I just finished a shoot where each "fashion" shot was accompanied by an "artistic fashion" shot. It wasn't planned this way, but turned out to be the case. I can't decide which is better for the port so I uploaded one of each, but we all know that there shouldn't be very similar ones within the same port. 

So given a portfolio which is well balanced, for a model with the same clothing and looks and quality, do you prefer a straightforward shot or something with a slightly artistic angle?

I like to see a mixture, but not necessarily same model/outfit. I wouldn't do 2 versions of the same. If I'm reviewing a photographer's portfolio I like to see more of their artistic side. I think I favor a heavier percentage of the "cleaner" shots of the models though, so I know what I have to work with if I shoot her later. Straightforward images show me what the model "really" looks like, but artistic gives me an idea of what she can do.

Wm