The thought of having someone else pick out clothes for you can seem either brilliant or utterly terrifying, writes Clare Vooght. But, if you hate the weekend trudge around central London shops, it’s worth trying personal shopping.
First, some basic principles. Most high street personal shopping appointments are free and you specify what you want when you book. Then when you go in and let a style adviser tell you what works for you and, frankly, what doesn’t as you pick out an item, outfit or new wardrobe.
Topshop, Oxford Circus
This is definitely one for the fad-conscious, as customers get dressed in any of four of the season’s trends. This autumn/winter, they’re focusing on New Mod (androgynous and tailored), Prim and Polished (vintage-inspired), Glam Underground (1970s brash) and Bavaria (folky, furry and warm). My personal shopper brings me a selection from New Mod and Prim and Polished – some more flattering than others – then I choose the ones I like best. I finish with clothes that I wouldn’t have picked myself (pointy silver heels and some hot pink trousers) but some of them, I’d have bought (floral top with a Peter Pan collar).
Appointments range from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on what you want. Free.
The personal shopper has free reign of all the department’s brands, so you have plenty to choose from. I ask for a British countryside look and was put in a dark-green padded jacket, a knitted jumper, leather riding-style boots and some skinny jeans in a similar colour to the Topshop ones (maybe they’re trying to tell me something). It took several tries to find the right ensemble, but when we did, it was something I could carry off easily and not feel trussed up like a doll. The style adviser was attentive and made sure the clothes suited my shape.
Topshop
John Lewis, Oxford Street
The personal shopper has free reign of all the department’s brands, so you have plenty to choose from. I ask for a British countryside look and was put in a dark-green padded jacket, a knitted jumper, leather riding-style boots and some skinny jeans in a similar colour to the Topshop ones (maybe they’re trying to tell me something). It took several tries to find the right ensemble, but when we did, it was something I could carry off easily and not feel trussed up like a doll. The style adviser was attentive and made sure the clothes suited my shape.
An expert will help you pick that perfect pair of jeans or special outfit with emphasis on getting the best for your budget. They find you the latest – wearable – trends.
Former fashion magazine editor Lynette Peck Bateman runs a home personal shopping service. She’ll bring suitcases of vintage clothes to your door for one-to-one or group-shopping appointments.
Personal shoppers at Debenhams, Oxford Street, have loads of brands on tap. From quick fixes to wardrobe overhauls at Topman. Vintage Style Doctor tells you which retro clothes suit you best.
We are looking for a Corian Fabricator or a Carpenter/Joiner, the successful applicant will give full training in solid surface fabrication. Based in Watford (closest tube Moor Park), the applicant would be based in the workshop with onsite installat
We are looking for epic new bartenders to join Dirty Bones in our Soho and Carnaby locations. We’re a team that allows individuality to shine, where opportunities await you. We love what we do, and we’re always looking for talented, engaging peo
, Prim and Polished (vintage-inspired), Glam Underground (1970s brash) and Bavaria (folky, furry and warm). My personal shopper brings me a selection from New Mod and Prim and Polished – some more flattering than others – then I choose the ones I like best. I finish with clothes that I wouldn’t have picked myself (pointy silver heels and some hot pink trousers) but some of them, I’d have bought (floral top with a Peter Pan collar).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Appointments range from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on what you want. Free.</p>
<p>216 Oxford Street, W1D 1LA; <a href=)
Topshop
