Anyone had a style makeover/personal shopper/adviser type thing done?

[franch]

Having spent the last nearly 3 years either pregnant or breastfeeding and postnatal, I don't have a clue what my style is any more. Had a personal shopper at Selfridges once and didn't buy a thing she brought me - all too expensive and not exciting enough to justify the price. Feel like I need someone to really do a thorough Trinny & Susannah on me. Any recommendations?

Tell it to Mumsnet and we will sort you out!

Answer the following questions;

Do you work?
Do you see lots of people?
Do you need lots of different outfits to do different things?
do you socialise a lot?
Do you want to lose weight?
What is your hair like?
What is your skin like?

Do you work? Yes! At home! IE no
Do you see lots of people? Quite a few
Do you need lots of different outfits to do different things? Not at the moment but will hopefully get a life again soon ...
do you socialise a lot? Ditto
Do you want to lose weight? Am in the process of doing so, post-baby. Was planning the makeover as a reward when I get back to normal weight, altho I think my shape has changed for good (now all tummy and no boobs). This is my biggest issue - what to wear to suit my new body - as I used to be able to wear whatever I liked. My legs are still OK though and I quite like my shoulders and arms
What is your hair like? Sort of blondish, shoulder length, wavy.
What is your skin like? Very pale.

How old are you?
Are you still breastfeeding?
How much weight do you need to lose?

How old are you? approaching mid-30s
Are you still breastfeeding? yes
How much weight do you need to lose? Another 9lb

OK. I would wait til you have finished BF as your boobs will change dramatically.

After bfing is finished march straight to M&S and get a good expensive underwired bra that fits. You will have to be measured for it. And matching underwear. This will make you feel 100x better.

Now...you are thinnish, 20ish, blonde, with good arms so you arent difficult to work with. I am thinking some good jeans with nice tops for at home and seeing friends casually (and some boots)

Makeup wise...keep it simple. If you have good skin and no time then maybe some mascara and lip gloss.

A good pair of black trousers is worth paying out for as they can be dressed up or down. I am loathe to pay out for trendy things as they may not be trendy tomorrow.

Am off to bed now but will put you on my thread watch list and post tomorrow. Happy BFing!

20ish! In my dreams!

Yes you're right about boobs - when I said I had none I was anticipating them going back to how they were when I finished breastfeeding DD1.

It all sounds sensible in fact - when are you taking me shopping? Good jeans are a bit of a challenge for a big-bellied lady who's slim elsewhere. I want some skinny ones that I can wear under boots but my stomach just bulges over the waistband as they're all so low cut.

Where do you live franch?
My best friend is a personal shopper and she is fantastic! I think she charges a bit for the actual service but she will work within your budget for the actual clothes and shops (IE, will not go for only designer labels if your budget is high street)
She is really really kind too ... so won't say your bum looks awful in that but will find things that suit your shape ...
She is my bestest and dearest friend in the world and I have known her since we were 10.
Would you like me to contact her for you?

Night night collision, thanks, you've got me thinking!

Wow ghosty she sounds great! I live in London N1 but about to move to SW4

She lives in Surrey ... so it would be easy for you to meet up ...
Shall I drop her a line for you?

Am still here

SW4...where is that?

Would love to go shopping and would love to do this as a job!

Buy some Bridget Jones big knickers and they will flatten your stomach. Works for me.

Yes please ghosty! SW4 = Clapham collision

I really am off to bed! Hopefully chat tomorrow

Whereabouts in Surrey?! She sounds fantastic!

annh ... she lives in Cobham

There was an article in The Times last week by Caitlin Moran who had a Top Shop Party. It actually sounded fun and is free but better still the host gets a discount! Not sure if TopShop is for me but it would be a good way to find out as you would try on things you would never otherwise look at.

OMG Ghosty! I was just in the process of trying to find a personal shopper! I live near Epsom. How much does your friend charge! Sorry to highjack thread!

M&S have a pair of skinny jeans in a dark denim in Limited collection atm that are quite high waisted. But you may have to go up a size from your normal to get a good fit.

I found Debenhams pesonal shopping service excellent. Clothes are all mid-range pricewise, (I spent £500 and got 18 items - including jackets and jeans) and because they have so many different designers ranges there is bound to be at least one style you like. And there was no pressure to buy at all.

Thanks everyone. I had thought about a TopShop party yoyo - in the process of moving house so maybe not practical for a while, but perhaps once we've settled in.

Thanks prufrock, I'll check out those jeans.

anniemac as I mentioned below I didn't find the selfridges experience that great - my woman was actually very miffed when I didnt buy anything. Do you have the names of any Trinny & S types in London?

prufrock these are the only skinny M&S jeans I can find - Limited Collection doesnt seem to have any - ?

collision you're right about black trousers too altho I can't say I've ever found a pair I really loved. Have started a separate thread about this.

Hold on to try to see the style number>> 2003 689. But website says tehy are unavailable at the moment. It might be worth calling your nearest store to see if they have them in?

can't see why not, if he's good!