-clear out all dated or ill-fitting garments

-organize by garment type and color and organize all accessories

-remove all unwanted items; donate/consign/sell

-create outfits from pieces that are kept

-suggest pieces to complement and update the current wardrobe

-$150 per hour.

Thank you, Maria! Today was so wonderful to understand that:
1) I have some great clothes
2) Some of them go together (unexpectedly)
3) Your ideas are both classic but also different
4) I don’t have to think about certain outfits
5) You have given me a specific “to buy” list of things for the fall
6) You have given me permission to “release” a number of old, good quality but unworn clothing
7) I’m so grateful!
—Bebbie, amateur cabaret singer, tennis player, Bible study teacher and grandmother

Maria came in to my dressing room which was in chaos and left it 2 hours later in total serenity.  I’ve discovered clothing that I’d forgotten I owned and I no longer have that feeling of anxiety every time I walk into the room.  I had to pack for a trip and it was so great to know that all of my clothes were  clean and unwrinkled and easy to find and it made packing so much easier. Thank you Maria for making my life better! 
—Connie, community volunteer, dog breeder, world traveler

At first, I assumed that my simple wardrobe was undeserving of a closet cleaning, but Maria transformed it into an outfit emporium! Maria taught me how to look my best with what I have and how to be a better shopper.  She knows how to make a white t-shirt look like you made a trip to Saks!
--Paige, Executive Assistant and founder, The Help Maven

Once I lost my baby weight, Maria was a huge help in purging my closet of any remaining pregnancy, breastfeeding, 'tweener and even college clothes! Thankfully, many of the items did not fit any more, but I needed her confirmation that it was time to rid myself of the unnecessary clutter. Now, I have the room and justification to go shopping for the new, more stylish me.
--Debbie, Mom of three and Iron Woman

Maria is kind, sweet and so easy to talk to.  She quickly understands your style and wardrobe questions and concerns.  She helped me to organize and clean out my closet.  Then she helped me to pack for vacation! I used her ideas for a second trip this past week. I wish she could come to my house weekly and help me pick out all of my clothes!  Thank you, Maria!
--Melissa, Accountant, PTA President and Mom of three

So I met Maria through the site, Nextdoor, and I have to say, she's changed my life. She first came and did a purge of my closets in the gentlest way. I never looked back or missed anything that I had donated and I felt like a weight was lifted getting rid of items that were taking up too much space in my life. I then had my son's wedding in Europe last summer and a two week vacation to follow. You can imagine the challenge of packing as the mother-of-the-groom for all the festivities and touring thereafter. It was the best money ever spent because Maria and I made looks for each of the events and then other more casual styles for my vacation. I merely looked at the photos on my phone and decided what I felt like wearing that day instead of pulling everything out and trying different outfits on. Relief is not a good enough adjective. She even styled the jewelry for the looks. I am now in Australia for three months so I called on her services yet again. Everyday that I get up and get dressed I am singing her praises to my husband. She organized my bag so well for the Sydney part of the trip that I don't have to worry about repacking for Melbourne. Bottom line, if you want to de-stress your life, I would highly recommend Maria for her professionalism, her eye for style and her sincere love of her craft; you will look fabulous, trust me.
—Liz, Senior Court Reporter, World Traveler, mom to two

Online, Virtual or IRL Personal Shopping Services

I can help you find one special outfit OR add a few new pieces for each season OR create an entire wardrobe. I’m interested in who you are as a person and how to best manifest that.

Online Shopping: We discuss what you’re looking for (budget, style, all pertinent details) and I send you boards and links so you can shop at your convenience.

Virtual: We Zoom while shopping online together. Communicating in real time while looking at options and putting the pieces together, we’re able to find just what you need. We click and order as we talk.

In Real Life (IRL): Before we go to a brick-n-mortar together, I will come see your existing closet and/or talk for a short time about what you'd like to accomplish. We'll discuss budget, style, your favorite stores, my store suggestions for you--all the pertinent details.  Based on this conversation, I pre-shop for you (canvass our preferred stores on my own) so that when we go out together, the shopping trip is targeted, efficient and fun. 

$150 per hour.

