Which store has the best "Personal Shopper" experience

[MisSalLaneous]

especially if I'm limited by budget? I would prefer not to spend more than £500 max, and would need at least one each of work outfit, dress, jacket/cover thing etc.

I need to get some new key pieces, mainly for work, but I both dread and am useless at clothes shopping.

I've thought of Debenhams or John Lewis as they have a good range, so I could for example get a cheaper top with better trousers etc?

Has anyone done this? If so, any place you'd recommend?

I would say that either of those two would be good, but I'd caveat it by saying that one of the good things about a personalshopper is that they bring you things that you would NEVER pick up off the rack yourself - but this can sometimes mean that you buy something that you love on the day but don't feel brave enough for in RL when you get it home.

I have always had great fun at personal shopping (I used to go to Selfridge's pre-DS) but it wasn't always the best use of my budget as there was always ONE item which I didn't wear.

Good luck and enjoy btw

Thanks champagnesupernova. Would love Selfridges, but not sure if one dress only will solve my clothes dilemma, so will try one of those then.

I guess pressure to try something I wouldn't otherwise could be good though, as I keep looking at links online, but then can't really "see" myself in them. Maybe if I actually try them on it would be better.

I got kind of forced to do a mini-personal shopping a couple of weeks ago when I forgot about important meeting (was wearing too casual), and walked into Jigsaw with no time, throwing myself on the mercy of an excellent assistant there. She got me a (skirt) suit, top, shoes etc, all done within 30 mins - I walked out with new clothes on, straight to meeting! . And the weird thing is that, although it would not be something I otherwise would have chosen, I tried it on because I was desperate and didn't have time to argue, and it looks fab - and I've worn loads since.

I'm hoping I might get the same kind of thing from this, but with bigger range to choose from.

Have to say though, this is out of need. I HATE trying on clothes. My hips depress me. Seriously.

I've only tried JL and can highly recommend it.

One of the things she actually said was that if I didn't love it, I shouldn't buy it as really they only want people to buy things they love and will wear to death (so every time they wear it and people ask, they say "oh my personal shopper helped me choose it" rather than people saying "oh I bought something but then never wore it, personal shopper's a waste of money")

She offered to either walk round the store with me or do it by herself (having taken some info and budget/requirements from me). I preferred to let her do itby herself precisely so that I wouldn't be saying "ooh no, I don't wear that kind of hting" etc. V useful and she picked great stuff I wouldn't have looked at twice. I thought it was really useful.

Also it was a big spacious light changing room (to myself, with a rail of clothes all for me and a cup of tea while I waited. She also sat in the bit outside the changing area (all part of one big room, divided in two if that makes sense) so I could show her everything and get her opinion/feedback and also tell her what I thought. She went and fetched 3 lots of stuff for me, was v patient and it really really worked.

Hope it works out for you, there's quite a large price range in JL so the person should be able to select everything you want in your budget by choosing the right brands.

NorkilyChallenged, that sounds just perfect, I'll do it that way.

I've just made an appointment for Saturday morning, so fingers crossed.

Thanks to both of you for your help.