Trying to find clothes that you feel good in can be extremely difficult, take it from me, a serial online shopper that needs to be stopped.
I've spent a big chunk of my life either a) stressing about what to wear on a social occasion or b) lacking confidence in an outfit. As we venture into the autumnal season it was now officially time for me to stress over something else - transitional outfits.
Don't get me wrong, I already have a whole bunch of lovely clothes in my wardrobe, but I'm missing a few staple items that I just can't seem to find myself. I've been on the hunt for a good pair of jeans that fit me nicely for years (no exaggeration ) and I really wanted some expert advice on what would flatter my figure the most.
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That's why I decided to book myself in for a 'Personal Styling Experience' at John Lewis in Liverpool, a service I actually couldn't believe was free of charge. I've walked past their personal styling studio many of times when trying on clothes and often wondered how much it would be - the answer is no cost at all!
I booked in for a 1-2 hour experience and had to fill out a form prior to my visit on what I wanted to get out of the experience. I also filled in some key details about myself, including my age, hair colour, eye colour and height.
On the form, I was also asked about a minimum spend (with the options of £200+) I decided to leave that part blank, as John Lewis specifically specify when booking that there is no obligation to buy. After filling in the form, I was ready for my appointment, and honestly? I was a little nervous.
The appointment
Nerves got the better of me for the start of my appointment, but they soon disappeared as I entered the absolutely stunning 'Style Lounge'. This room smelt like fresh clothes and Chanel perfume, a dreamy scent to many, I'm sure.
I was greeted by my stylist Diane who had a little chat with me about why I was there. On the form I'd stated I wanted to find a good pair of jeans and some autumnal outfits for a wardrobe refresh.
She offered me a glass of prosecco whilst I was sat in my chair, to which of course I gracefully accepted, and let me know that she'd be popping out for 15/20 minutes. In this time, Diane was going to find me a clothes rail of options for me to pick through and try on and I was very excited.
As I sat there and glanced around the room, I actually felt so glamorous. At one point, I thought to myself "I wonder if this is how a Kardashian would feel?"
After a few big gulps of prosecco, Diane was back with a huge rail of clothes filled with colour and style. She'd really gone out to pick a good variety of pieces, particularly focusing on jeans and long midi dresses after I specified my requirements.
I'll be honest, there were a few things on the rail that I wouldn't usually go for, but I suppose that was all part of the fun. Coming out of my comfort zone and finding a style I know suits me and my body type was really what I wanted.
I tried on numerous pairs of stunning jeans from big brands such as Whistles and Levis. I knew I'd been really listened to, because I absolutely adored the look of all the jeans.
What I really liked about my appointment was the fact that Diane was honest with me. Of course, it wasn't brutal honesty, but she would tell me if something didn't look right on my body, and head out onto the shop floor to see if she could find me something better.
I became a little disheartened with finding the perfect pair of jeans after struggling to fit in three different pairs, until I found my holy grail pair that I knew I had to take home with me. Priced at a hefty £110, the Levi's 'Ribcage' jeans looked absolutely stunning, I was even more in love after trying them on.
After just under an hour, John Lewis helped me find my trusty pair of jeans that I know I'm going to wear all the time. I'd actually been looking at Levi's jeans for a good while prior to the appointment, but was so overwhelmed with the options that I needed some expert help.
As the appointment went on, Diane brought me a fantastic range of different outfits to try, all with that autumnal aesthetic I was after. From 'grungey' midi skirts from AllSaints to thick black cardigans from Mango, Diane seemed to know my style more than I did, and I was very impressed.
Next on the agenda was a good sturdy pair of winter boots. Having previously read (and wrote) about the John Lewis Anyday Purcell Leather Chelsea Boots, I was over the moon when Diane brought them in for me.
I'd seen that they were sold out on line due to sheer popularity, so I was mega chuffed to try them on and realise that they are totally and utterly worth the hype. Seriously, these boots were like walking on a cloud, and they were definitely coming home with me.
I also tried on a few midi dresses and more occasionwear dresses but nothing really jumped out to me. Diane was honest in what looked nice and what I could look better in and I really appreciated her honesty.
The verdict
I've been asking myself since going to my appointment why it's taken me so long to do something like this. I've had months of asking my boyfriend whether something looks okay on me for him to politely say yes, but never the opinion of a professional.
After being so nervous, I was amazed at the comfortable and relaxing environment. I felt like I'd known Diane for longer than an hour, and that I could really value her opinion.
I didn't feel pushed or coerced into buying anything which I was really quite nervous about at first. If something didn't look right on me, I was told, and not forced to purchase something I didn't want.
I'd recommend this free service to anyone who has a special occasion coming up or just wants a general wardrobe refresh. I came home with an amazing pair of boots, the perfect pair of jeans and a versatile red midi dress.
Book your John Lewis 'personal styling experience' here.
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