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October 17, 2003/Tishri 21 5764, Vol. 56, No. 4
'Chic shopper' offers personal touch
JESSICA BARBER
Staff Writer
Maria Patti of Scottsdale wears many professional hats - comedienne, writer, producer, director, singer, fashion show host and stylist. But it is her status as a "reformed, third-generation shop-a-holic" that led her to begin a new career as a personal shopper.
Patti describes herself using a humorous quote from her book, "Savvy Chic Shopper Quotes," that she plans to have published soon: "Some people drink when they are depressed. I shop and take two Prozac."
But Patti also has a serious side - especially when it comes to meeting the needs of her clients.
"My personal shopping service is for clients who are looking for a unique find designed for their specific needs," she says. "I can do the shopping for gifts, clothing, furniture, accessories and leave your lifestyle free without a hassle."
So far, Patti's clientele has included working mothers, Alzheimer's patients that have difficulty getting out on their own and other members of the older generation looking for new wardrobes for the holidays.
"I have gotten calls from assisted living facilities and seniors to help them shop," she says. "It has been a great mitzvah for me."
Patti will also "update" a client's look by reviving their wardrobes and helping them get new hairstyles and makeovers.
"There are men who are maybe widowed or divorced and just need an updated look," she says. "(I've seen) women who I think are absolutely beautiful but they don't see it. Maybe they just need somebody like me to help them get a new look."
Patti has also given her advice as a radio and television personality and has most recently made appearances on the local show "Sonoran Living."
"I was on sometimes twice a week for more than seven months," she recalls. "I've backed off a couple of months because (my personal shopping business) took off on me."
Patti bases her advice on her own experiences.
"I used to have my own clothing business years ago," says the former nurse and mother of two. "When you know what the (price) markup is in stores, you would be sick. I never pay retail (prices). I can offer an interesting perspective because I learned the business from the ground up."
In addition to her shopping career, Patti was recognized at the Southwest Film Festival for a film she created, "I Wanna Be Your Driver," and had a play shown locally, titled "The System." She also taught a stand-up comedy class at Scottsdale Community College for five years and does her own comedy act.
"When I started doing stand-up, I started telling the truth about myself with compulsive shopping," she says. "It was hilarious because women would be screaming in the audience, 'Oh my God, I do that too!' "
Patti will present her knowledge as the "Savvy Chic Shopper" at a daylong workshop 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Scottsdale Community College, 9000 E. Chaparral Road. The workshop focuses on the best places in the Valley to shop, how to look for quality garments, dressing for your body type, day into evening changes and an opportunity to take Patti's "Savvy Chic Shopper Quiz - Are you an educated shopper?" Cost is $55. Call 480-423-6321.
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