Women We Love: Allie Sabo

We occasionally profile a local woman or man who inspires us in our “Woman/Man We Love” feature. This month, we are talking to one of our beloved clients, Allie Sabo! Director of Marketing at CGI, a wife, and a mother to an adorable golden doodle puppy. Allie is a very unique client because she has utilized our styling services on and off for the last 15 years. Not only has she used us for over a decade, but she has also worked with a variety of Wardrobe Therapy stylists through every major life event. Keep reading to learn about Allie’s journey with Wardrobe Therapy!

Q: What was the reason you initially decided to book with Wardrobe Therapy?

A: The reason why my husband took charge and booked an appointment for me with Elizabeth was I had been married for five years, I had gained a little bit of weight, and I was entering a new phase in my career by being promoted. I didn’t have a wardrobe that reflected these new changes in my life. I didn’t feel like I knew how to dress like a grown-up or how to begin the process of creating a wardrobe that really suited my career and where I was in my life. I knew my style I just didn’t know how to achieve it and how to dress for my body shape.

Q: What was the timeline of when you worked with different stylists? Do you feel each stylist represented a different phase of your life?

A: I’ve had different Wardrobe Therapists over the years. I started my Wardrobe Therapy journey with Elizabeth as my stylist when I was 35 years old. This was my first experience in understanding what clothes suited me and my body at that point.

One of Allie’s looks from her time working with Elizabeth

A few years later, Christy came in when I wanted to style it up. Christy is very stylish and chic, and that was the vibe I was going for. Candace came in when I needed a refresh and really needed the basics again. She also worked with my husband. Now with Christine I’m in my 50s I want a wardrobe that’s going to sustain me for the next several years. I want to feel classic but not boring.

Allie, during her delivery appointment with Christine

Every stage I would say I’ve had a stylist that’s been ready to jump in. I’ve always felt supported in every stage. Even when I took some breaks, I always felt supported. When I called after a few years and said I was struggling, Wardrobe Therapy has always been there. It’s been a 15-year relationship, and it will continue to be a life-long relationship.

Q: Did you have a favorite part of the process depending on the stylist you were working with?

A: I feel like every time, the process has been pretty similar regardless of who I work with. There’s still the Style File sheet where they write down your measurements and preferences, which I remember from the beginning. It’s very much taking the time to look at what you own already and figuring out how to incorporate that. There’s a lot of getting to know you and questions about your life, what you want to achieve and accomplish, and how dressing can support that. It’s always felt instantly comfortable and not at all threatening or scary. There’s no pressure in terms of what to get rid of and what to keep. If I felt strongly about something, I was always encouraged to keep it, but it did challenge me in terms of what I could let go of and how I could bring some new pieces in that would make me feel current and confident in my body.

This time, the experience was very similar to the first time in that we took everything out of my closet. We brought out pieces that either didn’t work anymore or didn’t fit. Christine surprised me by utilizing some pieces I didn’t think worked anymore, showing me how to style them to be relevant today. Then, we talked about the gaps. For me, the gaps were skirts, dresses, wovens, trousers that flattered me, and blazers that elongated my silhouette instead of overwhelming me. Christine also took items that I already had and is getting them altered. I was able to maintain much of my wardrobe!

The best part was understanding how pieces can fit together and how to build a functional wardrobe. There are even pictures in my first lookbook of a dress styled multiple different ways: with a belt, without a belt and a sweater draped around the shoulders, with different shoes casually or to make it work appropriate. It helped me understand that you don’t need a massive wardrobe, just the right pieces pulled together for any situation I’m dressing for. The lookbooks help me pack for a trip or easily pull things out of my closet for the day.

Q: Is there a piece Elizabeth bought for you that you still pull for or remember?

A: When Christine and I were recently going through my wardrobe, we found this skirt from The Limited. It was a black and white structured skirt with a flat ruffle down the front. I pulled it out, and Christine said, “Oh, we can let go of that!” I said I’m sure we can, but I can’t let go of it because it was something that Elizabeth bought for me that I felt so good in, and it felt so cool at the time. I wore it with a mock black turtle neck, black booties, and a jacket. I will never forget that was the power outfit for me at the time. We did end up letting go of it because it was a little outdated, but that was one of the pieces I will always remember from my time working with Elizabeth.

Q: The first time you went through the process, were you worried about your closet being judged?

A: Oh, absolutely! On the first visit, we lived in a small loft downtown; you had to duck to get into the closet. Elizabeth had to carry the rolling rack up a spiral staircase. I was really worried about how we were going to make that work, but Elizabeth made it work seamlessly. Instantly, she made me feel at ease. Ever since then, I’ve never been nervous working with a WT stylist; I’m always excited for them to come. I think the name is really appropriate too, Wardrobe Therapy, because there has always been a conscious effort each stylist has brought to get to know me and to build that relationship. It’s a very encouraging process; your body is celebrated, and your style is celebrated.

Q: What would you say to someone who is on the fence about hiring a personal stylist?

A: Don’t worry about what someone is going to think about your current wardrobe or style. If you’re worried about whether your budget is attainable, it is. I’ve worked with Wardrobe Therapy through many stages of life, and the ability to work with them and purchase clothes has never felt unachievable. I would say do it for yourself. Take the opportunity to work with someone who is going to support how you want to feel and present yourself to the world, and they will make it happen.