Local fashionista helps clients find their fabulous

CHILLICOTHE – Going to the closet and wondering what to wear might not be so difficult with the help of Chillicothe’s very own fashionista.

Debbie Bettendorf said she has always been interested in fashion and styling friends but recently began her own fashion consulting business called Find Your Fabulous.

“My tag line is: ‘Just because it’s in-style doesn’t mean it’s your style,’ ” Bettendorf said. “Trends come and go, but we need to feel good and look good in our own personal style.”

Bettendorf majored in business at Ohio University before getting married and becoming a mother. For the next few years, she spent most of her time raising her children with her husband and volunteering in the community. All the while, Bettendorf helped friends pull together outfits and styled for special events.

“I really do care about other people,” Bettendorf said. “It (styling) has been very rewarding because I have had such wonderful feedback from people I work with.”

Those who are interested in Bettendorf’s services will be subject to a closet search of sorts. Bettendorf said she gets to know a client’s style by looking through the clothes they already own and recommends outfits from those items.

She also recommends clothes that could be donated, emails clients a rundown of the outfits put together for them and is available to help shop for additional clothing to help enhance their style.

“I don’t make people throw away clothes,” Bettendorf said. “There are things that I wear that make me feel fabulous. That doesn’t mean that it is going to make the next person feel that way. I appreciate each person’s own unique style, and I am enjoying helping people.”

One of Bettendorf’s newest ventures is to help students learn how to dress for job interviews, with an emphasis on shopping for a wardrobe on a budget. She is advising a class at Ohio University-Chillicothe on March 11.

“I want to help people level the playing field,” Bettendorf said. “People who have to shop on a budget should have the same opportunities as someone who can afford to dress nicely.”

Helping with her presentation is Elle Lamb, a student at Adena High School. Lamb is working on a photography project and helping Bettendorf promote her work at the same time by photographing college students in interview-appropriate outfits.

“It’s all about helping people push their comfort zones,” Bettendorf said. “You don’t need to own high-priced clothes to look good as long as what you wear fits, isn’t worn-out and is your style.”

Anyone wanting to call Bettendorf for fashion advice can call her at 740-649-7908 or visit the Find Your Fabulous page on Facebook.