStyle team follow them on Twitter @cakestyleme. [Feature image credit: Henry Jose]
