Comment from Cami Walker
Time June 22, 2007 at 5:10 pm

Cami W. – Founder, 29Gifts.org, Los Angeles

“Corinne is bad-ass. She overhauled my closet in no time and helped me purge everything that didn’t look great on me. She’s up front and honest and manages to watch you try on everything you own, one piece at a time, and makes it feel like a party instead of drudgery.
We ended our day with two hours of shopping where I picked up some great things to fill the holes in my wardrobe.
I found a pair of jeans that look amazing on me. I haven’t bought a pair of jeans in over three years because I can never find any that fit me. Corinne picked up one pair and sent me into the dressing room. That was the only pair I had to try on because they looked great!”

Comment from Robin
Time August 19, 2007 at 5:10 pm

Robin M. – Grant Writer, Michigan

“Corinne is the best thing that’s ever happened to my closets! With her very discerning eye, she went through all of my clothes, purging the old, tired and ill-fitting pieces and creating a pile for alterations. I was expecting her to peer inside my closet, gather everything up and declare it all garbage a la Clinton and Stacy on ‘What Not to Wear.’ I was so wrong! Although we made a big pile of clothes for the Goodwill, Corinne was great at pointing out the good things about clothes I already had, pairing various pieces, and finding opportunities to create complete outfits when we went shopping. All this in about an hour!

After she audited my closet, Corinne and I went shopping and I now basically have an entirely new wardrobe! I have never seen anyone shop like this–she’s a machine! Keeping my budget in mind, she found great deals while also keeping an eye out for must-have pieces. I never would have considered trying on much of what she picked out, but I’m so glad I did! I learned a lot about what can look good on me and what to avoid, and I will definitely be more open minded about what I try on in the future.

Before I met with Corinne, one of my friends was very skeptical and said, “But Robin, I could do that for you for free!” Do not listen to anyone who tells you this. I desperately needed an independent pair of eyes to look me up and down and say, “Okay, here’s what we’re going to do.” Somehow Corinne does this in a completely non-judgmental, supportive way. I knew I would like Corinne the moment we met; she’s so friendly and could not be more fun. Through it all, though, she was totally focused on helping me develop a more sophisticated style and I’m thrilled I found her!”

Comment from Maria
Time September 4, 2007 at 5:10 pm

Maria C. – Creative Director (and Founder) of Catchword Branding and mother of 3, Oakland

“The other reviews cover many wonderful things about Corinne (all of which are true), so I’ll just focus on some highlights: Corinne helped me see great new combinations within my existing wardrobe, effectively giving it new life, not to mention hipness. She also helped me resolve various wardrobe obstacles. For example: I’d never worn a very cute halter-type top because I couldn’t quite figure out what to do bra-wise (didn’t want to go strapless). Corinne’s solution: buy a clear-strapped bra. Now why didn’t I think of that?

She quickly and painlessly helped me eliminate about 25% of my clothes, while being flexible about pieces I couldn’t (yet) part with.

Corinne was very organized. As we purged my wardrobe, she kept a running tally of what I would need to fill it out. We were able to get most of these things later in the day, while shopping. She reminded me of the few items we didn’t find in an email, and also did some follow-up online hunting!

During our shopping trip, she showed me how to update my fashion sense, and work with current trends. For example, we bought a couple of belts to work with some of the billowy, peasant-style shirts that are so popular right now (but which don’t always look great on my shorter frame).

She’s very affordable, which will allow me to regularly use her services. I don’t view this as a one-time thing. I need all the help I can get! Corinne is a very smart, professional woman who “gets” you. She’s not going to put you in uncomfortable, frou-frou clothes you’ll never wear. She’ll just help you create a better version of the current you.
In short, Corinne is awesome!”

Comment from Erin
Time September 9, 2007 at 5:09 pm

Erin P. – Executive Assistant, mother of 1, San Jose

“Holy smokes! Who knew I was a size 12?? Corinne, that’s who!! I’ve always been heavy and uncomfortable with my body but after years of feeling frumpy in over sized close and depressed about my weight & lack of style, my husband decided I needed a helping hand to get me out of my rut and feeling better about myself…. and boy, did this do the trick.

