In the world of high-end designer reselling, it’s no longer enough to simply provide a customer with the needs of a fashion designer. A great salesperson always strives to exceed expectations and “wow” the customer by providing them with more designer products than they thought they needed. Amber, Assistant Retail Manager at Couture USA, understands the power of great customer service and has been serving Couture USA customers for years. “Prior to joining Couture USA, I had solid experience in customer service and once worked for a large fashion retailer for two years. I’ve always had a passion for helping people shop. I love shopping, so I took the opportunity and pursued a career in fashion retail,” says Patrick. It was one of the best decisions she’s ever made professionally. Not only did she follow her passion, she’s also developed lasting friendships with Couture USA customers. In this latest Q&A profile highlighting the Couture USA team, Amber shares the fashion lessons she’s learned, shopping trends she’s seen, and how she builds relationships and helps her customers.
How would you describe your personal style?
My style has changed a lot over the years. I've always liked a little bit of edge in my wardrobe, but that's definitely lessened as I've gotten older. My go-to style is a leather jacket or band tee with a fun floral skirt and sneakers or boots!
Who do you think is your fashion icon?
Iris Apple. Aside from the fact that her personality is larger than life, I love how she embraces her quirky fashion sense and isn't afraid to mix and match high-fashion pieces with modest ones. She's mastered the art of stacking accessories and never shys from wearing bold colors to stylishly draw attention. Most of all, I love how she hasn't let age change her unique fashion sense. Instead, she celebrates it with every statement piece she wears.
What was the first designer brand you ever purchased?
My first designer luxury purchase was a pair of Pedro Garcia black platform wedges. They are the most comfortable pair of suede strap heels I have ever owned!
Follow Amber on Instagram @AmberlattCouture Stay up to date with all the latest products hitting stores before they hit the website!
Who are your three favorite couture designers?
This is a difficult question because I have several favorite designers. But if I had to pick my top three, I would say Alexander McQueen for his bold and artistic designs, Valentino for his edgy take on classic looks, and Gianni Versace for his genius in using intricate designs and luxurious prints.
What is the most important fashion lesson you have learned from working in the fashion retail industry?
The most important fashion lesson I've learned is to always invest in classic pieces so you can mix and match them with other trendy or seasonal items to keep your look stylish and sophisticated.
What's one fashion item you would never wear?
I don't think I can follow the oversized sneaker trend. They're too ugly.
Scroll down to shop Amber's favorite items!
What are the trends at Couture USA, and what shopping or fashion trends are you seeing among your customers right now?
Everyone wants a designer belt! Everyone! I also see a lot more people choosing fun colored bags instead of the typical black or tan. Red, for example, is a nice “neutral” that goes with almost everything!
Can you give me some shopping tips on how to find and fish for the best designer brand deals?
Shop with resale value in mind. Buying designer pieces that retain their value over time is a smart shopping idea. This will ensure a return on your investment the next time you choose to sell the item, so you can afford to buy another designer piece when you decide to update your designer collection. Shop around, but keep in mind that great fashion items in the designer resale world sell fast. So don’t wait too long to miss out on a great deal!
What is the most challenging and rewarding part of working in a customer service position?
Since we rely on the type of product we receive for resale, one of the most challenging parts of my job is learning how to find similar or better recommendations when a specific product a customer wants is not available in store or online. Often, a customer comes into the store with a specific product in mind. My job is to “wow” the customer by showing them the benefits of expanding their selection by recommending other designer products that have similar designs, silhouettes, and better features, while exceeding their expectations. On the other hand, the most rewarding part is the friendships I have built with amazing customers over the years.
How do you build and maintain relationships with your customers?
I love getting to know people, it helps me figure out what each person likes. We all have very different styles and preferences, so asking a lot of questions about people helps build that initial rapport. To maintain those relationships, I always stay in touch and keep an eye on what people like. I’ve been really lucky that many of my customer relationships here have turned into friendships. It’s really fun to help my friends shop, and I appreciate that they value my opinion and honesty.
Shop Amber's favorite items here:
- Christian Dior Diamond & Black Sapphire Crystal Watch
- Local City Mini Pandora Bag
- Christian Louboutin Scuba Booties Grommet Ankle Boots
- Chanel Rock My Shoulder Large Flap Bag
- Hermes Evelyn 3 PM Bag