Wouldn't it be great if that one friend of yours (the one with the great fashion sense AND a good understanding of YOU) had time to go through your closet with you a couple of times a year to help you figure out what to purge or save, when and how to wear what you have and what you need to shop for? Oh and then meet you out for the shopping too? That's Maria!! She also helps me plan and shop for trips/special occasions and gives me tools to help me remember everything. It's a fun and productive way to kick off each fall and spring and enjoy what's in my closet.
--Theresa, corporate finance consultant, mom to three 

I have always avoided clothes shopping because it takes me so much time and I never leave satisfied with my few purchases.  Maria made shopping fun, efficient and effective!  Juggling my medical practice, cello recitals, and family commitments--two, soon to be three, young children--I don’t like to devote time to shopping.  Within two hours I had everything I needed for a new wardrobe without buying more than I needed.  She is a real time-saver for busy women - and I look better too!
--Leora, General Internist at Yale School of Medicine, mom to three

Thank you so much for everything today!  It has a been a LONG time (maybe never?) since I felt so good after shopping.  I really feel like I bought pieces that make sense for my life but that are also stylish and fun; am I in an infomercial or what??? ;)  You are truly talented.  Your sense of style, plus a great sense of humor, made today much less scary and way more fun than I thought it would be. And I not only got great stuff, but we stayed in budget!  Thank you for that.  I feel like anyone can put together a cool outfit for mucho dinero, but it takes a lot more creativity and skill to do it on a budget.
--Susan, Managing Principal at Elmwood Advisors, mom of two

I had never before considered working with a fashion or wardrobe consultant. Then one day last fall while I was switching out my seasonal wardrobe, I suddenly felt everything I had looked tired and dated. I was not sure what was still “in” and what might come back into style, or even where to begin to pare things down. A friend told me about Maria so I made an appointment. 
Working with Maria has been incredibly fun. (I had no idea I could have that much fun in my closet, in my underwear, with a woman). Maria and I spent two hours in the fall and three in the spring going through my wardrobe. We decided what to keep and what to toss. The stuff we tossed was either old and had lost its flair; out of style, or no longer my style. Then we went through and paired tops and bottoms along with my shoes and jewelry so I felt like I had new outfits and more options to wear based on what was left. Maria also recommended what to buy to fill in my wardrobe – from shoes to jeans, tops and accessories such as scarves and jewelry. Nearly everything she suggested I buy fit me perfectly. In addition to understanding fashion trends, Maria clearly knows the clothing industry and women’s body types, and sizing. She made shopping online and in the store so much more efficient – I knew what I was looking for and could buy it with confidence. And wear it! No more buying things that sit in the closet! 
After each of our sessions together, Maria sent me a “look book” of the outfits we had paired along with images of and links to the items she had suggested I purchase. I am still referring back to my Look Book to remember what shoes or jewelry to pair with certain dresses/outfits – it is really helpful.
Via quick consults here and there in between our meetings in my closet, Maria helped me determine what to wear for the holidays and to my dad's 80th birthday party, as well as other major events that were coming up. Her assessment of what to wear and how to wear the clothing in my closet has made me feel super confident. Plus I’m obsessed with fashion now. I can’t wait to go shopping with Maria! 
—Meredith, Marketing, Communications & Branding Executive, mom to twin boys

Maria helped my husband and myself in purchasing formalwear for our son's wedding and made what could be a stressful process so enjoyable! My husband loved shopping for a tuxedo with her, and found her observations were so helpful and spot on! Maria even trekked into NYC with him a few days before Christmas to help him, using her connections at stores to move quickly to getting him what he wanted. For myself, I had to find a number of outfits for the wedding weekend and Maria pre-shopped for me for the Friday night event which made for one of the most enjoyable shopping trips to the mall of my life! As for my "fancy" dress, she gave excellent recommendations of stores to do a first look, then accompanied me on the big decision outings and gave great unbiased advice (she was purely focused on what looked best but also was cognizant of costs). Her advice at fittings and for accessories (she found the PERFECT pair of shoes for me that I would never have found) made the process a pleasure.
—Christina, attorney, Board of Ed member, PTA powerhouse, mom to three

Your Clothes. Better Outfits! By shopping in your closet, we build outfits together from head-to-toe and photograph them.  These pictures will be collected into a LookBook--either an electronic picture chart for your computer/tablet or a hard-copy printed book that lives in your closet.

The focus can be:
--pieces that you love but just don't know how to wear
--work outfits
--date night outfits
--everyday/casual looks

In the end, a personal and authentic wardrobe is created based on what exists in the closet.  I’m very interested in what each person is drawn to--because that reveals what is unique about each individual. 

Shopping Your Closet and Outfit Building can be done at the end of a Closet Editing session or during a Personal Shopping day in a store.  Most often, it's done at home on a separate day after we've completed a Closet Edit and also done some Personal Shopping together. This way we're using the best of what exists in the closet plus any new, recently acquired pieces.

