personal shopper advice

love_lifer

anyone know about personal shoppers in leeds/w yorks? i need some objective help updating my wardrobe and wondered if a PS is the way to go.

any experiences to share of such a service?

thanks

ladysparklexx

hi i have never seen them but i know big debenhams, john lewis's and most big department stores have them, phone around and have a chat with them,

mirandab

I went to a personal shopper at Debenhams a couple of weeks ago and they were really lovely, didn't have a huge amount to spend either. Bought a pair of knee high boots, 2 skirts and 2 tops.

Miranda

falc_2

I went to a personal shopper in Saks Fifth avenue and spent a whopping £900 or so £ (dollar was strong... what can I say??) I couldn't actually afford it, but it was fun and I find it hard to regret it. I had a fabulous personal shopper who found me lots of wonderful clothes all from the Elie Tahari range. I don't know, but I imagine Elie Tahari were paying her a fat commission. I didn't tip, feeling that $2000 was quite enough to be spending. The amazing thing about it was that she looked at me and then found wonderful trousers that actually fitted, something I find incredibly hard to achieve. Also, being a mother I don't have much time to think about what I wear, and she did it all in my toddler's nap - about 90 minutes in all!! What I would say about personal shopping is that you can expect to spend more than you mean to. I meant to spent $300 but it is so hard once you are in that changing room. Be warned. Maybe only take cash then you can't be tempted? Also go to somewhere you can actually afford and that you like. Top shop do a service which would be more reasonable. Harvey Nicks are probably amazing as would Selfridges be I imagine. Lyn Barber in the Observer has just written an article about this which you might want to check out on Guardian.co.uk. (search Lyn ?Lynn Barber personal shopper and it should come up in the last 3 weeks I think). Barber hired a private personal shopper which meant that she only spent money on the service - all the clothes came from Marks and Spencer so were pretty cheap. That said if you are feeling flush then Saks Fifth Avenue is fantastic - everyone is raving about my new clothes. Of course I wouldn't condone flying to New York - bad for the climate - but if you happen to be there anyway... Overall I would say that personal shopping is great, but perhaps it is wise to take a sceptical friend who will keep your judgement as they will obviously tell you everything looks wonderful as they want to sell the clothes.

love_lifer

thank you for all your helpful comments. will now try to find a brave personal shopper