Clients

“Working with Hella is like talking to my best friend if she had impeccable taste, knew exactly what looked good on me and why.
She is funny, smart, responsive and totally hip in an outrageous yet understated way.
Working with her is also like hearing from the part of myself that already knew those pink high top sneakers with the glitter and butterflies didn’t work. Okay, I never saw those pink sneakers but believe me, I have asked Hella about their equivalent. And after she says “no way,” I laugh. I think, “I knew that, it’s just that a sudden desire to look like someone other than myself, someone, say, twenty years younger with longer legs and big hair, seized my mind.” And then she reminds me that the way I look, the way I dress, what I love is exactly right. 
Hella is life-affirming. Color-affirming. Style-affirming. If I could think of any more affirming’s I would add those too.”

– Geneen Roth, author of multiple New York Times bestsellers including Women Food and God, When Food is Love and This Messy Magnificent Life. 
2022
_{(Client since 2004)}

“Hella is a genuine and kind human being – and also good at her work. She made going through my closet easier than I could have expected. After the closet “consultation” I was happy to meet again for her assessment/ advice on my colors and style lines. She took all this work seriously, including careful attention to finding color palettes that complement me. But she also took into account my own preferences. I highly recommend Hella to anyone considering this kind of help.”

– Alisha Burns, MPH
2022

“Hella is a terrific resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to put together terrific outfits from clothing you already own (!!) and how to pick out some great new clothes as well. She knows and is willing to share the best places to shop in the East Bay and beyond.”

– Mimi
2005

“Hella is an amazing wardrobe consultant. I have been working with Hella for 13 years.  The first time I worked with Hella was when I had her come to my house and help me clean out my closet. Hella was awesome. She was very gentle in asking questions about some of my clothes. Did they have a meaning, etc.?  Shopping with Hella is so easy and delightful because of Hella’s expertise in finding clothes that are my color and my style. I know when I’ve purchased anything with Hella, I always receive complements. I would highly recommend Hella as I know you will feel like a million dollar movie star wearing the wardrobe she has picked out for you. She’s the BEST in the WEST!!!”

– Lucy C.
2009
_{(Client since 1996)}

“I have had the pleasure of working with Hella on many occasions.  She usually comes in to pre-shop, at which time she tells me all about her client, from her best colors to her size, shape, and style.   I show Hella what I feel fits in with this, and she also looks around on her own.  If she feels there are enough options for her client’s needs, they will return later and I will fill a dressing room with the items we discussed, as well as any others that seem to fit the specifications.
 
When the client arrives, Hella introduces her and shows her the selections.  Then the fun begins!  Methodically, she will begin with one type of item, so that they can focus on pants for example.  Once options are found and discarded, they move onto finding matching tops and/or jackets.  Hella is gently ruthless in her search for items that make the client look her best.  She truly enjoys this process – bubbling with glee when something works perfectly.  It is rewarding working together to find the perfect accessory or item to complete an outfit that makes the client shine.
 
I have seen Hella convince a customer NOT to buy something if they can not figure out what to wear it with.  Each item must have a functional place in the client’s wardrobe.  A session typically wraps up with a review of what was successful, which items work together, and prioritization if the client is on a limited budget.  I have had repeat sessions with Hella and some of her clients and they are ALWAYS happy with everything they purchased.”

-Laura
2004