$150 per hour.

Maria is not only exceptionally talented but also fun to work with! With her great eye, beautiful outfits seem to "emerge" from your closet. She expresses honest and informed opinions when requested which is so helpful when trying to reduce closet excess. Maria's "LookBook" is invaluable when on your own and wanting/needing to quickly put an outfit together. Working with Maria is a wonderful experience!
--Liz, retired securities sales, mom of three

Working with Maria was stress-free and cathartic!  The first step was throwing away clothes that I had emotional attachments to (but, were out-of-style or even stained!)  The next step, the fun part, was putting together outfits from assorted pieces that I had.  It was great to hear her ideas for different combinations down to adding the perfect jewelry and accessories.  Her suggestions on pieces to fill out my wardrobe were wonderful because she added just the right small finish to complete my everyday outfits.  Maria is so calm and easy to relate to.  She quickly got a sense of my personal style and personality and all of her input was consistent with that.  After our work together, I was able to be 'myself, only better!'
--Maria, retired from Goldman, Sachs and Mom to three

Where do I begin....Karen and Anne very kindly ( and I can't thank you enough ladies) gave me a session with Maria for my birthday -  By the way, this should be a go-to gift you give to all your friends.   I’d been complaining for a long time (possibly years) how I had nothing to wear, didn't know what  kind of clothes to buy for my body, what patterns work together (or not!) where to buy, etc.   Let’s face it, some of us are just not as talented as others in this area.  After having Maria work through my closet (in a very supportive way) she put together outfits I didn't even know existed in there.  I have  so many  more options now.  Go-to outfits I would never have put together, complete with my existing shoes, belts, jewelry, all accessories that I already own.  I tried on all the outfits Maria put together and she took pictures which she will put together in a book for me so that I can remember what goes with what – head to toe.    She also gave me advice as to where the “holes” are in  my  wardrobe that can be filled in over time with classic, (or some of the trends/colors), everyday pieces from which I’ll get a lot of mileage.    Oh - and all those clothes she helps you weed out of your closet, she will take them away for you and send you a receipt.   She can tailor your appointment with her to whatever it is you want to accomplish, from organizing your closet to going shopping with you.  She’s really unbelievable.
--Daren, Social Media and e-Commerce Copywriter

Thank you Maria! It was so good see you again!! I got a last minute invite for dinner last night and I felt confident in my clothes - yay!
—Cindy, Then Again co-founder, mom to two, grandma to four

Wow! What a day we had—I don’t know when I have had more fun getting something so crucial done. You are truly the best of the best! I have to look at all your notes and photos again because there is so much to take in from them. We know how to pack it in!
—Linda, writer, painter, religious ed. teacher, mom to two

Maria has helped me out on multiple occasions: preparing to give a presentation, packing for a sunny vacation, setting up a basic wardrobe when the seasons change. Not only is Maria energetic and personable, she's also creative, punctual, and thinks outside the box. She knows when to invest in something new and when to repurpose something previously owned (but forgotten). I highly recommend her services! I especially love the photo book she provides at the end to prompt your memory. So helpful!
—Cristina, entrepreneur, therapist, mom to three

In addition to the basic services of Closet Edits, Personal Shopping and Outfit Building, I also offer:
 

-Packing for Trips (in person or virtual outfit building and a LookBook before you travel)

-Image Consulting for Special Occasions (whether you’re a guest or a special member of the party, I help you prepare for each step of the occasion)

-Speaking Engagements/Styling Presentations (in person or virtual presentations for any group)

-How to Wear It? Style Boards
(a completely virtual outfit building service)

-Style-on-the-Go Debit Cards
(consults via text or FaceTime)

-My Virtual Storefront
(shopping suggestions, microblogs and more)

I've been Maria's client for about 5 years and she has helped me tremendously. She is incredibly organized and has a great sense of style. She completely changed my perception of style by offering me many other ways to coordinate colors and accessories.  Not only was she helpful, but we had a lot of fun together! What was so impressive was that she did a lot of homework prior to our meeting so that the time we spent together was extremely productive. She is not only my stylist but has become the stylist for my entire family! 
--Yvonne, Marketing Manager at Fragrances Elite International LLC

I just got back from my trip to Portsmouth and Providence and Boston—all back to back!  All outfits were great!  Packing and traveling was better because of your visit last week!!!
—Carroll, community volunteer, mom to four (plus a fur baby!)
 