First, Corinne went through my closet. We ditched everything that was dated, faded and/or ill-fitting. YES, she sat with patience and complete interest while I tried on everything in my closet. We kept the good stuff and the stuff with potential. We discussed why it was good or how it could be altered to be good. As we went through everything, she also made a list of what need to be added back to complete a well rounded wardrobe.

Next, we hit the mall. She encouraged me to try on things that I would have never picked up or, in some cases, not even noticed in a million years. She found a fabulous coat from I.N.C. for only $60-some bucks, marked 50% off from the original $129 price tag. She also found items at Ann Taylor Loft for under $10 & $20 dollars – good stuff that I would have never had the patience to find. AND to my shock & pleasant surprise, Corinne helped me to see that I am not a 16 or a 14 but actually a 12!! Wahoo…. No wonder everything looked like hell on me! I wasn’t trying the right sizes or in some cases the right colors for my skin & hair or in other cases the right combinations of different fitting tops & bottoms that wear well together. We also picked up some accessories to add just the right flare here and there.

After we returned home, we went through everything again. This time she made new outfits pairing old stuff and new stuff, revealing tons of new outfits from EVERYTHING – not just from the items we had just purchased. It was pretty cool.

As for the throw outs? She took some to Goodwill, some was good enough to get consigned (thanks Corinne for taking care of that for me), and the rest I’ll let my prego friend look through before dropping it at Goodwill myself.

Corinne is so fun and upbeat. She’s full of energy and truly interested in helping you be the best you, YOU can be. She’s got a great eye for seeing things that will look great on you, even if you disagree (before you try it on, because 9/10 times she was right and I was wrong about what would look good). Ha-ha…She helped me stay true to my budget and find some really amazing buys.

Thank you Corinne. Today I walked into the office with an outfit and a strut that turned heads. Funny thing is I know I will do it again tomorrow, the next day, and for many more days to come. This feels GREAT.”

Comment from Kristy D.
Time November 7, 2007 at 5:08 pm

Simply Fabulous! From the first phone call to the cloest audit to the shopping day, my Urban Darling experience was exactly what I wanted & needed. Corinne’s energy and enthusiasm immediately got me excited and made me glad I’d picked up the phone for my initial consultation. She’s all about finding each person’s individual style and the clothes that will make them be their best. I knew I’d found my fashion fairy godmother when she started describing outfits and styles that made me say “That’s me!”

I opted for the mini closet audit (as I’d just purged many clothing items and few months prior) and a full shopping day. WOW! Corinne arrived at 9:00 am and by 11:00 am I had several bags of clothes ready to donate (and was happy to see it all go). I never felt pressured to get rid of anything – it just all made sense – and it felt great!

Corinne is a master shopper. As soon as we hit the first store, she started grabbing from the racks, spying items I never would have noticed but, as it turned out, I loved! After 5 hours, I returned home with pants, tops, jackets and 4 snazzy new pairs of shoes – all that blended perfectly with the clothes I already owned, reflected my personal style and brought my wardrobe to life!

I highly recommend Corinne and Urban Darling. Everyone needs a fashion fairy godmother.

Comment from Danielle
Time November 17, 2007 at 5:37 pm

For someone very busy and very frustrated with her wardrobe Corrine was an absolute god-send. There is no waffling about whether it is right when you have her second opinion. I pre-edited my closet the day before she came, and then she edited it down even more. We made a list of what I needed, and went shopping. Shopping was POWER SHOPPING, as in how many places can we hit in four hours, and how many things can we cross of the list in that time. Well, I’ll tell you with someone to hold your coat and put all the clothes back on the hangars, it goes a lot faster. The relief for me was that Corrine was happy to work within a limited budget, which meant shopping at some stylish but cheap stores, hitting some consignment stores, and the biggest surprise of all was transforming several things I already owned: I modeled them, she pinned them up and I took them to the alterations shop for shortening, re-tailoring, etc. And presto, I have new things out of my old closet that I absolutely love. She also gave me a lot of courage and confidence to dress up a bit more, accessorize, and of course everyone has been commenting on how stylish I am looking. Whats more, making the investment and having the clothes in place is actually motivating me to take care of myself in other ways (working out, skin care), so the benefits are multi-layered. It may feel like an indulgence, but I’d rather spend the money on her than on clothes that sit in my closet and are never worn.

