Has anyone used a personal shopper and what do you think is a reasonable budget?

[SandyChick]

Hello, has anyone used a personal shopper? Was it a success? Im thinking of using House of Fraser as they have Warehouse/Oasis/french connection etc

Do you think £150 is enough to put together a casual capsule wardrobe? I have shoes etc just after maybe a pair of bottoms and some tops etc

My DD did work experience in the Personal Shopper department at Debenhams, and I have a friend who has used them several times. DD said there is NO pressure to buy - they see it as a sort of awareness-raising exercise and are happy if you say you're going away to think about it, because people often come back & buy later on. Friend has bought a wedding outfit, a top and a pair of jeans (separate occasions) so don't worry if you only want to buy one thing.

DD said that a sandy-haired, quite plump lady came in wearing beige slacks & brown jumper. The personal shopper put her in a blue/green dress and cardi that made her look curvy and the transformation was stunning - she looked amazing. They get you to try things you never would usually.

As for your budget - in Debenhams they have dresses from £40 - £60, trousers from say £20 to £50... it's hard to say really.

Good luck!

I had a personal shopper in Top Shop once and spent about £150.

I'd gone into the changing rooms with about 20 items and they asked if I wanted to see their personal shopper. I was shopping without DC for once so thought why not? It was lots of fun. No rush, no pressure, tried things I never would have thought of.

And of course, they know exactly what's in stock so if you like a parricular piece, they can suggest something to go with it.

Do it!

I've used the personal shopper at Debenhams. I don't have time to trail round the shops now that I have DS and I had quite specific criteria: dress long enough to wear by itself but short enough to wear with jeans/leggings, vaguely rocky summer festival look, and suitable for breastfeeding in. She was excellent and brought me about 10 dresses to try on, lots were lovely and flattering. The one I bought was £40-ish, which is more than I would have usually spent, but it was worth it as I wore it loads and will hopefully be wearing it again this summer once I've had DC2.

I think the best thing was that she was really familiar with the stock, so was quick to pick out things that would work.

£150 sounds like a fine budget for what you're after. I'd definitely recommend it.

i can also recommend the john lewis personal shoppers

honestly, you don't have to buy if you don't see anything you like

last time i went looking for a dress for a big night out, but nothing suited. i left with only a pair of sale trousers £20 i spotted on the way in

your budget is fine

book now, they get very busy. good luck

I've just booked Selfridges personal shopper thinking I'd have a few hours child free to get some smart trousers and skirts that actually fit. I had a budget of £300 - £500 in mind, when I booked they mentioned a minimum budget of £1000, but I might have misunderstood that (couldn't hear that well over DD's xylophone). Now I'm worried I'll end up blowing my budget & feeling pressured to buy stuff that'll date and then still have nothing to wear. Does anyone have experience of Selfridges personal shoppers and budgets? Should I cancel?