I found Maria accidentally one Spring day when I was surfing the web for personal stylists and wardrobe consultants in the area. I have always loved clothes and shopping for clothes but found myself really wanting to streamline what I was buying and what I had in my closet.  I was tired of wasting money on things that ended up hanging in my closet and I did not wear.   I am not sure if it was her cool-looking website or the fact that I read she was a wardrobe supervisor on the set of "Friends".  I figured if she could dress Jennifer Aniston (I happen to love her style) she could certainly help me and why wouldn't I contact her??? Fast forward: I made an appointment with Maria and have never looked back. Aside from the fact she is a very cool woman, she also made me feel comfortable and at ease.  The bottom line is that after my session I definitely had learned what looked good on my body and how to look for it when I am shopping in the store or in my closet.  I am now much more choosy: if I don't love it on me, I don't buy it - period.She put together some great outfits from my closet and put them into a Lookbook for me. I remember feeling very empowered on my first shopping stint not too long after our session.  I felt like a smart shopper - I bought less, but bought really well and wore what I bought.
--Anne, Jewelry Designer and Mom to three

A friend recommended Maria to me when I had been complaining about my lack of style. Back in the day, I could pull an outfit together pretty well. But now, as a "mom" with a mom body, I felt I looked dumpy and style-less regardless of what I bought.  Maria spent a few hours thinning my wardrobe by about 40%!  I was thrilled to have less to choose from.  From what was left, Maria was able to show me how to pull things together so that they looked more updated.  I had planned to purchase a whole new wardrobe and wound up needing only a few new items.  She gave me so much more confidence.  I have fun getting dressed again; I feel like I can trust my instincts.  And not to mention that I’ve been getting so many compliments lately, on the same old clothes, just put together differently!
--Leslie, Writer and Mom of two

Creative and professional, Maria is passionate about helping her clients celebrate their individuality. Maria's sense of proportion, color, and detail, together with her television wardrobing expertise, make her an invaluable resource to anyone preparing for public appearances -- whether at a business meeting, a charity event, or wherever life's work may lead. Maria's talent for finding just the right options for diverse professional settings was particularly helpful. Working with Maria saved me money and time as she found new uses for items I already had.
—Kimberly, Professional Writer and Marketing Consultant, Community Volunteer, mom to three

Available in PDF or hard copy, these books are tremendously helpful for getting dressed on a day-to-day basis. No guesswork! Women spend so much time helping others around them (whether in their own family, at work, in the community) and it’s empowering to focus a bit of time on themselves in this way.  Creating and using these books is a huge confidence booster and great self-care technique.
$150 per hour

Delighted to pull out my little book for some guidance tonight. I’ve been super-tired and I love getting inspired by the photos. Probably time to do a Spring cleaning and try on outfits soon!
—Cristina, entrepreneur & private therapist, mom to three

My LookBook came on Monday, and Maria, I have been enjoying working with it so much!  Not having focused on my wardrobe in so long, I'm feeling a new sense of creativity and pleasure. And I thought I loved clothes and jewelry before! With your help, I am able to do so much more (and more creatively!) with what I already own.  You pointed out the vintage flavor that ran throughout my wardrobe choices and helped me to fully express that.  We made fantastic outfits out of pieces I had bought but never found the right way to wear. And I really feel that you saved me shopping money by showing me that with a few tweaks, I already had a bunch of outfits that I loved.  The few key purchases you suggested have extended my wardrobe and taught me to really use the clothes that I had.
--Kim, Web Producer at The Greenwich Hospital Foundation, mom to three

I had another look at the LOOKBOOK you put together for me and it was really helpful to be reminded of some of the choices you had given me with my old and new items. I loved the day we went shopping in my closet where you found things and matched them with other items which I had not thought about before. I got a compliment the other day on one such outift!!!  With the confidence I have gotten from shopping with you, I now wear all my clothes with that same confidence.... it's amazing what that does for me long after your visit... I've never felt comfortable in fashionable outfits and now, because of your support and wisdom, I feel great in my clothes, and even beautiful, which is not a normal feeling that I have about myself. I can't thank you enough for this! Lindsay has been promised a visit from you sometime this year and she can't wait! This will be one of her college graduation presents! A visit to her closet will be a necessity once she transitions into the working world!
--Linda, writer, painter, religious ed. teacher, mom to two

