John Lewis personal shopper experience…any good?

[Artyfarty555]

A friend has booked a personal shopper experience or something of a similar name at John Lewis, to update or kick start “her look”?? ..erm not sure what she means.
Just wondering if anyone has ever done this and has it been beneficial? Is it better to go with an open mind or better to have an idea of what you want.
Sometimes l struggle with the ‘ going out with the girls’ pub, pizza…nothing too glam but a bit dressy…I’ve no idea other than jeans and a blouse.
I must admit I’m quite tempted as at 55 l think it wouldn’t hurt as l find some shops a bit too bare midriff and others a bit too formal… and might like a few different ideas? Apparently it’s free although l do wonder if you feel under pressure to buy their recommendations.
Any suggestions on how to get the most out of a session, what to expect or any advice?
Thanks x

I went several times in Debenhams and once in JL. For me, I find it hard work and tiring looking through the shelves and I get bored very quickly. Sitting in a nice big changing room reading a book while someone else does the running around I enjoyed however (young DC, sitting is a real luxury). I went to Debenhams to get new work wear that fitted post children, JL was to find some bits to go with my wedding dress. Debenhams I preferred as they had a mix of styles that better matched my style and budget, I didn't go back to JL as I was worried it would be too expensive. If I wasn't mostly working from home now so not really needing work wear I'd give JL a go again now Debenhams isn't an option - it's not like you have to buy anything.

I took my mother to Oxford Street because she needed something for an event. Filled in the form online with all the details about her and what she was after. Seemingly pointlessly as we had to repeat the whole lot when we got to store.

The assistant looked my mother up and down and said in a pointed voice “I’m not sure we have much outsize clothing here”. She was a 16/18 so whilst not small certainly not of the size that isn’t catered for in John bloody Lewis. She was upset. I was embarrassed as I’d organised it as a treat for her for her special event. Needless to say we didn’t stay. I complained and was offered a free cake for the hurt feelings (we didn’t take it up, I just wanted to ensure that the assistant was more careful with her language).

I had a worse experience in Selfridges where the man there called me a man and then fell about laughing when I pointed out that I’m female. Then told me my hips (size 8/10 hourglass) were a figure flaw and needed hiding so put me in a succession of tents.

I think personal shopping is only as good as the shopper you get. And there are some truly dreadful ones.

I recently had an awful experience at the Brent Cross branch. Did not ask much just my size, didnt listen to anything said, just went in and out bringing truly horrendous outfits - no interest in listening when I explained why the selection didnt suit. Just a sales ploy - not a styling session. I also witnessed another “stylist” convincing a slightly vulnerable sounding individual that a dress really suited them when it was frighteningly terrible.

I went recently to the Oxford Street one and had a great experience. She listened to what I wanted and found me lots of really nice stuff, advised me on colours and shapes that work well for me and in 90 minutes I was completely sorted for the next few months. Completely worth it.

Used personal shopper/ stylist, recently In JL Liverpool, to find wedding outfit/ dress. Went with sister. They didn't seem to have any clue. They brought some horrendous dresses. Totally unsuitable. Just dresses, no jackets etc., even though winter.
Did buy one, but thinking better of it & having other opinions, will be taking it back Disappointing experience.

It's a great concept....however when you are 6 feet tall JL do not cater for you!!!

I did it recently with Molly at Southampton. You can look on the website and read about each stylist, which helps find one you might get in with. She called a couple of days before to ask about what I wanted.

I had thought very carefully about colours which suit me and clothes for my lifestyle. And my own personal style - very relaxed 😀 and told her all this.

When I got in the room she had already picked out a rail full and I was able to say yes/n/maybe and she went back and forth getting more stuff.

I would definitely do it again - maybe in 6 months time as it was so efficient - in an hour I had got everything I wanted and it would have taken me days to wander around the shop considering each item.
I have kept everything I bought, but then I'm not easily talked into parting with it, being from Yorkshire 😉

Don't expect much! My experience was very disappointing. They had no idea! Horrendous, unsuitable items brought.... in fact I am surprised some items even existed. Rather patronising attitude of 'stylist' .... Chose something, but am taking it back... A shame... so much lovely clothes to choose from. No petite fitting brought.

I would love to do this but sadly there are now no department stores that have any clothing suitable for petites. I do sometimes buy things from normal ranges, but JL have very few small sizes so that’s a bit useless for me.

Exactly this. I went to a personal shopper at Debenhams several years ago, which was pretty good at the time as Debenhams actually sold petites, and Précis still existed. Now that Debenhams no longer has shops and Précis have closed down, there’s no point.

I’ve had a couple of attempts at John Lewis and they didn’t have a clue what to do with me, didn’t have one single long winter coat that fitted me. I ended up finding one at a market stall! They are not trained stylists. I’m usually pretty good at dressing myself but it’s taken me years of trial and error. The reason I went to a stylist was to find something I was having trouble finding for myself, but at the end of day the stylist doesn’t know me and I’m better off persevering with finding something.

So if you’ve already walked round and round John Lewis and can’t find anything that fits, then no amount of personal stylist appointments are going to fix that.

I went to one in Cardiff. She was great!

I'm surprised at some of the negative comments on here. I've used JL personal stylist service a few times over the years and have always come away with things I would never have picked out myself. I remember very fondly a Hobbs tunic type top in very lightweight cotton that I wore over jeans. I wore it so much it eventually developed noticeable holes and I had to recycle it. I bloody loved that top.

Obviously some stylists get it right more often than others but I've never come away empty handed and they've always been respectful of my budget and have never commented adversely on my size or height even when I was a chunky 5ft tall, size 16.

My friend did it... honestly I felt she was wearing quite clichéd mumsy stuff and actually her own choices were better.

Used Debenhams, was great. Since used JL twice, they struggled with petite, but I came away with 2 dresses that my husband loved.

I’m surprised to see the comments here. I went a few times to House of Fraser, years ago, then last summer to JL with a friend who needed a fabulous outfit for a wedding. They were spot on for that and she looked amazing in a jumpsuit that she would never have tried on otherwise. While we were there I also tried some things (two stylists side by side) and bought four or five, nothing Earth-shattering but I’ve worn them all a lot and it is so much nicer to sit in a room and drink tea while somebody else runs to and fro finding different sizes, accessories and what have you. I would thoroughly recommend it

JL Bluewater personal shopper was terrific. Hit the brief exactly and I would never have selected what she did. Absolutely worth it.