How to... Create A Stylist Tool Kit

Being a fashion stylist is so much fun. Especially if you enjoyed playing with Barbie dolls growing up, or dreamed of working with life size fashion models like Tyra Banks and styling music videos. Every?opportunity is something to give thanks for, but equally prepared to do. What exactly should you keep stocked in your stylist's kit to make each and every client look amazing though? Keep reading to find out what those items are and where?you can purchase them in order to be booked and blessed.

1. Belt Bag & Tool Case

These two organizers are essential to your survival as a fashion stylist while on set and even before the job starts. The belt bag or fanny pack as I like to call them, will keep your most used tools readily accessible like double stick tape for tops that are revealing, safety pins of all sizes and my personal favorite - styling clamps for making any garment fit the model perfectly. Consider them your magic wand when you have to convert a size 8 dress into a smaller one, like size two.

Where to Buy :?You can find the belt bag at any accessory store, beauty supply shop or even your own closet. I found a great tool case at the local dollar store in the hardware section, but the art store is great as well.

2. Scissors, Seam Ripper, and a Sewing Kit

Anything can happen while on set when it comes to clothing. The garments are already made and arrive on set in one size, but your model may be a completely different one. I remember working on the set of a photo shoot for Armani and the lead stylist hated the fit of the pants. So it was my job as the assistant to change the fit of the pants from a straight leg to skinny by pinning them straight down the back. Sometimes zippers arrive broken on dresses and you must sew the model into her dress. So be prepared for pleasant surprises.?

Where to Buy :?Hotels are notorious for providing guests with free sewing kits, so next time you're there grab one. But you can also find these items in the home section of any drugstore where?they keep irons. Extra points if you make your own sewing kit and add new thread to it over time.

3. Nipple Covers, Head Scarves, and Lint Rollers

More times than most you're borrowing clothes for a photo shoot from a designer showroom or bought it from a department store and will be returning it. So with that being said, all items will need to be in saleable condition. Please keep all tags in place, and make your models wear a scarf over their heads while changing in and out of clothes to keep the makeup from transferring?onto the garments. Nipple covers keep things modest when wearing a bra is not an option. While lint rollers remove well, lint.?

Where to Buy :?Nipple covers can be found at your local drug store in the beauty section, while lint rollers are everywhere. No pun intended. Sometimes you can score a three pack for just one dollar. And if you don't have a few scarves available try buying a yard of cheap fabric from your nearest?fabric store.

4. Garment Bags, A Steamer, and Garment Rack

You have to figure out how you're getting to the location of your photo shoot, but most importantly getting the clothes there clean and unwrinkled. Garment bags solve this problem and sometimes a big magazine like Vogue will just stuff everything in large, heavy, black suitcases. A steamer is essential for getting out wrinkles while on set until the star is ready and the garment rack is where you'll hang all the looks they will be wearing that day.?

Where to Buy :?Try ordering your garment bags online to get a larger quantity at a great price, plus if they are made of fabric they will last longer. A steamer can be found at any home store like Bed Bath & Beyond - try using a coupon to save at least 20% off your total purchase. Your biggest investment will be your garment rack. I purchased mine from Home Depot. The metal ones work best and last ten times longer than those made out of plastic.

5. Cell Phone, Charger, Petty Cash

Your cell phone is already your best friend for more reasons than I'll name, but get ready to "Say yes to the dress" in more ways than one. Keeping a fully charged phone is essential when shopping for the perfect suits to make that leading man look amazing while on camera, and sending your supervisor pictures of the latest jewelry while visiting designer showrooms. Keep your charger nearby and phone handy to respond to emails, book cars, check the weather, order lunch as well as track shipments.

I believe that after reading this article you will be more confident in your ability as a fashion stylist and realize that you were more prepared for your assignment than you initially thought. I'd love to see your work and hear about your progress. So drop me a line in the comments section below.

xo -Mark