Calling all MN style experts

[strawberry]

I've got an appointment at the weekend with a personal shopper so what should I be looking for? I need everyday stuff rather than going out gladrags. What key pieces should I have in my 'capsule wardrobe'? I'd like to be smart-ish, more up-to-date but not too trendy. TIA

A really really good pair of jeans. A decent pair will never date IMO.
Same goes for a coat.

I also find plain long and short sleeved tops are a great basic to have.

Are you going to a department store?

Decent pair of trousers
Shirt
Dress to wear in day (for instance a wrap round one)
Jeans
Coat

Thanks nbg. Is there a particular brand of jeans that you would recommend? I'm going to Selfridges.

I'd look for a couple of pair of trousers, a couple of dresses, three thin sweaters, three thin cotton tops, a smock top, one very warm sweater. A couple of pairs of boots. A lovely bag. A coat.

Everything to go with everything as far as possible. Choose a colour scheme like beige/grey/black with a bit of pink/white (though you could break out on the dresses a bit).

smart but casual trousers and comfy shoes/boots to wear with them.

casual skirt and top

fab fitting jeans

casual jacket

smart coat

great bra

stylish belt

necklace to liven the above up

all co-ordinating

Seven for all Mankind are meant to be a great brand.

Are you aware of what body shape you are and what suits you etc?

I know what my problem areas are! I am slimish but would like a smaller bottom and have the stomach of a woman in her thirties with 2ds's. I think that sums it up really. I was hoping for some links to lovely clothes...

Selfridges IS THE PLACE to get your perfect pair of jeans fitted.

Also shirts. I think shirts are undervalued. I have lots of shirts, easy with a black jumper, jeans, skirt, boots etc. And more forgiving than long-sleeved tops, but then that depends on your age and need for strutcture I suppose.

I like tank-tops too. Though they are hardly capsule wardrobe item I suppose.

not such an expert on Selfridges but just to say you MUST go to Jigsaw afterwards - their sale starts on Weds morning (yes, it's always dead late) and it is usually the bees knees.

m&s limited edition 3/4 length sleeve t shirts are v nice, have them in black and a sort of darkish bluey green.

get some wideleg smartish trousers - look good with trainers as well as heels

uniqlo cashmere sale. their jeans are supposed to be de-rigeur atm too.

a new lipstick - that tones with your skin/new clothes purchases

wrap dress/leggings/boots

simple coat (I got one with 3 buttons from peacocks for £30 just before christmas, it's fine)

a nice dressy shirt

good accessories you can wear together/separately

nice handbag - gap has some for £20 that are reduced from £50