Have you used a personal stylist/shopper services and would you recommend it?

[MerryGoRoundBrain]

I don’t know what to wear. I’ve put on loads of weight, lost loads of weight, my body is just not the same and I really don’t know what to wear any more.
I have an obscene amount of clothes. Yet I somehow end up wearing jeans, t-shirts and blazers all the fucking time.
I’ve been looking at fashion blogs and pinterest, I’d love to be more edgy and stylish but nothing seems to work for me - I feel either like a kid who just discovered the dress up box or like an old lady taking a trip to frumpsville. There’s got to be something in between, hence the stylist/shopper idea.
Has anyone on here used one and would you recommend?

John Lewis. Not everything they’ve suggested has worked but I’ve always got something out of it, and bonus is it’s a free service so you’ve got nothing to lose. I did an online consultation in lockdown and it was really good, got a lovely jumpsuit and a couple of other pieces. I think they’re still offering it online.

I have also found the JL personal stylists good. I go to the big flagship JL at Westfield London. Even though my personal style is very specific, they have always always found me things that I love and that look great on and I never leave empty-handed.

OTOH online "styling services" like Lookiero, Thread and Stitchfix have all been utterly shit and have sent me completely blah stuff that isn't my style at all.

If you just want “get me out of my rut” styling, then I agree, John Lewis is a good suggestion. I have also used, and loved, Fenwick’s personal shopping service when I was starting a new job and wanted to overhaul my work wardrobe. The stylist showed me some great, well-fitting basics, and also some more exciting dresses - I bought quite a bit, and wore it all the time (pre-Covid, obviously!).

Another vote for JL, it takes time and as pp have said it's an evolution and not everything works.
I've done it a few times and came out with things I loved that I wouldn't have picked up by myself.
They also make it a nice, friendly and calm experience that feels like a treat.

I contacted stylist Lucy Clifford but she was a bit expensive for an in-person visit although does do video consultations. I spoke with someone this week who had used JL in Kingston and loved it. She had lost lots of weight and didn’t know her style. I’ve only seen her in gym kit so can’t really comment on her style now though. If it’s free I definitely think it’s worth it. I’m personally quite keen for someone to come and look through my wardrobe and give me some ideas because I’ve also lost weight and now have access to a wider range of clothes.

I have used John Lewis in the past too and found them really good. I agree with PP that it feels like a relaxing treat too (and I normally hate shopping). The first couple of items she brought weren’t really me, but she really listened to my feedback and I ended up buying lots of lovely items.

@Divebar2021

I contacted stylist Lucy Clifford but she was a bit expensive for an in-person visit although does do video consultations. I spoke with someone this week who had used JL in Kingston and loved it. She had lost lots of weight and didn’t know her style. I’ve only seen her in gym kit so can’t really comment on her style now though. If it’s free I definitely think it’s worth it. I’m personally quite keen for someone to come and look through my wardrobe and give me some ideas because I’ve also lost weight and now have access to a wider range of clothes.

I've been thinking about Cleo Lacey - I'm in such a rut im getting to the point it'll be money well spent.

How much was Lucy?

Thank you everyone. I’ll try John Lewis, I reckon with a few good basics I could make a better use of my existing wardrobe. If they could suggest a few accessories or bits of clothing to make my collection of white shirts work a bit better (don’t judge, I have over 40, they used to be my favourites in pre-covid life), it would be a bonus.

For those recommending John Lewis, can I please ask if any of you are petite? I can never seem to find things in the store for petite but wondering if a stylist would be able to help!

I am petite and had a total failure with a JL personal shopper. She ended the appointment early and I left empty handed as there was literally nothing in the shop that was suitable .

I'm petite and do fine there. Sometimes trousers etc are long and I have to get them shortened. My shortness is all in my legs though; my torso is a normal length. I'm generally pretty small all over. Some things just don't work but plenty do.

I think I'd get a bit frustrated though if their recommendations were all for things that needed altering - I'm no seamstress (putting it mildly!) so don't want to have to add £25-£30 alterations to the cost of every item.

@Louloulemony was everything unsuitable related to being petite? or just because of personal taste?

www.style-sos.com/book-online

@Karcheer this is the link to her site with prices ( those are online I think ). I chose her because I saw her on a TV programme and she was plus sized. I was a size 18 at the time and feeling very low about myself.

@Bananarama100

The lady I know who recommended JL is petite... she is under 5 ft.

Nothing fit. There were a lot of long floaty dresses trailing on the floor and tops that were too low cut for someone my height. It was a massive disappointment after I'd read on here how good it is usually.