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Real retail therapy
Helen Tither5/ 5/2008
MY name's Helen, and I'm a shopaholic. I admit it, I'm addicted to all things retail-related and hooked on the high street.
Friends and family have told me to stop spending - but it's just no use. There's just nothing like that thrill when you reach the till.
Not that I can see a problem in it myself. I would quite happily while away a whole weekend browsing round Manchester for the latest "must-haves". It's just that the rest of my life keeps intruding - meaning there's just no time any more for marathon shopping sessions.
I need help. So who better to turn to than Manchester Arndale's very own in-house Retail Therapist?
Super shopper Debs Hatfield is the centre's designated stylist, a kind of fashion agony aunt on hand to solve those wardrobe woes seven days a week. From speed shopping to wedding party makeovers, she promises to solve any dress dilemma - and best of all, her services are totally free.
Plus - and this is why it's ideal for working women like me - she will also make finding those outfits a whole lot easier, by going round the whole shopping centre in advance and picking out ready made outfits for you to try on.
Busy
"I get a lot of busy working women coming to see me," smiles the style guru. "And mums who only have a short amount of time without the kids.
"Because I'm always in the centre, I know exactly where to find everything and what's new in each shop. I can cut hours off shopping trips by picking everything out ready."
Bliss for anyone who is sick of getting bunions traipsing round hundreds of high street stores just to find that one pair of work trousers. Apparently, just walking round the Arndale alone you can cover more than half a mile.
Of course, it sounds incredibly grand to enlist your own personal shopper - once the preserve of celebrities and super-spenders. But stylists are not just reserved for the Harvey Nicks brigade any more, with many a high street store employing their own in-house team. With the run of the whole Arndale to choose from, Debs just has more shops to play in, meaning you can get a bit of an A-list fuss for free.
"It's just like going on a shopping trip with a friend - who will tell you honestly what suits you," says Debs as we walk arm-in-arm around the centre. "Within half-an-hour of meeting most of our customers I feel like we've been mates forever.
"Nobody has to buy anything if they don't want to. I just love to see people growing in confidence as you help them find clothes that really suit them."
As we stroll around the shops, Debs certainly seems a natural at putting people at ease, as one shopper after another asks her advice on the outfit they're about to buy. Most clients, she says, just want to know what looks good.
Others, like me, want her help to speed up their shopping. I've really decided to test her powers by setting her my ultimate test - finding a pair of jeans. They're the one item of clothing we all wear the most - but they are the hardest to buy.
Chore
Just finding one pair that will fit my pear-shape proportions is a tortuous chore. It can take days, weeks even, to find some denims that will fit my waist without hugging my hips, or cutting of my circulation. Can she cut my shopping time down to under two hours?
I have to say I have my doubts. But as we whizz off to one shop after another - each with a handy rail of clothes waiting just for me - I am slowly but surely convinced.
She even manages to persuade me to try a few stores, and styles I would never have even considered. With Dorothy Perkins boasting a surprisingly wide range of jeans, and River Island coming out favourite for trend-inspired looks. She even flatters me away from my usual choice of boot-cuts to a pair or two of Seventies-style flares - big this season and, she says, great for balancing out hip-heavy pear-shapes like me.
So, did she rise to the challenge? Well, I picked up three pairs of jeans in under two hours (and a hippyish purple kaftan top but let's not tell anyone about that additional extravagance). And without a blister or bunion in sight. Now, that's my kind of therapy.
To book a free appointment with Debs at Manchester Arndale's Retail Therapy service call 0161 817 3697. Debs will be making over lucky volunteers in our new I Love Me health supplement for the next year - don't miss the next issue on May 26.
PEAR SHAPE
Hipster cut with flared legs to balance hips. Darker denim is most flattering
FULLER FIGURE
Simple styles in a classic boot cut are most flattering. Steer clear of detailed pockets and flaps
PETITE
Slim-fitting and slightly longer cuts will lengthen legs. Creases give lengthening effect
HOUR GLASS
Balance hips with wider legs and work that waist to the max with big belts and fitted tops
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