Have you ever stood in front of a full closet and thought, "I have nothing to wear!" It may be true. Maria helped me clear out about three-quarters of my closet, eliminating outdated or ill-fitting items (and stashing a few beloved but no longer worn pieces in an "archive.") and showed me how to work with what remained. She didn't try to make me conform to someone else's idea of fashion and she worked with my own particular challenges (bad feet which demand not-so-attractive shoes). She took photos and sent me a reference document featuring outfits she built from my closet. She also recommended a few key purchases to round out my wardrobe. And because I loathe shopping, Maria also coached me to be patient as I searched for the right pieces that would both do the trick and be comfortable enough that I would actually wear them. It may seem like an indulgence to hire a stylist, but working with Maria has saved me a lot of aggravation, not to mention money that I would have wasted on clothing that would just take up space in my closet.
—Jennie, Digital Strategy and Innovation Executive, community volunteer and mom to five

I highly recommend Maria's consulting services. After meeting with her, my clothes have a new life! She showed me how to refine my look by suggesting minor alterations to make a favorite pair of pants and a dress more current. Plus, I can shop with confidence because Maria helped me focus on looks that flatter me. Maria's skilled eye and creative touch with accessories made the things I already have in my closet more wearable.
—Annmarie, Owner/Designer Annmarie Graham Collection, mom to two

Over the years, I've had such lovely responses from clients.  We create a unique and sincere relationship with each other--I'm always an objective professional and not actively 'in' their lives and yet I know them deeply and well.  I am truly grateful for each and every one with whom I have the privilege of working. 

LOVED my time with Maria! She came early summer to help me manage my overwhelming closet. In just two hours, we organized my summer wardrobe (plus my dresses, jacket and formal wear). THEN, she helped me create some outfits for some pieces I loved, but wasn't sure how to style.  When Maria left, I had a closet that was clean, neat, and free of all those items I "never wore but..." Plus, I had a few ideas about what I needed to put the finishing touches on my pieces. (And, when I bought them, they were my go-to pieces all summer long!)
--Amy, Instructional Coach in White Plains City School District, mom and blogger

Cleaning my closet out with you is ALWAYS a treat! So fun and freeing! You make it such a simple and fun process and I'm so happy when we finish our day, look back and see only the best items left! I know that whatever I reach for will fit great and I will be thrilled to wear it!
Thank you for dropping it all off at the consignment shops - Can't wait to get a few checks!
--Joelle, Philanthropist and mom to two busy boys

Maria was a delight to work with - down-to-earth, positive, knowledgable and helpful!  We got so much done in a short time. She worked efficiently to organize my clothing and came up with lots of ideas for outfits, all the while carrying on a great conversation! I am re-energized about daily dressing and love having my Look Book for a reminder of all of the outfits and looks we discussed. 
--Kathy, psychotherapist in private practice, mom to two

Surviving a major medical emergency centers on teamwork. As the manager you need to employ the most skillful doctors, gather information to make informed decisions, allow family and friends to help when they say “What can I do”? There is also prayer, lots of good luck and a lift for your spirit. Maria Turkel provided that spirit, joie d’vive and we are so very grateful. We are coming up on the third anniversary of my wife’s extensive and amazingly successful colon surgery. While she is cancer free the procedure altered the way in which she goes about her daily life. Things we take for granted and seldom think about are always front and center for her. Once recuperated there was the age-old question that, for my wife, took on new meaning, what to wear? Always current and hip, she would now be dealing with choices that left her feeling matronly: the dreaded shift dress or worse yet, sweat pants! It was important for her psyche not to feel completely out of step with the latest fashion. In the whole scheme of things it was a minor issue but to someone with a real sense of style and wanting to be herself, I knew it would be a challenge, and it was as important as her physical recovery. I also knew Maria and her wonderful family so I called her to come over and work with my wife to maintain her look, improve her outlook and provide strategies to meet the needs of her new reality. Maria was a godsend and just another positive step in my wife’s recovery and another example of having the best people on your team. Thank you Maria for your amazing sensitivity and for all you did.
--John, retired Principal of Riverside Elementary School

I am extremely satisfied with my closet cleaning.  I learned how to maximize my clothes, just by pairing them with something else I already owned.  It was also great to get a perspective on the clothes that did nothing for me.   Maria even took them away to a charity for donation.   The most impressive outcome was my Look Book which far exceeded my expectations.
--Lauren, marketing executive and PTA president

After working with Maria, I received so many compliments on my wardrobe from my friends and family.  That made me feel great!  In particular, I could not have coordinated all of the accessories with each outfit without Maria’s help.  That really put the finishing touch onto each look for me.  I was so happy with the Closet Cleaning service and look forward to doing it again.  Not only did it lead to me feeling more put-together (and getting those compliments!), but it was also so much fun and saved me money (no more clothes hanging in my closet with tags still attached).
--Monique, mom to four