Shopping like a star

WITH the credit crunch in full swing I was hoping to get out of the frivolous disposable fashion habit high street shoppers have been gripped by.

When you book in with personal shopper Sharon Dyson at Debenhams, pictured right, you’ll have a relaxing cup of tea or coffee while she shops til she drops for you — all for free.

Sharon will provide you with whatever fashion fix you need. On arrival at the store she will take you to a private suite. Here you will have a confidential consultation where she will ask you about your style preferences and measurements.

She will also go through the latest trends and styles to show you what is on offer.

Sharon took me up to the beauty floor where I was treated to a make-over at a counter of my choice. At Elizabeth Arden Chris gave me smoky eyes and pink lips, the real film star treatment as Sharon went off to find me a range of outfits to try. There is no obligation to buy and the results were perfect.

Back in the changing room and Sharon had completed my shopping.

Starting off with outfit one, a business look, all from the Debenhams collection.

The grey skirt comes in at £30, the jacket £45 and the blouse at £23.

Outfit two was a casual day look. Inspired by spring/summer sailor trends on the catwalk, Sharon again went to Red Herring. The jeans are £30, the camisole at £7 and cardigan at £22.

I could even take the look to night wear, outfit three, with a top from Red Herring at £16. Next up was the evening look, outfit four, with a bang on trend cocktail dress by Red Herring at £45 and a satin bolero jacket at £28.

Finally, for casual work wear, outfit five from Red Herring. The skirt comes in at £25, the jumper at £16 and the neck scarf at £7. The shoes, which go with all the looks, come in at £60 from Nine West in the Shoe Collection range.

Sharon, aged 45, from Bolton said: “It takes the hassle out of shopping and is aimed at everybody. Anybody can have a personal shopper. We get young people, older people, business and wedding shoppers.

“The best thing for me is customer satisfaction. The best feedback I get is from customers when there is an outfit that they would never choose, I pick it for them and then they buy it.”

Sharon makes you feel completely relaxed and doesn’t push the outfits on you. She also gives you hints and tips on how to mix and match outfits to get different looks.

She said: “If you shop right for quality garments you save money by putting them together.”

With a free bra fitting service and no obligation to buy the whole experience taught me it’s not just a reserve for the rich and famous, you too can feel like a star, and grab a wardrobe to suit your style, saving you cash in the long run.

The personal shopper service is available in 60 stores.

Jenny said: “I had a fabulous time with Sharon. She made me feel at ease and chose outfits which were great for all the briefs I gave her. I particularly loved look number three. I wouldn’t have chosen the jeans as I wouldn’t think they suited my shape. But they felt really comfortable and I would definitely buy them.

“The shoes were fantastic. I love Nine West anyway, but these are classics which go with every outfit Sharon chose.

“I’m going to recommend it to everyone as a great time saver when you need the perfect outfit and don’t know where to start.”

To book an appointment with Sharon call 01204 541004.