Has anyone with a less than perfect figure used the services of a personal shopper?

[FlyingCat]

I'm going back to work in a month after a years maternity leave. I have definately not lost the baby weight - if anything my year of time spent home within easy reach of the kitchen and ocado on tap has made me even bigger than before...

So my work wardrobe doesn't even come close to fitting at the moment.

Add to that I'm going back to a new job in a new company andconsiderabley more senior than I was before - so want to make a good impression.

Based on the crap old clothes that I just took to the recycling I'm really not very good at choosing clothes so need some help...

So has anyone used a personal shopper, were they able to find clothes for a bigger lady that looked good? And was it a pleasant experience or did you feel judged?

Yes! I used it more in fact when I was bigger as I struggled to find outfits more then. They have helped me when pregnant / larger / smaller. Truly, they won't bat an eyelid!

I use Debenhams and house of fraiser usually.

I used house of colour colour and style day
Not cheap but really helped find clothes that I loved and suited me
I think it saved money in the long term and certainly time

I have no personal experience of this but I'd imagine you are exactly the kind of client who avails of personal shopping.
Have a lovely day out, treat yourself to lunch along with your new clothes

Yes, not me but my mum who is not body 'perfect' by any means. The personal shopper wasn't either - she was very talented at what she did and not intimidating as she was just normal. This was at debenhams. Mum also appreciated that she wasn't pushy and suggested some things that were absolute bargains

Yes but hadn't intended to use. Went to John Lewis intending to find some outfits to wear back at work like you. Tried some things on & tbh everything looked awful. Personal shopper just happened to be there. Sorted me out with a good bra which lifted & slimmed me no end. Totally different size to what I'd been wearing. Bought some size 12-14 clothes when I thought I was still a 16. Would do it again. I didn't spend a massive amount but they chose things which fitted well, looked good & increased my confidence. The bra was a revelation - I thought my smallish boobs had sagged & that was that.

Thanks ladies, very reassuring. I think I'm going to bite the bullet and book myself in.

Yes! On several recommendations, I used a girl called Hope from 48 London (in London but will travel) and she was so sweet and helpful and the clothes were not expensive. I felt really at ease with her.

Posted too soon! Have also done JL and another private one and did not enjoy at all. JL I felt pushed into buying lots of expensive stuff, such as many accessories that I'd said repeatedly I didn't want or need.