Personal shopper appointment: John Lewis vs House of Fraser

[MrsD28]

Does anyone have any experience of personal shopping / stylist services at John Lewis or House of Fraser?

I am in need of some serious style help - after having a baby last year I feel as if I have completely lost my ability to choose / wear clothes (not helped by the extra stone that I still haven't been able to shake).

I am thinking of booking a personal shopper session to kick start a refresh of my wardrobe, as I am sick of feeling frumpy (particularly at work). I have found recommendations for both John Lewis and House of Fraser but they are all a few years old. Does anyone have more recent experience? Or any other suggestions (I am close to central London).

If it helps, I am in my mid-thirties, between a 10 and a 14 depending on the item, and I work in a creative industry, so need to look smart but not dull.

I’ve no experience of House of Fraser but took my mother to John Lewis Oxford Street for a personal shopper appointment for something to wear to an investiture. I explained all of this and her size/style when we booked and they seemed to have no record kept anywhere of what she wanted. She’s a size 18 and the shopper kept saying “I don’t think we have very much outsize stock” over and over and came back with some very inappropriate casual looks. I would have thought that John Lewis would be very used to dressing women of a certain age for the palace. Our complaint was brushed off and we ended up in House of Fraser doing our own shopping and all was well but I’d never recommend John Lewis Oxford Street personal shopping service. It was supposed to be a treat and the woman effectively called my mother fat.

Don’t get me started on Selfridges where the shopper first called me sir and then told me I need to hide my hips as they’re a figure flaw - nope mate, they’re just hips, it’s how a woman’s body is shaped.

I booked myself a personal shopping experience at Peter Jones for much the same reasons. Despite filling in the form to explain exactly what I wanted, I still had to explain it all on the day which wasn't confidence inspiring. Personal shopper was very nice but was from the 'tell it like is is' school of fashion advice - her colleague looked me up and down and said, 'When you want to lose it, you'll lose it.'

I am a size 14. Thanks.

Thank you for the insight - sorry to hear that your mum had such a bad experience :(

I am definitely not cool (or wealthy) enough for Selfridges... I already feel pretty ashamed of my frumpiness and I imagine that they would make me feel 1000x worse.

Go to Hobbs, Hugo Boss, Kooples, or Ted Baker or Reiss in Canary Wharf and discretely ask the shop assistant to choose a few pieces they think might suit you. The service there seems to be far, far superior than bespoke personal shopper rip offs.

Holly how rude of her!

Is this thread for real? How rude... Have you got a friend whose opinion you value? Perhaps they could help?

I had the same bad experience from Debenhams personal shopping. I am 5.1’ and had told them could they keep some dresses in petite and the lady kept bringing long dresses and said we don’t do petite dresses. Well she didn’t say there weren’t any in stock while booking. I had very good experience in monsoon it wasn’t even a personal shopper. I was browsing and the staff were helpful when I liked a top and wanted my size. M&S staff have been helpful when I go for basics like everyday T-shirts or trousers.

I used a stylist/personal shopper called Caroline McLeod-Smith who runs the Style Bureau when I needed some 'back to work clothes' after maternity leave. She was recommended on a thread on mumsnet and I'd recommend her too. I was a bit nervous she was going to recommend all high-end stuff - but she recommended loads of high-street shops and had had stuff put by for me to try on. It was a super efficient way to shop.

I had a horrible experience in John Lewis as well, when I was plus size. Told them beforehand etc, on the day the only thing they had in my size was eastex, which didn't meet the brief. She kept saying things like 'maybe you'd get more choice in someplace like Evans'. I was so upset. Conversely, I had a great experience the other day in there with one of the window dressers. She saw me dithering in front of a mirror with a coat, and she came over, said it was too big, asked the type of thing I liked, and whipped round the concession and brought me 5 coats she thought would suit me.

I just had a rubbish experience at John Lewis is oxford street.... I told her what colours I liked (and suited me) and she brought me the total opposite - weird, especially as they offer a colours diagnosis service too. And it was massively frumpy- loads of Phase 8 when I told her I didn't like the brand. Just odd she didn't listen...

I had a brilliant experience at John Lewis recently. Back at work post maternity leave, now size 14-16 so none of my pre baby stuff fitted. The personal stylist was amazing, really listened to what I wanted and within 2 hours had sorted me an entire new capsule work wardrobe (approx 10 outfits) for £700. I was under absolutely no obligation to buy though. I'd definitely do it again. I guess it really depends on who you get and whether they get your style quickly.

I've had excellent experience with JL. DH too! DH needed a wardrobe refresh and actually felt it was a decent way of shopping!

I think it can be a great idea, and it hasn't put me off - the reason I booked a personal shopper was specifically because I wanted a fresh pair of eyes, and a professional take on what was current. I just think sometimes you don't quite gel with the shopper and if you're there because you feel a bit frumpy/fat/out of touch, you're already feeling vulnerable, and a good personal shopper will adapt her approach accordingly.

As in, 'This will show off your lovely shapely calves', as opposed to, 'This'll hide your big arse'... kind of thing.

Any recommendations for great personal shoppers in other branches?

I had a great experience at JL Oxford Street - she really listened to what I wanted. So good I went back again and asked for the same lady, this time for workwear.

Jeez the customer service part isn’t exactly rocket science! These big companies can be so lazy when it comes to training customer service. It makes a huge difference to customers.

hello there, after scrolling all the messages in this discussion, a thought has come to my mind...I COULD HELP!

I would like to add that I had a very very bad experience at John Lewis Brent Cross - they did not listen to a word I said, got cross when I didn't like their choices - even though i had explained what I liked (this was when I had lost the weight). I had an excellent experience at Debenhams Harrow when I was over weight and she never mentioned my weight and was lovely. Had a good experience at TopShop Westfield where all of the shoppers have been so so so kind to my daughter when shopping. No pressure, great choices.

I had a session at John Lewis a few months back. Im mid 30s and size 14. Was a positive experience, she really listened to what I liked, what the clothes were for, there was no pressure to buy lots and I left with 3 outfits that I was really pleased with.