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Style and beauty

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Original poster

John Lewis 'personal stylist'.. any advice?

15 replies

Kemmo · 23/09/2013 09:37

Hi.
I've booked to see a 'personal stylist' later this week. Any advice?
I'm an awkward shape and struggle to find things that fit. (boobs wider than hips).
I find that when I go shopping I only ever seem to see the things that are just like what I already have.

My plan was to go in with a wishlist of things that I need, and to try and focus on wardrobe stables.

Anyone had good/bad experiences to share?

OP posts:

closetcat · 23/09/2013 10:08

I used them to get the basics together when I lost weight last year and needed to start my wardrobe from scratch. I was blown away by the fact that everything I ended up with was co-ordinated.

She made sure I started off with a great pair of jeans and we took it from there. If I had a item of clothing that I loved but wasn't working in my current wardrobe I'd take it on the day so you can fit things around it. Also, go wearing something that's 'you'.

I ended up with jeans, black trousers, navy trousers, black vest, white vest, 2 bright cashmere cardies and a long-line navy cardigan.

I went earlier this year to get sorted for a wedding and came away with a dress and jacket (perfectly unmatchy-matchy) plus other bits and bobs to keep me going.

The hardest bit is to start with as they're a bit hit and miss but as soon as something fits then they're off to co-ordinate it all together so don't give up and allow 2 hours max.

I've been delighted each time and I have to say the most important thing is to keep the receipts forever. I took back the jeans (NYDJ) because they stretched so much and were unwearable after 6 months.

YouHaveBeenOutbid · 23/09/2013 10:33

I'm going to be the voice of doom here, sorry! I think it totally depends on the individual stylist. I had a session last year and came away with 1 top which I later returned. I think she had decided based on the vital stats I gave before the big day what I should be wearing and was working to a formula. I didn't feel I was listened to much. I tried to give good feedback on the stuff she was suggesting and tried it all on even if I hated it on sight, just in case there was a hidden gem in her choices but it was all awful and I left disappointed.

I told her I like colour and don't wear black and was greeted by a whole rail of Mint Velvet shapeless grey wonders when I went in. I should have left at that point. She also insisted I force my flat feet into a pair of platform shoe boots with 5 inch heels. I'm not sure what the point of that was. They looked lovely but I was never going to be able to walk in them. 2 hours of my life I'll never get back sadly!

The whole experience hasn't put me off the idea of a personal shopper. I plan to do one at some point in House of Fraser and Debenhams but I wouldn't go back to John Lewis.

Original poster

Kemmo · 23/09/2013 11:40

Thanks both.
Good to hear both sides.

I guess I need to go in with a clear idea of where I am (and am not) happy to be flexible.

My dread is that I'll be bulldozed into buying overly expensive stuff that I'll never wear.

OP posts:

closetcat · 23/09/2013 12:49

Looking forward to reading about how you get on. Even if you are bulldozed you can take it all back! They have a very generous returns policy.

BeginnerSAHM · 23/09/2013 12:57

Does anybody have any particular recommendations? I imagine how well the process works depends quite a bit on the individual stylist you get...

BranchingOut · 23/09/2013 12:59

It was quite enjoyable, but no amazing revelations.

Give it a try - it is free and only your time to lose.

closetcat · 30/09/2013 10:09

How did it go kemmo?

Original poster

Kemmo · 30/09/2013 10:14

Hi
It was much as Branching said.
Enjoyable but not amazing.

We started with a bunch of frumpy (IMO) stuff from East. She was slightly offended when I said they were more like what my mum wears!

Then she switched to stuff from Phase Eight, which was better and they do fit really well. I bought a bunch of dresses. And she was really helpful showing me how to accessorise them, which is something I'm eally crap at.

My only regret is she talked me into some very expensive black jeans, which I've now worn twice and realise I won't wear very much as I'm much happier in dresses.

OP posts:

Original poster

Kemmo · 30/09/2013 10:15

Oh and she was useless on casual clothes. I asked for tops to go with the jeans and she found nothing.

OP posts:

closetcat · 30/09/2013 10:30

:( good and bad then. I got talked into NYDJ jeans at £140 and took them back after six months as they went baggy. I would take them back to the shop if I were you, you're not meant to feel lumbered with something.

Original poster

Kemmo · 30/09/2013 10:49

more good than bad I'd say :)

the jeans are NYDJ. I don't feel I can take back jeans that I've worn twice just because I don't really think I'll wear them. But I'll hold onto the receipt and take them back at the first sign of bagginess. Thanks for the tip.

OP posts:

shelley72 · 30/09/2013 14:29

I had consult with a personal shopper in JL after dd was born, she ALSO put me in a pair of NYDJ (which I too later returned). I felt that she didn't really listen to what I needed or what would suit my life. A purple silk dry clean only Ted baker top with a 4 month old that I couldn't feed in - didn't really work for me.

It's a shame because now just after dc3 I have really lost my way clothing wise and would love another go, maybe not with JL though, as lots of clothes in there seem too formal for my everyday SAHM life.

Original poster

Kemmo · 30/09/2013 15:41

The first thing I said to her was "no dry-clean only, or things that need lots of ironing". She wasn't best pleased with this, but to be fair she stuck to it.

But I agree it would be good to go somewhere with a less formal range. It was great for work stuff, but not for more everyday clothes.

Debenhams maybe?

OP posts:

ICantFindAFreeNickName · 01/10/2013 19:50

I think it depends on the stylist. I have used one in Debenhams a few times, she is lovely and really took on board what I wanted, ie no dry clean only outfits. She quickly learnt the sort of things that I like, but she does also try to get me to try other stuff, as I told her I was bored with my usual look. I love it when I come away with co-ordinated outfits. She is great at finding the perfect scarf or necklace to set off an outfit.
I would suggest trying Debenhams as they tend to have more casual clothes than JL, also you seem to get 10% off when using a personal shopper.

LeoandBoosmum · 01/10/2013 20:13

I'd start by reading tips online on how to balance out a top heavy figure (shapes, colours, styles eg necklines etc) and then I would take a trusted friend with a keen eye for fashion and try lots on for her in front of the mirror, being very analytical!
I wouldn't splurge on a stylist as they're not all that great...it can be hit and miss.. Better spend the cash on clothes! :)
Here is a decent guide to get you started!
samanthahannah.com/2013/02/22/how-to-style-big-boobs-slim-hips/

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