CvilleStyle talks with Debbie Crosby-Louis, Image Consultant
October 11, 2008 by Ashley Simpson
If you’ve ever watched TLC’s What Not To Wear, you’ve had the pleasure of viewing Stacey and Clinton siege, what I would characterize as, a style “take-over.” Playing the part of personal image consultants, the charismatic duo select (aesthetically clueless?) clients, “constructively” criticize their wardrobe, and go on to turn their style around, giving them the tips and personal attention necessary to transform any fashion-inept wallflower into style-empowered “maven.” The end result: a triumphant and dramatic, (albeit streamlined), style metamorphosis. What Not To Wear becomes “what to wear.”
The show, popularized in the mid-90s as a part of a culture-wide personal re-invention craze, is now one among many makeover themed “reality” programs.
Just turn on Bravo, and you’ll see Tim Gunn tactfully informing a client that a longer hemline would be more appropriate, the designers of Project Runway transforming recent college grads into workplace ready professionals, or stylist Rachel Zoe shopping up a storm for her celebrity clientele.
Where am I going with this? Well, as it turns out, Charlottesville has an image consultant of its very own. Debbie Crosby-Louis, founder of DLCrosby Image Consultants and AICI certified consultant, has been in the styling business for quite some time now. As in the case of her celebrity counterparts, she works to give her clients a fresh start: “I come in, do a consultation, take everything out, and start from scratch,” says Debbie.
Unlike the stars of Bravo and TLC, however, Debbie’s work is tailored to address the lifestyles and needs of women here in Charlottesville, and of course, lacks the public humiliation factor.
“Its all about lifestyle. I shop for your lifestyle, find the best fabrics for your body, determine the best colors for your dress and face. The nicest part is, I interpret the trends for everyday use.”
So, what are the latest trends for fall? And how can we adapt them to Charlottesville culture and make them our own?
Look for “vintage purples, individualist prints, ruffles, ornate embellishments and fabrics that crinkle, pucker, crush and pleat,” says Debbie. “Soft and light fabrics, even velvets, will appear as well.”
My favorite fall fashion trend? The “new” menswear. Unlike the menswear trend from last season, this season’s interpretation is a bit more “preppy, sporty, and geeky, in the best ways possible,” commented Debbie in DLCrosby’s Fall 2008 look book. “Last year’s ‘tweedy professor’ gives way to the ‘hunky football player,’ with battered jeans, longer-length slim cardigans, and button-down shirts.”
This Steven Alan button-up, available off the designer’s website, is just one of Debbie’s recommendations. It strikes the perfect balance between the crisp, relaxed comfort of menswear, and (with the addition of the thin, red belt), the allure of a more feminine look.
Another fabulous recommendation? Current Elliot’s distressed, light-wash “boyfriend” jeans, available at shopinstuition.com, one of Debbie’s tried-and-true sources for online shopping:
Interested in a personal image consultation with Debbie? Warm, energetic and dedicated to helping her clients reach their personal style goals, she’s more than ready to help. Just e-mail her at debbiecros06@yahoo.com, or contact her at (434) 923-3766. Additionally, Debbie will also be holding classes this month on topics ranging from fall fashion trends to the latest in make-up and skin-care. Post below to learn more.
Unfortunatly, it seems that the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) has not certified her…
A little disappointed in her trend forecast as well…was hoping she would be able to offer us insight into something we haven’t already heard or really did translate to “Charlottesville culture.”
Hi Fact Checker,
Thanks for your sharing your thoughts. In response, I’ve done a little fact-checking of my own: As it turns out, Debbie most certainly IS certified by the AICI. She took her FLC exams this past May in Tampa, Florida and her certification letter will be posted on the AICI website at the end of this year or the beginning of next, depending on when they process the paper work.
As for trends, I’d loved to hear more about what you would like to hear in the future!
Debbie Crosby really knows what she’s doing. She has a great eye for enhancing an individual’s assets. Whether its clothing, hair or make-up, Debbie can quickly break it down and move clients in a direction that capitalizes on what works best for them. Then she shows them how to build upon that with focus and efficiency while still making it very fun. She doesn’t want us wasting time chasing after the wrong look. By focusing on fundamentals she shows us when and where we can step out and merge trendy fashions with the tried and true - all custom tailored to the individual client. She’s terrific.
Ashley, thank you for writing about Debbie! She is one of Charlottesville’s best kept secrets, but the word is getting out, and no one could be happier about this that me! She has so much energy and passion for making you feel as beautiful on the outside as you feel on the inside. She keeps fashion approachable, and helps you dress your own body, not the one you wish you had. I love her honesty! She also has a terrific line of cosmetics, by the way. She is a full-service image consultant!
Hi Fact Checker,
I am also an Image Professional who does not live in Charlottesville, but lives in Miami, Flordia, which as we now is one of the hot spots for fashion. Debbie Crosby’s eye for fashion is right on the money. This Diva can come to my home anytime. Shame, Shame, Shame!! on you Fact Checker I thought it was a code of ethics to not put down another image professional. You are so focused on putting down Debbie Crosby I think I hear jealousy in you comments. I don’t think thats a good look for you this season. In words of a Floridian “Don’t Be A Hater.”
Diva T
Debbie Crosby-Louis is terrific, she will not only work on your image but she will help you to be at the best of yourself. Your image will reflect the internal treasures you can’t connect with. Debbie is a listener with a sharp eye and perfect taste. She detects your potential and makes it shine.
She is a certified professional we are proud to have here in C’ville!
Debbie is the best!!! I asked Debbie to help me with my wardrobe and makeup based on her style, recommendations from clients, her passion for her job, and her personality and not on whether she had a piece of paper saying she was certified. She not only helped me pick out clothes but taught me how to mix and match pieces to fit any occasion. I moved from Charlottesville to Colorado and Debbie is still picking out clothes for me. I just received a shipment of clothes. Not only did every piece fit perfectly, but they perfectly fit my life style. My life is hectic, but thanks to Debbie I do not have to worry about my wardrobe. Thank-you again Debbie!!!!
Valerie Harper