Comment from Mat L.
Time December 1, 2007 at 4:26 pm

Mat L. – Business Owner, San Jose

First, a little about me. 41 year old, single, white, geeky engineer type who lives in shorts and tee–shirts. My art of clothes shopping is tossing khakis pants and polo shirts in the big orange cart at Costco without much thought.
It’s true what every one says, Corinne is amazing and you feel right at home with her. Within five minutes of her pulling my closet apart and creating the “Goodwill” pile, I new we would be great friends.
I am not a shopper and really do not enjoy the experience of stores, dressing rooms, and the myriad of choices. Corinne was a great help in alleviating all of those concerns. She goes into hyper-stealth mode, picking, choosing, explaining and showing me how combination’s work. Armed with a rack of clothes in hand we made our way to the dressing rooms and had me quickly try on outfit after outfit. She really has no problem mincing words with what she likes and what complimented my body style. Normally after about an hour or so of shopping I am done, but Corinne’s good-hearted nature kept me going for much longer.
At the end of our excursion, we picked out so many cool outfits as well as shoes, two jackets and a new belt that I absolutely love.
Since shopping with Corinne I have gotten a ton of compliments on my new “style”. Any man out there that wants an unbiased, loving, smart opinion on what works good and what does not, this wardrobe stylist is for you! I can’t say enough good things about her!”

Comment from Caitie
Time February 10, 2008 at 5:09 pm

Caitie F. – Financial Advisor, Monterey

“My goodness! I am just super tired now – I slowly putting my fabulous new clothes away – but I wanted to send you a thank you! You are so wonderful to work with – the last two days have been tremendously relieving and awesome! It was great to have this opportunity…. But you dear – you are an amazing woman and I hope to work with you for a LONG time! Sorry – I paused because I was putting outfits together in my head! HAHA! Anyway – THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Comment from Emme
Time February 16, 2008 at 5:08 pm

Emme B. – Regional VP, San Francisco

“I hate shopping (I know, it sounds bizarre that there could be a woman who does, but it is true). I will walk aimlessly around the mall, completely hopeless and helpless, looking for “the perfect outfit” Eventually I will leave, with my head hung low, because I was so frustrated that I couldn’t find anything!!

Well, I have to say all that has changed because of Corinne. I had the absolute pleasure of spending a day with her where she changed my whole closet and my attitude about shopping! First she came over and took a look at my outdated closet and helps me to distinguish what was salvageable and what was beyond help! She also gave me great pointers on some of my favorite pieces and what to match them with to create the perfect outfit (although this seems simple, it completely blew my mind!!)

Next, we were off to the mall. Now I have to tell you that we could not have picked a worse day….it was pouring down sheets and sheets of rain, the wind was gale-like and they even lost power in parts of the mall!! Unbelievable! I was so ready to throw in the towel, but Corinne made it such a fun adventure! As we went from store to store, I got to experience firsthand her stealth-like behavior I had heard so much about…she would pull out amazing outfits, ones that I would have never noticed before. But then, she would also put out outfits (you know, the ones that you would never wear) and gently requested that I try them on…and guess what!! Some of them were fantastic!

At the end of the day, I left the mall feeling successful! We were able to find me many “perfect outfits”…from casual, cute sweats to business attire to sexy dresses. And, to top it off I had a blast!

Corinne is such an amazing personal shopping and, now, friend! She really cares about her clients and has a genuine interest in helping you find your own personal style (or lack of). Whether you need a complete wardrobe overhaul or an amazing outfit for a special occasion, Corinne will make you look your best!”

