Dundrum Town Centre offer a personal shopping service, which they call the Style Council. It is a two-hour session with one of three advisors all of whom are fashion experts. The consultation costs €65.
I was concerned that the stylist would be intimidating, overly made up and in sky scraper heels but nothing could have been further from the truth. I met Wendy at the customer service desk ten minutes in advance of the appointment, and was quickly relieved to see that she was dressed casually, but very trendy with a big smile on her face. She brought me to their consultation room, which was small and cosy and beautifully decorated, and we had a ten minute chat about myself; dress size, shoe size, problem areas and general style I tend to go for. Wendy also asked whether I had favourite shops that I tend to buy from, she noted my budget and asked whether the consultation was for a particular outfit for an occasion or was this style transformation. I was looking for the perfect pair of jeans plus an outfit for an occasion.
We promptly headed for House of Fraser where I went straight to the changing room and Wendy delivered all the clothes and together we critiqued the colours and shapes until we whittled the clothes down to about six items. We them put them on hold behind the cash desk and headed for Zara and BT2, leaving the chosen clothing on hold in each shop. After our two hours we headed back to the customer service desk where we made our goodbyes. I was then give a complimentary parking pass and a voucher for a makeover in Harvey Nichols to be used when it suited me, the idea being that you come back and get your makeup done for your special occasion.
PROS
1. If you have a special occasion to dress for, this service is ideal for you. They stylists will cut out the hours of fruitless trawling through the shops and find you an outfit that genuinely suits you.
2. If your body shape has changed, perhaps after having a baby, you could really benefit from an objective professional to recommend what works for you now.
3. The stylish was always mindful of the budget and didn't suggest anything outside the price range.
4. The stylish takes on board your likes and dislikes, but will gently steer you towards colours and shapes which you wouldn't have tried before - to great effect.
5. Ideal for those who are returning to work or who work in an environment with a particular dress code.
6. Any purchases you decide to make are after the consultation is over, so you never feel under pressure to buy anything.
7. Its like going shopping with your best friend, except she is a professional stylist!
CONS
1. The consultation was too short. We only got to three shops in a shopping centre with about fifty ladies fashion shops and it felt very rushed at the end.
2. The shortlisted clothing was left behind the till in each shop and there no opportunity to put them all together in the presence of the stylist to check how different pieces from different shops worked together.
Overall, it was a hugely enjoyable experience. Busy working mums rarely take time out for themselves and it feels a little like being pampered and special. Although the shopping experience cost €65, in the long run it could save you money by finding an outfit or a selection of good pieces that you will get great wear out of.
Click here for the website
To schedule an appointment, with the Style Counsel head for the Customer Service Desk on Level 2 or call Tel: 01 299 1700.
Style Counsel is available from Monday to Friday, from 10.30am to 5.45pm, and on Saturdays from 9.30am to 4.45pm.
