“Oh” said the personal shopper

[Jamonfirst]

After a difficult few years with all things me being put aside, an embracing 2020 as the year for me. Have got back into a sport I love, am enjoying eating better and am picking up so many good tips from the S&B boards I actually feel pretty good . Just as well really after my personal shopper session. Researched for a while and found a private lady who seemed to be a good fit. Completed detailed questionnaire, explained I liked a quirky/edgy (age appropriate so no crop tops () style and am 5’2’ and 14/16 and mature of years 55).If a bit thinner would wear converse/pleated skirts but too thick of middle atm. Sent lots of photos, had phone conversation-was v clear I wanted casual clothes (work is a uniform so no prob there) and some going out clothes. Met and her first comment was “oh” then “might be difficult getting the right fit”. I know! That’s why I booked her! Suffice to say it didn’t go well (did get a nice pair of jeans so not all bad!). Have been trawling Instagram and Pinterest- please, if anyone knows any sites that are good for short and chunky hourglass shapes (I can filter for age/quirky) I might be able to build my wardrobe after my declutter..

[MrsPelligrinoPetrichor]

She sounds shit tbh because 14-16 is hardly a difficult size.

What about booking a personal shopper in Debenhams or John Lewis?

[Jamonfirst]

Thanks- have done JL before and picked up a couple of bits but the PS there did say that they didn’t have much petite stuff. Did get some nice Hush tops that I could get away with but most bits were just too long in proportions - happy to tailor bits if just arm/leg

[dontgobaconmyheart]

It's not really her fault if the retailer she works in doesnt cater for that sizing in petite OP, to be fair. She can't produce clothing from nowhere and most high street retailers don't provide for the less common measurements.

Perhaps google for plus size petite retailers, or look through the petite ranges on sites and see if anything could work or be made to work by altering it for your height from the standard ranges? Might be easier.

55 isn't old though OP- wear what you like and have fun with it!

[Jamonfirst]

It's not really her fault if the retailer she works in doesnt cater for that sizing in petite OP, to be fair. Oh yes, completely agree but that was the JL lady not the independent PS. Am trying to hunt down any ‘looks on insta atm but will take any help

[Dreamersandwishers]

Sounds pretty poor, that’s a shame. I had a couple of hours with a personal stylist in John Lewis last summer. I am about your age.
She was great. I completed a questionnaire and gave them an idea of what I wanted (summer wardrobe makeover).
I was told to come in an outfit I liked. When I arrived she had preselected a range of stuff for me to try and she helped me style it. We had a walk through the store to pick more stuff, then I made my selections. No pressure to buy but of course I did, and went back for more next month.
I might wait a bit until the new stock is in.

[Dreamersandwishers]

Sorry I was so busy typing I missed that you’d done JLs already x

[MadamePewter]

Try ASOS petite range. Yes, some stuff is very young, but there’s tons of other stuff, you might like it from how you describe your ideal style. It’s also cheap, so you can experiment and easy to return if you don’t like it.

[Lojoh]

The average woman in England weighs 11 stone (70.2kg) and is 5ft 3in tall (161.6cm), or was in 2010, so yes it's really her failure. How shit of her.

[Jaxhog]

I went to Fenwicks a few years ago. I'm also short and chubby (size 20), so I wasn't sure what to expect. She had a whole rail of clothes that both fitted and looked good. I would never have found them in-store in a month of Sundays!

[Jamonfirst]

In fairness to JL when I needed a posh frock that was better. Will peruse ASOS now - thanks for the heads up!

[Herocomplex]

That’s really poor, especially as she probably works on word of mouth recommendations.

[Jaxhog]

I meant to add that if they could do this for me, I'm betting you'd be even easier. (It was Fenwicks in London).

[Jamonfirst]

Thanks Jaxhog will give Fenwicks a shot too

[Sooverthemill]

I'm surprised that JL doesn't have a good range of petite ( from your previous session) as I'm 5'1 and often used them. And the private one sounds shit! If you'd sent all the info she should have declined the booking! Try other places or another private one ( Beth Goodrham for example). A store based one is free so a good option. For petites, try Boden, Wallis and Principles for ranges that are wide and reasonably priced. Boden does very easy returns too

[Sooverthemill]

look here for petite blog

[SorryDidISayThatOutLoud]

I am a similar height/size/age to you, OP. I get jeans/leggings from Next and almost everything else from White Stuff and Boden.

[Jamonfirst]

Thanks sooverthemill that blog looks great! Didn’t realise Boden did petites so off to check them out now

[Blibbyblobby]

Ooo I am similar shape, age and style to you.

I’ve started using Stitchfix and found it pretty good so far. I’ve returned about 1/3 of their suggestions which isn’t a bad hit rate.

[AutumnRose1]

that's mad OP

friend of mine who is probably size 18-20 just used Debenhams, I think. She was very happy with it. She is about 5ft 2 I think.

[LaurieFairyCake]

I'm a short hourglass. I buy from Boden, Brora (in the sale), phase eight, Saint bustier for posh, Nancy Mac for posh. Also White company for tops, not too long.

M and S do the best jeans for me (always have to wear a belt as I'm very hourglass) - the Ivy Skinny jeans at £19.50. Total bargain.

[bridgetreilly]

That is pretty poor. 14/16 should not be hard, even in petite fit.

I'm curious how it works with a private personal shopper though. Do you still have to trawl round all the shops but with her bringing you the stuff to try on? Or does she get lots of things sent to her and then return what you don't buy? Or what?

[FormerlyFrikadela01]

Can second asos petite. My mum buys shit loads off there and always looks good. Shes in her 50s too. You just have to look past some of the styling on the models I think (they seem obsessed with crop tops at the moment).

[Chewbecca]

That’s rubbish of the personal shopper.

Boden petite only go up to a 14 so no good for me, I’m 5ft 0 and 16-18.

Wallis petite jeans work well for me but I dislike their tops/dresses, very cheap & polyester-y.

I have one or two great tops from Fenn Wright Manson petite. Mint Velvet tops also fit me well.

[mummmy2017]

Laura Ashley have some amazing dresses.