Comment from Krisitan
Time April 2, 2008 at 5:08 pm

I had the pleasure of a Closet Audit and Mini-Shopping Experience in January. There has not been a day since that Corinne’s wisdom and encouragement has not brightened my day.

Despite all the positives, going through a Closet Audit is not easy. You have to face some truths (and stains) you didn’t even know existed. But Corinne see all! If someone is going to tell you these things be sure it is Corinne – better her than anyone else.

In January I had a very successful “Closet Audit and Mini Shopping” trip. I learned a great deal and found the service to be aterrificvalue.

I scheduled a “Shopping for Style” session this fall to help me refine what I had learned and to expand my thinking. Worked like a charm. The team at Urban Darling is so spot on with their skills.

Once again money very well spent. My wardrobe is half the size it was and ten times as functional. It finally makes sense and is a source of joy. I look forward to my next session and what I will learn maybe “Vacation Destination” or “New Job Styling”. My closet and I are grateful.

Working with Corinne has saved me a lot of money, time and frustration. I no longer spend good money on clothes that don’t work. When I shop now, I know what I am looking for, go to the right stores and know what is quality. Corinne gave me valuable lessons on fit, line, color, accessories and best of all insight to my own style. She knows her stuff and is passionate about helping you and it show.

If you are looking for Styling in the Bay Area, Corinne (http://www.urbandarling.com) is the Best Bay Area Stylist, Best San Jose Stylist and the best San Francisco Stylist.

Comment from Julie Crisafulli
Time April 26, 2008 at 5:07 pm

Julie C. – Real Estate Agent, San Jose

“…My problem, Spring ’08 and Julie, left with the daunting task of outfitting myself, for the Spring and Summer. Winter isn’t so tough…throw on a suit and go. For Spring and Summer, I still wanted to make sure my wardrobe said “I’m in charge.” The other problem, I didn’t have the time to shop for the right choices. I wanted to use color to make an outstanding first impression. I needed to be memorable. Some new vital pieces were required right away.
With a very strong reference from a dear friend who adored her Urban Darling Mommy makeover, I immediately called Corinne Phipps with Urban Darlings. She came over on the first day and tore into my dated closet. We got rid of so much I was holding onto…some of it over 15 years old…long overdue really. The next day we went shopping and it was amazing. Four and ½ hours of committed shopping…the dresses, the shoes, the pants suits and tank tops, the purse, the jewelry…the works. The final day, Corinne came to my home again and paired my existing wardrobe, with the new, to stretch my outfits beyond my wildest dreams.
This was an absolutely amazing experience. I was a compulsive shopper before…just buying what I needed at that moment. Now I can say that with the help of Urban Darlings, I own a wardrobe that I adore. I have so many great choices on a daily basis. It’s really fun to see what I’ll pull together for the day. Corinne is exceptional. She has a great eye for fashion and appreciates working for you. Most importantly she makes it fun and exciting. An experience I guarantee I will repeat several times a year.”

Comment from Erin
Time June 30, 2008 at 5:44 pm

Money more than well spent…money well invested! Like a lot of 30-something career girls I have found finding clothes that reflect my creativity to be too costumey, too young, or too old. I needed a new look…or at the very least a better look.

Corrinne was fantastic! She came to my house and did a quick wardrobe audit which really didn’t rule out too much stuff, but made me take a look at some pieces that were looking shabby, some that made me look too juvenile and some that made me feel old. (She also didn’t seem to mind trekking all over the house to hunt down my clothes! I don’t have a lovely walk-in closet because we live in an Eichler that has virtually no closet space!)

With a sense of purpose we headed to Santana Row. She nailed it on the head…we went to Anthropologie and Banana Republic. There I tried on several things I would have never even considered and I invested in some beautiful pieces that I can wear to work, special occasions, and daily. I also bought some fantastic accessories (jewelry mostly) that I would have never considered before.

I thought I had style, but Corrinne just punched it up a notch and it was definitely money well spent both on her services and my new clothes!

