Have you tried a personal shopper in a store?

[Wiggy29]

Where was it and what did you think of the experience? I've just had my second child and totally lost my style mojo. I'm fine with 'dressy' stuff for when we go for food etc, it's day to day stuff I'm struggling with, I either feel I'm dressing too young or too frumpy (I'm 31). I don't want high fashion, but don't want to be dressed older than my years either. Ideas anybody?

Yes at House of Fraser about 6months after DD2 was born. It was fantastic. The personal shopper understood exactly what I was after. I said that I go for high street stuff so she stuck to Oasis, warehouse, mango, therapy etc rather than Ted Baker, Hobbs etc.
She got me into skinny jeans which I had never previously worn and found loads of other lovely stuff for day to day wear.
It was the most relaxing and productive shopping trip I have ever had.

Can you tell that I liked it?

Ohhh great, I have a HOF about 20 minutes from me, I'm going to see if they have one there. Was there a lot of pressure to buy loads?

No pressure to buy -- I have been to House of Fraser; Debenhams; John Lewis.

If you're in SW London I can recommend Caroline of the The Style Bureau - she's not linked to a department store though. I used her before going back to work - she opened my eyes to things I would never have considered before and love.

No pressure to buy. She explained up front that she didn't get commission.

I had a wonderful time recently with Becky at Fenwicks on Bond Street. She really 'got' my style and needs and I ended up with some things I love and that I wouldn't have got otherwise. I have generally had good experiences with Personal Shoppers.

The only bad time was in Selfridges, with Sandy the guy who escaped from the Big Brother 3's house (the year Jade Goody exploded into celebrity). He had some strange ideas...

I also have good experience of house of Fraser (Bristol). I went in just wanting some jeans that actually bloody fit. I was prepared to spend a bit more than usual to get the right ones and as I wear them all the bloody time. She took one look at me and went to get about 7 pairs of jeans. They all fitted and I just had to choose the ones which flattered/suited me. Ace .

I went to John Lewis (Bluewater) about a month ago for same reasons as you. A bit of a mixed experience as the shopper got her wires crossed and thought I was working (I'm not) so initially brought out a load of stuff perfect for work but too smart / impractical for looking after 3 year old DS!. However I tried loads on and there was no pressure to buy anything. It's given me a much better idea of what is currently out there and what suits me. So overall very useful

Debenhams were really good, in Oxford St. But never go to Selfridges, it was such a terrible experience my friend and I still have to laugh over it. What was worse was that we heard another stylist being incredibly rude to a new mum, just trying to get herself together after the baby, sneered and tutted at her because she had a tummy and a paltry £500 to spend. We were mortified on her behalf.

I've done it in Debenhams. My dm and dsis have both tried John Lewis and dh (sssh!) tried out HoF.

We all had a really good experience. I should do it again really - it was a very efficient way to shop for a start. Lovely big changing room, we had a chat and then I sat with a coffee and a magazine while she whizzed round the store. Very nice way to shop.

Thank you, I live in the north so I'm going to try HOF and, depending on how that goes, perhaps Debenhams too. Thank you again for all your advice.x

ROFL at Bearleigh I think I also had him some years back. Was a dreadful experience. He told me that he didn't want to burst my bubble but there was no way I would find a full length dress for under 2,000 pounds.

I've gone to John Lewis since then and had AMAZING experiences.

I have used the Personal Shopping service at Topshop since 2009. Originally at Brent Cross and now at Westfield. Would definitely recommend.

I was just about to say, don't go to Topshop then I read your reply Umiaisha! My personal shopper just tried to put me in whatever was bang in fashion with no regard to my body shape. She had me in a crop top and these pajama trouser things with an elasticated ankle. I have big boobs and skinny legs and looked ridiculous! Yours must have been much better :)

Thanks folks, I've left my details with local HOF, I'll see how I get on there but willing to explore Debenhams/ Topshop/ John Lewis (bit dubious about Topshop as don't want to spend loads on high fashion stuff I won't be wearing next year).

I've used them a few times. Off to JL for an express 1 hr slot on Saturday in fact!