Debenhams Personal Shopper - any good?

[flewlady]

Since I'm so obviously style-clueless, I'm thinking about booking a Debenhams shopper in Cambridge next week, what should I expect?

I'm thinking about a wardrobe update session - 2 hours. Should I wear something I don't know how to style?

Has anyone done this?

I've used them once, I went with both mothers of bride and groom. I was sister of the bride so just looking for a nice outfit.
I laid out my reqs, ie what neck lines I prefer and length but said I was open to any colour etc
mothers were both open about their usual style and what they were comfortable with.
my outfits were nice but weddingy ie I thought could only be worn at wedding and v expensive for just one day. One was slightly tight and everyone was ooh lovely get that and they didn't intervene or offer alternatives.
My mum had some nice choices and opened her eyes to new styles and she found similar cheaper elsewhere but the mother of the groom got sorted. She looked fab and I think it was a style she would not have gone for herself.
Overall it was a nice experience but I think just taking a good friend and letting them pick stuff is just as good.
Would I do it again? No

Do you have to pay or is their an obligation to buy something ?

It's free and no obligation to buy - although since I'm looking to update my entire wardrobe surely I'll buy something!

Thanks hoolit!

I wouldn't do it again either. I went with my sister for her birthday a few years ago. the personal shopper was a lot younger than us and neither stylish or trendy.
she asked us loads of questions about our style , what we were looking for, what colours etc.
she bought us a load of stuff that was way to old looking-suited more to late fifties/sixties(we were early forties).
I specifically said I didn't like the nautical stuff that was around, so she got me lots of navy and white striped things and one top even had an anchor on
the room where we waited ages while she went to get the stuff was a bit claustrophobic- we could have been out in the shop looking ourselves. finally on her third trip she did find me a lovely dress-but not in my size! we were there ages and my sister bought a sun top and I got nothing.
worse was as we were leaving I saw a couple of nice things I would've loved to try on but there wasn't time as the shop was shutting.
you could have a completely different experience, hopefully.

Hmmm, thanks foxdongle, will get there before the apt and have a scoot around myself as well.

Personally I'd say no. I went in and was honest that I felt I needed a new style completely. She just kept bringing me newer versions of what I was wearing already. Plus I said high necked clothes didn't suit me because of big chest ... And everything had a high neck !?!?

Debenhams are shit because their clothing is generally shit unless you have a store with good concessions. You'd be better with John Lewis.

I went in this afternoon to have a look-see but everything was horrid - couldn't see anything I'd want to take into the changing room never mind spend two hours trying on

Thanks for your input ladies, it made it a lot easier. Will have a look at JL instead.

Ah I was also going to suggest John Lewis. There are loads of nice things in the Cambridge store

I was in Debenhams today (needed the loo) and thought the clothes were shocking.
Worse than House of Fraser if that is possible