I’m not a great fan of shopping. There are so many decisions to make – what shops to visit, what sort of clothes (or whatever) to look at, to buy or not to buy – and frequently lots of other people ‘in the way’. Additionally, I find it can be boring, tiring, and take far longer than anticipated.
As a result, I have for a while been considering a personal shopping experience.
In my mind, this would be someone looking at me, learning about my likes and dis-likes, and recommending flattering choices – colours, shapes etc. Perhaps something like Gok Won’s TV shows but without the celebrity and cameras.
It seemed a perfect ‘activity’ to add to my 40 at 40 list – especially as Jarrolds in Norwich offer this service for free.
My appointment was booked for the 27th August, so I hopped on the bus (long may the £2 price cap continue – though I suspect it unlikely) and made my way into town. Once there, I introduced myself to Florrie who was to be my shopper and was guided to the large private dressing room where we discussed what I was after.
Truth be told, I was not planning on buying anything. Having been unemployed for a nearly a year by that point (although some consultancy work was keeping me afloat, it was by no means certain) I was mindful of budget and an already full wardrobe (I’m not in the habit of throwing out clothes…). To avoid expectations, I did mention this to Flossie. But it seems that she needed to have something to work to – she wouldn’t be providing recommendations of items which would suit.
I requested mid-length skirts and tops which were slightly longer than waist-length, and off she went on her quest.
Whilst waiting, I was provided with a lovely pot of tea (Novvus English Breakfast tea if you’re interested), comfy seating and a selection of books to flick through. Which I of course utilised. Though I didn’t get much reading into the fashion books, I did enjoy the first chapter of Jarrold’s history – which I will perhaps expand on in a future post.
When Florrie returned, she had a selection of items which she hooked onto the dressing rail. We reviewed them briefly, before she left me to try them on.
There is definitely a benefit in having time and space when shopping. Instead of shopping only for the one item (as I usually do) and therefore only trying one item, I enjoyed the opportunity to mix and match. Trying first one skirt, with the various tops, then another skirt and different tops, utilising the full-length mirrors that lined two of the walls to get a clear view of each outfit.
It felt very much like playing dress-up as a child, but without having anyone to show off to. In a strange way, it was quite an odd, isolating experience – sitting in the room on my own waiting for the clothes; changing in and out of the outfits on my own; debating with myself afterwards what to do.
Florrie did pop in after several minutes and we reviewed. I was in a long skirt – what I can only describe as a ‘ball-skirt’ – which she had never seen anyone in (hence I had tried it on, despite it being blatantly too formal for my needs). It was a lovely skirt, bronzy-gold, full and sweeping, but not suited to everyday wear. Though it did go surprisingly well with some of the less-formal tops.
Not unexpectedly, the choice was too tempting. Against my good intentions, I ended up buying two skirts and a top, with another jumper identified a later shopping trip. But I think this is a good thing. I was at the time still hunting for a job, so needed some new interview outfits, and I probably am in need of more non-rabbit-chewed clothing.
As an experience, it is one I am glad I have had. I largely enjoyed it (especially not having to rummage through the clothes rails), though doing so on my own was a bit weird. Personal Shopping experiences are probably better suited for a group of people with a particular purpose in mind – a wedding perhaps. The changing room had curtains to allow for separate changing/ seating area, so could easily accommodate two or three people.