Personal shopping at John Lewis a disaster - where next?

[YouHaveBeenOutbid]

I went in asking for a few casual outfits that I could mix and match that didn't make me look older than I am (36). I came out with one tunic top that I think I'll take back :(

I'm really not sure how it all went so wrong! I was quite clear about what I didn't want - no skinny jeans, no heels, no black and yet she insisted I try squeezing myself into every pair of skinnies in the shop before admitting that no, my thighs didn't fit. Then it was heels, 5 inch heels. 'But these have a platform. They're really comfortable!' Err, nooo! I have flat feet, a 1 year old to run around after and I'm nearly 5 ft 10. I don't wear heels! They weren't remotely comfortable. Don't even start me on the dry clean only tops.

Is it me? I explained my lifestyle to her, casual, active, mum, like to be comfortable, not averse to skirts and dresses. I felt like she had decided what to dress me in before she met me and ignored my opinions. I tried to keep an open mind and tried on all suggestions just in case they looked great on. Is it worth repeating the experience in another shop or am I doomed to being an unfashionable fusspot forever?

I haven't tried a personal shopper, but have been out with a personal stylist. She works for herself, not a shop, so it can be pricey. It was a fantastic experience and I would recommend it

years ago i had a personal shopper experience at debenhams, i was a new mum mid 20's, i wanted a casual capsule wardrobe, made it clear i didn't do dresses/skirts/colour or pattern and those were the very things she dressed me in, i think it was all from principles too, making me look much older. I ended up spending a few hundred pounds and kept trying it on at home but eventually returned it for a refund, i did keep a pair of khaki linen trousers and a white cardigan that i wore lots. The girl who styled me was very young and not a mum. I've heard they are good if you need an outfit for a special occasion but not everyday dressing.

I'm a couple of years younger than you, bit shorter and a size 14 some times a 12. I can only wear skinny jeans if they are tucked into boots or with heels/wedges and i only where mid heels if i am going out for the night and to be honest i feel quite wobbly. I find straight legged jeans from fat face ideal for day time, i roll them up slightly if its warm and wear with flip flops or converse. I have lots of vests from h&m and fat face, some cardigans, and i have a thing for stripy tops. Scarves are good for plain outfits when it gets a bit cooler. Love cross body bags, other types just get in the way. I would say i mainly shop in h&m and fat face, if i wanted a nicer top i would try river island or new look. I'm not really shopping very much now i know what i like and suits, and dont try to follow all the trends ok to some its boring, but i got fed up of wasting money on things i wasnt sure about.

I hardly ever shop in next for myself think it was aging me and i kept seeing older woman wearing the same tops as me, i rarely wear my fit flops now as they are comfy but frumpy and i try to step away from the kipling/cath kidston bags. I find the staff in fat face quite helpful at making suggestions and i keep an eye on what they are wearing as it suits my life style, all i need to do now is drop 1 or 2 sizes and i will feel much happier.

I had a similar experience shopping in debs 3m post birth and bf. girl was too young, didn't get it and just cooed over dd.

However, I've had better experiences with older personal shoppers, one of whom introduced my to Not your daughters jeans and for that I will love her forever!

I have always used JL and found them to be very good. Can you re-appoint with a different store or shopper?

House of fraser might have one.

Debenhams have always been a disappointment to me.

Sorry this happened. I have had good experiences 2 different times at 2 differentJohn Lewis locations. I think you got a not very good personal shopper. I also did Debenham's where I had a a man and he just brought in a ton of the clothes I asked for and let me get on with it no pressure to buy. This things I have purchased at both stores I have worn loads. However I only purchased one thing at each outing.

I have also gone shopping with a personal stylist -- that was fab and I think I got a better put together outfit & better styling tips.

So IMO -- store based personal shoppers are good because they know what is in the store and you can sit in the room and try on different things; perhaps out of your comfort zone.

Personalist shopper better for helping pull together "looks" and complete outfits.

I plan to use both in the future.

I think I've just been unlucky then! This personal shopper was in her 50s so I think to her I was maybe as much a young 'un as a 20 something and should be dressed the same? Who knows. We definitely didn't gel.

Thanks miche8 for your tips. I'd have spent more going shopping with you ;)

I think I might go to another Scottish city with a JL (potentially outs self!). In fact I might go the whole hog and try Debenhams as well.

JL always endeavour to achieve good customer service so I would be minded to call and speak with someone and explain what happened. You didn't get what you asked for and she has effectively wasted your time (other than to confirm what you already knew about certain items not suiting your shape etc).

If you are in Glasgow, the staff in Mango in Buchanan galleries have always been amazing. It's free, no pressure and they listen. Sore is large enough to have many options too.

Store even!

'I don't do dresses/skirts/colour or pattern'

So actually all you wear is neutral trousers, shirts and woollens/jackets?

YY I would give JL some feedback too. Given that they've 'lost' money by not getting your custom and given how they operate (success for the compnay means a bigger bonus for them) then I would definitly give feedback to the store itself and JL as a whole.

How about house of fraser? I had a fantastic experience there. The personal shopper was a bit older than me but had kids and was very stylish. I was a bit intimidated at first but she completely understood what I was after and I ended up spending a fortune.