Retail Rescue

Anna Laycock shares her thoughts on a Top-shopping experience

Personal stylists are no longer reserved for celebrities. The latest big thing to hit high street favourite Topshop is personal shopping. Now regular people like you and me can be styled for free by professional fashion stylists.

As a self-confessed shopaholic and massive fan of Topshop, I have been very eager to try out this service for a while but had been waiting until I had enough money to make the most of it. Luckily, I finally saved enough cash and attended my first Topshop Personal Shopping appointment at their flagship Oxford Circus store.

Although I was incredibly excited about the experience, I was also a little apprehensive. What if I did not like any of the clothes picked out for me? What if I felt pressured into spending money I did not have? Thankfully, I need not have worried. The personal stylists tailor the appointment to suit your needs, and are more than happy to go and get alternative items from the shop floor.

After booking my appointment online, Topshop sent me a form to fill out asking for my measurements, clothing size, hair and skin colour, my budget, and what I was looking to get out of the appointment. I wrote a couple of sentences explaining that I was looking for new autumn clothes, that I am quite feminine in my style and that my icons include Keira Knightley and Kate Middleton.

On the day of the appointment I went to the specially designated personal shopping area on the lower ground floor and checked in with the receptionist. The waiting area had comfy sofas covered in brightly coloured cushions and an array of current editions of the best fashion magazines displayed on the coffee table. It seemed like a world away from the manic crowds on the shop floor. Soon my two personal shoppers came to meet me, shook my hand, offered me a cup of tea and then took me through to my changing room.

Inside the room was a collection of outfits, jewellery, shoes and accessories beautifully displayed. There was a little armchair in the corner, and two mini Lola’s cupcakes and a couple of bottles of Evian on the side. Surrounded by gorgeous clothes and with cupcakes, I knew I could easily stay in this room a long time!

The stylists talked through the outfits, asked me which ones I liked the look of and recommended which ones I should try on first. After trying on each outfit, the stylists gave their opinions on how the clothes fitted and what to wear them with. They told me about the latest catwalk trends and how to wear clothes to suit your body shape. They emphasised that it is important to identify which body shape you are from your measurements – apple, straight, pear or hourglass – and then style your outfits to accentuate your best assets.

For hourglass and straight types it is best to emphasise your waist by cinching it in with a thin belt over a dress, or a high-waisted skirt. Apple shaped women should go for v-necked tops and empire waists, and pears should opt for long, flowing tunic tops and wear trousers or jeans that have a slight flare at the bottom. Whatever your body shape, it is always good to elongate your legs by wearing low or mid heels rather than flats and matching the colour of your trousers/tights with your shoes.

During my appointment I tried on so many beautiful clothes and learnt how to style them to suit my body shape. The stylists were lovely and did not pressure me into buying loads; in fact they were the ones reminding me to keep to my budget! I ended up purchasing three outfits and a pair of shoes, all of which I have found myself wearing frequently.

Personal shopping is a sophisticated way to shop. Away from the crowded sales floor and with a personal stylist on hand to attend to your fashion needs, the experience makes you feel like a celebrity. However, this does come at a price. The service may be free, but if you are anything like me you will probably end up spending an awful lot of money. Yet, Topshop do offer 10% off for students which can take quite a bit off the bill when you are making a large purchase. Overall, I would completely recommend Topshop personal shopping: it is perfect for a special occasion or when you feel the need to update your wardrobe!