FASHION • COVER STORY
Metallics and bold colors
are back for spring: Chanel
loafer, S495; Dolce &
Gabbana handbag, S850;
Pucci scarf, S100; Chanel
sunglasses, S280;
Gucci sunglasses, S220 —
Saks Fifth Avenue
Above: Jackie Layne, right, shows Fifth Avenue Club
client Lynn Rubin a new spring look: Chanel jacket,
S3,190; Chanel handbag, S725; Prada stretch pant, S430
— Saks Fifth Avenue.
Far right: A spring must-have: a great jacket and
embellished handbag: Armani leather blazer, S3,995;
Armani jeans, S375; Dior suede handbag with rhine-
stones, S1,250 — Saks Fifth Avenue.
Right: Get that style for less and add bohemian flair:
Theory jacket, S690; Seven jeans, S132; Chan Luu belt,
S75 — Saks Fifth Avenue.
"LIFE-READY" CUSTOMERS:
Jackie Layne is one of five consultants at the
Fifth Avenue Club at Saks Fifth Avenue in
Troy who provide total-store service for their
customers. Layne describes her job as "more
fun than work" and is friends with many of her
clients, men and women who are often part of
three or four generations of family members
who loyally use her services.
For 11 years, Layne has been creatively out-
fitting all ages in the latest styles and helps
coordinate the trends within a person's comfort
zone. Knowing what looks best on a client, and
which designers work best for his or her partic-
ular body type, is Layne's specialty.
"My clients always want whatever is the
newest and the latest, and they love the pam-
pering atmosphere," Layne says, describing the
luxurious fitting room filled with pre-selected
designer looks before the customer arrives.
Layne puts together special designer parties
30 • APRIL 2 0 0 5 • JNPLATINUM
and trunk shows exclusively for her clients,
master classes for lessons in cosmetics applica-
tion techniques and other unique programs that
are fun.
"People want to get mileage out of their
clothes, and I know how to add to their
wardrobe and teach them how to 'Brand
Filter,"' Layne points out.
With Brand Filtering, Layne shows clients
how to combine many different designers in
one outfit for a phenomenal look.
Lynn Rubin, 56, of Bloomfield Hills has
been a faithful customer of Jackie Layne. She
loves the "life-ready" experience the Fifth
Avenue Club provides. Recently, Layne out-
fitted Lynn for her son's wedding and all of
the surrounding events, and dressed her
mother as well.
"I love everything she picks for me," says
Rubin. "She always knows what will look
great."
Whether it's for one party, a whole vacation
or an entire season of charity luncheons, Layne
prepares her clients with everything they will
need so they don't panic before an event. Her
services include helping customers put together
creative gifts.
One client wanted to buy some luggage for a
relative's bridal shower and Layne not only
found the perfect set, but also filled it with
everything the couple would need for their
honeymoon — from shorts to bathing suits, lin-
gerie and sunscreen — all wrapped up beauti-
fully.
Personal shoppers provide a free service
many of us never knew existed. If you
happen to be fashion-challenged or don't
wish to spend your valuable free time drag-
ging yourself through the racks on your own,
or even if you are intrigued by the individu-
alized customer service, consider making an
appointment. You are sure to be up to date on
the hottest looks of the season. ❑