Comment from Kate M.
Time July 1, 2008 at 5:08 pm

Kate M. – mother of 4, San Jose

“I was so impressed with my personal style consultation with Corinne and Stefanie from Urban Darling! After clearing out the clutter during my “closet audit” we hit the mall. I was shocked by the number of items they were able to find for me (clothes, shoes, AND accessories!) while staying within my modest budget. These ladies have an eye for color, fit, and cost! I’ve already told all of my friends to give them a call. Whether you’re looking to get out of those maternity clothes, need some new pieces as you head back to work, or are looking for a great gift for yourself or your hubby…these ladies are for you! I can’t wait to use them again when the Fall fashions come out ”

Comment from Erin Saul
Time October 19, 2008 at 5:07 pm

Erin S. – Founder, Namaste Mofo, Alameda

“I’m in awe of how FUN Corinne & Stefanie insist on having, despite being down (it’s an emotional process) or simply tired from all the shopping! It’s always fun, always a good letting-go process, then the shopping: she’s an amazing bargain hunter and no-nonsense friend. Best shopping experience, bar none.”

Comment from Leslie H.
Time March 14, 2009 at 4:28 pm

Leslie H. – Founder, San Francisco Massage Supply Company, San Francisco

“I’ve always been a lone shopper. Maybe because none of my friends share my body shape or my style sense! Corinne was so easy and fun to shop with, we found some amazing stuff and she steered me in directions that I would never thought of. It’s been only 3 days and I think I have worn every piece we got while shopping, and felt great wearing them!”

Comment from Heather
Time May 30, 2009 at 4:27 pm

Heather G. – Founder, Andrew James Salon, Cupertino

“In the past I have considered myself a person who was “in the know” when it came to fashion and style. Fast forward to now, and my closet was a graveyard of fashions that once were!
In stepped Corinne, wardrobe stylist. In just a few hours, she not only transformed my closet into a well-organized, USEABLE space, but now I see what does and does not look good on this post-baby body! Let me tell you, it was hard seeing 7 bags of clothes in my hallway, but if really feels good knowing that every piece in my closet is now a wow piece and not a “Oh jeez is that all I have?” piece.
My next step is to take her with me when I go shopping . I just need that fashion eye that I guess I don’t have anymore, and I know she does.”

Comment from Tina
Time October 28, 2009 at 8:21 pm

I admit it I don’t like to shop… But shopping with Corinne was the best experience I have ever had!
First she cleaned out the cob webs in my closet or old outdated clothes. Then we made a date to hit the stores.
I’m more of a hunter not a shopper I only go when there is something I NEED. So I have a very disjointed wardrobe.
Corinne put me back together again. Picked pieces that work together and work for me and my body type. Plus I will actually have fashionable clothes for once. I was always way behind before.
I can’t wait for my next outing with Corinne. We found some Mad Deals also… Bonus!

Comment from Tina
Time October 29, 2009 at 8:48 am

Corinne is exactly the medicine a sick closet needs! She is able to see through the wadded mess of clothes and accessories and say, “Um, THIS works…but, yikes, THAT doesn’t” Her ability to scan through with a laser-focus and really SEE a style image is nothing short of gifted.

Twisted Silver by Debra Mitchell was made for style mavens like Corinne. She’s able to take a necklace, stack of bracelets or rings, and know exactly how to rock it… even in unconventional ways… to make a signature and very personal style. Everyone at Twisted Silver is THRILLED to pieces to have Corinne as an official Twisted Insider

Comment from Corinne
Time October 29, 2009 at 9:29 am

well I am blushing, thank you Twisted Silver!! I have to tell you, I am hooked on you. You had me at Twisted. Thank you for the awesome kudos. And, by the way, I have worn the Phatty necklace everyday since I got it.

Comment from Corinne
Time October 29, 2009 at 9:32 am

i am still in a little bit of shock at the “mad deals” we got all over the place. That zipper tank top from Urban Outfitters was a steal for $19.99. Note: the link is not the actual one we bought, but this is close. Tina, we’ll see you next month for the adventures in shoe land.

