Personal shoppers sound off

Essential pieces every woman should have

By MIA MCNIECE

The industry's top female executives may be able to produce blockbuster films and negotiate multimillion-dollar client contracts, but can they pick out the perfect pair of pumps to match their new Dolce & Gabbana suit? If the answer is no, they can certainly hire someone to do it for them.

This is where Bo Bo Choi steps in. Choi has been the executive shopper at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills for more than 14 years working hard to make sure the top brass at CAA, Warner Bros. and Universal look their finest whether they are attending a business meeting, luncheon or premiere.

"The first thing I ask clients when they come in is what type of function they are going to." she says. "I make sure to get all the event details so I never dress two women going to the same party in the same outfit."

At Barneys New York Madison Avenue store, personal shopper David Brignoni gets to work before the client even steps foot in the store. After an initial phone conversation, that establishes the type of event the client is going to as well as his or her size, height and coloring, Brignoni begins pulling pieces. If clients are in a bind, Brignoni says personal shoppers can go to them. "We often go to a client's office, home or hotel with fitters in tow."

For a few quick fashion tips this fall, Choi says the suit that should be hanging in all execs closets is the basic black Dolce & Gabbana. "It has an amazing fit and is tailored but with an edge to it. It will make you look slim and sexy."

Tami Orloff, a fashion consultant at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills who has spent the last decade dressing folks from William Morris, Sony and Fox, agrees. "You can't go wrong with a black Dolce & Gabbana suit, but don't forget the Armani Collezioni collection and Jil Sander. Every woman should be wearing a Jil Sander suit because of the luxury and comfort it offers."

Orloff is also quick to point out that a lot of women are no longer wearing suits and instead are opting for separate pieces. "I put a lot of customers in tweed jackets paired with skirts that have a little flip in the back or some added touch. For pants, the style is long waisted with a wide leg and a smooth front that is fitted through the hips, which is very flattering."

When it comes to the right purse, Orloff suggests the classic Chanel and says that "YSL and Chloe are also the bags to have this fall."

As for the shoes, Choi offers this simple solutions. "Christian Louboutins are very hot this fall, and you can never go wrong with a three- to four-inch Manolo Blahnik," she says. "Manolos are comfortable while also looking great."