Kiss Factory wrote:
I am a new stylist and I have been doing a lot of TFCD shoots and I am finding it to be costly. I am passionate stylist but sometimes I get overwhelmed when people ask me to style a shoot. I usually just purchase clothing and return it after the shoot but I feel bad everytime I return the clothing. I also go to thrift stores but even that is starting to add up. I need some serious advice on how to convince indie designers and local boutiques to lend me clothing. Also what is a good rate to charge being that I am just starting out.

factory outlets are a great place to find no names that look fab at cheap prices. Also you could try borrowing and trading exposure for a struffling designer you may know or meet in return for a lend of the clothes.

Tracey Masterson wrote:
Search through the forum.
This post, for example, was about 8 posts down the row.

https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=31180

Oh, and here is another one which was pretty funny.  If you take the time to read it, you will find some great advice.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/posts.php?thread_id=28440

Glad to see that my genuine frustration was entertaining for you.

Joking aside, if you're in Baltimore ( just a guess) you're reasonably close to new york, so I'd hit up the fashion schools and place flyers looking for young designers, this is beneficial for them because they can have thier work photographed. do the same with NYC craigslist. Make the message something like what you said here, that you're a young wardrobe stylist starting out and want to make connections with young designers. It may net you some photographers too. Your proximity to NYC puts you at a distinct advantage, so I'd look for indie fashion collectives in that area that do events. I'm sure there's about fifty. CL may net you some tips in that regard as well. Appropos getting paid, At this stage in the game it's all about portfolio development so put all of your effort into that. Once you've racked up a goodly number of good shots, ask friends who know what they're doing to look them over for advice on which ones to have printed up. I've picked out a couple photographers, a stylist, a film major or three and a designer.  That's what I'm doing but if you read that thread you may come away with the impression that I have NO idea what I'm doing, so I'll leave that up to your judgement.

Good Luck !!