Comment from Deb Rohzen
Time November 9, 2009 at 6:51 pm

I have yet to be the recipient of a closet audit, but I have followed Corinne’s Urban Darling and, more recently, her articles on NBC Bay Area Online. I am impressed! Now, imagine my surprise when Corinne called me, interested in writing an article about my boutique! She called me! I was flattered, to say the least. Absolutely honored by her kind words, and her sheer excitement to write about Simply Smashing!

I find Corinne to be very knowledgeable in her field, with an innate gift for style & sensibility. She is honest – love that about her. Genuine is another word that comes to mind. And the girl is a hard worker!

As impressed as I am with Corinne’s closet auditing/personal shopping skills, I find her writing ability and sense of “sharing the wealth” with women in business, equally as admirable. When she interviewed me for her article, Corinne was quick-witted and alert to my style. In fact, she helped me to redefine my style!! And then, there was her article. A great read if I do say so myself! She got my boutique and she got me. Love that about Corinne

Comment from Corinne
Time November 10, 2009 at 1:38 pm

thanks Deb – the sentiments are definitely mutual. I am saving up for some Cop Copine!!!

Comment from Kelly K. O’Neil
Time November 17, 2009 at 7:33 am

If you are in business, you need a stylist. As a professional speaker, coach and author I am consistently in the public eye. It only took one bad set of pictures to set me straight. My wardrobe and the impression I make on the world directly impacts my bottom line. Corrine has the ability to completely understand my brand and helped me to create a style that had me stand out from the crowd in a brilliant way. I felt more beautiful, more confident and it shows in the revenue I am able to generate while on stage. Thanks Corinne!

Comment from Ashley Hood
Time November 17, 2009 at 6:58 pm

I highly recommend the team at Urban Darling! They have been on our fashion side for a few years now and I cannot say enough good things – actually I feel horrible that this is my first review!

My boss is a renowned speaker, author and business woman and she will ONLY use Corinne and her team over at Urban Darling to help her with her business outfits – whether it be for meetings or stage presence – they are amazing at what they do.

I recently had to get some business outfits and Corinne really helped express my style and got me into things that I never would have picked out for myself – and I have SO many compliments.

I highly recommend Urban Darling to anyone!

Thanks,
Ashley Hood
Business Manager
UpLevel Strategies and Marketing to Millionaires

Comment from Marylee Crystal
Time December 27, 2009 at 3:44 pm

Your blog looks like it has some pretty cool information

Comment from John
Time May 20, 2010 at 3:18 am

“…My problem, Spring ’08 and Julie, left with the daunting task of outfitting myself, for the Spring and Summer. Winter isn’t so tough…throw on a suit and go. For Spring and Summer, I still wanted to make sure my wardrobe said “I’m in charge.” The other problem, I didn’t have the time to shop for the right choices. I wanted to use color to make an outstanding first impression. I needed to be memorable. Some new vital pieces were required right away.With a very strong reference from a dear friend who adored her Urban Darling Mommy makeover, I immediately called Corinne Phipps with Urban Darlings. She came over on the first day and tore into my dated closet. We got rid of so much I was holding onto…some of it over 15 years old…long overdue really. The next day we went shopping and it was amazing. Four and ½ hours of committed shopping…the dresses, the shoes, the pants suits and tank tops, the purse, the jewelry…the works. The final day, Corinne came to my home again and paired my existing wardrobe, with the new, to stretch my outfits beyond my wildest dreams.This was an absolutely amazing experience. I was a compulsive shopper before…just buying what I needed at that moment. Now I can say that with the help of Urban Darlings, I own a wardrobe that I adore. I have so many great choices on a daily basis. It’s really fun to see what I’ll pull together for the day. Corinne is exceptional. She has a great eye for fashion and appreciates working for you. Most importantly she makes it fun and exciting. An experience I guarantee I will repeat several times a year.”
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