Hello friendly faces! It’s that time of the week, time for CNSMoms’ Meet a Mom spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law*. This week’s Meet a Mom feature is the lovely Annie Peck, Founder and Creator of Annie Frances Style Consulting! You’ll love getting to know more about this mom of three little ones (including two-week-old Riley) – congratulations, mama! Annie’s background in fashion and therapy (those go hand-in-hand, of course!) have merged into a profession in personal styling where the main goal is helping people feel great in their personal styles and she’s sharing her step-by-step process below. Annie Peck’s motto: Helping you be confidently you. To that we say, amen sister! Where can I sign up? Welcome, Annie Peck!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to your current town?
Hi! My name is Annie Peck and I own Not Just Annie Style, a personal style consultant and style blogger. I am originally from Pittsfield, IL – it’s a farm town in southern illinois. It’s super small – my uncle is the sheriff, an I had my own horse, etc. Undergrad and graduate school brought me to Chicago’s Roscoe Village, otherwise known as “The Village Within the City.” We have 3 little ones – Staunton is 5, a daughter Kyle, 3, and our newest member is 2 weeks old, Riley.
Congratulations, mama! Speaking of “momming,” what is your least favorite mom job?
So this is not specific to being a mom but I despise taking out the compost – ha!
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Most people probably don’t know that I taught English to elementary school kids while studying abroad in Perugia, Italy.
What are your favorite local places to spend with the family?
We love brunch at Lucy’s Cafe in Roscoe Village, running along the bike path on Lakeshore Drive as a big crew, Sunshine Park near Diversey Harbor and the River Walk is a big hit. We also love going to Winnetka beach with all the cousins, the list goes on… there’s so much to do!
You are a mompreneur! Tell us about Not Just Annie Style! When did you open your doors/business? What gave you the idea?
I started Not Just Annie Style seven years ago, just before my wedding. Styling has always been a passion and as I started building up my client base I said “hey, let’s get this party started and have my own company, there seems to be a need.”
Do you help your clients purge old wardrobes?
Yes! All clothing purged is giving back to your local community because it goes to Wings, Inc.
What did you do before Not Just Annie Style?
I lived in New York working for J.Crew and then moved back to Chicago as a licensed therapist, styling on the weekends.
Can you tell us more about your background in therapy? I bet that directly plays into your success rates with personal styling!
What was the inspiration behind your starting up your styling business?
Inspo has always been my great grandmother – looking through W and Vogue together starting way back in 1st grade while eating Little Debbies.” I always loved the textures and styles. As I got older, I began to understand how much clothing could change a person’s mood and confidence.
What about your training?
I mentioned above that I worked in retail for a time while in New York. I also had the pleasure to style for commercials! Lastly, and this plays directly into personal styling, I have an innate ability to notice small details, listen to my clients and observe their lifestyle – I style accordingly.
What is your process from start to finish with clients?
- First, I get to know the client through a style profile.
- Next, together we go through and aud the closet; altering, donating (to WINGS) or consigning (to North Shore Exchange). I never toss items – WINGS takes pilled or stained items where they weight them by the pound. *this part of the process truly makes clients feel “lighter.”
- Then, I make a list of shopping pieces that could be great additions to the closet/ are needed. I then go out to stores/boutiques and shop, bringing back a little “boutique” to the clients own home. (This way they can use their own mirror, current pieces, etc).
- I take 30+ head-to-toe looks of the clients pieces so that they have grab and go outfit ideas and I return the pieces didn’t work for them.
Each client feels confident in what fits their shape and style…making getting dressed a breeze.
Are you serving clients right now in their homes? If so, how do people book with you?
YES! Most certainly still serving clients In their home! I’m Vaccinated and am happy to wear a mask in the home. Clients may book by calling or emailing me directly or booking online on my scheduling system.
What are some of your proudest moments with your business where you said “wow, I did that”?
Gosh, this is a tough one. I’m proud of being a lead stylist for many editorials and commercials, for being interviewed by some big podcasters, for instilling trust in clients to hire me (as transgender clients, along with men, women, and college-aged folks. Working with the everyday person is something that I am MOST proud of – seeing their confidence soal and smiling from ear to ear feeling great in an outfit is THE BEST to see.
What is one thing you really want people to know about Not Just Annie Style?
Although it may feel like such a vulnerable experience to have someone work in your wardrobe, it is extremely fun and rewarding. I come from a nonjudgmental, “therapist mindset” to really help each client feel completely themselves and comfortable.
What’s next for you personally and for Not Just Annie Style?
Personally…more travel when covid lets up, lots of dancing for some future weddings. And for Not Just Annie Style more Styling Parties for moms (they are a ton of fun!!).
We want to learn more! How do we reach you?
Please do follow me on Instagram: @anniestylesyou and/or Facebook: Annie Frances Style Consulting. My business site is also a blog with helpful styling articles that I hope you’ll all enjoy! It’s a new day, dress for it (pun intended)! Finally, please do email me [email protected] or call (312) 718-0121 to schedule your consultation, inquire about rates and ask your pressing questions about personal styling.
About CNSMoms’ Meet a Mom Sponsor:
A very heartfelt thank you to CNSMoms’ sole Meet a Mom sponsor, Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Firm. Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities! Learn more about Mary by visiting her Meet a Mom spotlight here!