When the lovely Janet from Lucille's contacted me about trying out her personal shopper service I wasn't sure what to expect. I usually have pretty strong ideas about what I will and won't wear, and don't ordinarily find myself needing help in that area. But then I thought about the amount of weddings I have on this year, and that it would be super helpful if someone could help me put together one of those outfits. You can read about the completely different wedding look I put together with Evans here). Also, I am often contacted by lovely readers who say they could really use some shopping help, or that they'd love to try out the vintage style but aren't sure where to start. So I figured it would be great to see if there is a (free) service out there which could help. I am pleased to say that there is one!
Lucille's is an online, vintage inspired boutique run by the lovely Janet. With years of experience in retail Janet wanted to start a business offering the sort of service she felt people valued, and selling the kind of clothes she loves. And so Lucille's is a vintage vixen's dreams. Styles are sourced from many different retailers, so you can do all your vintage repro shopping in one place. Currently stocking up to a size 24, Janet is committed to increasing Lucille's plus size offer and is even looking to produce some of her own designs, which is wonderfully exciting.
So I was about to get my first experience of having a personal shopper! Janet asked that I initially emailed her with my specifics for what I was looking for - so I described the event I was attending (an English, summer wedding) and that I would like to be able to use whatever I wore afterwards for more day-to-day wear. I told her what I liked (necklines I like, colours I'm fond of, as well as shapes, and that I was looking for something feminine and pretty) and what I didn't (no wiggle dresses, no beige, no high necklines). Janet then came back with a few more questions about my preferences and height, which I answered.
I expected to get a couple of links to products that I might like, but what I got was so much better. Lucille's Personal Shopper Service really impressed me. Janet had put together a lovely document which detailed what I'd told her - what I did and didn't like - and her suggestions based on this. She'd put two complete outfits together based on my preferences and suggested ways they could be dressed up for the wedding, and down for day to day. Everything was done with a lot of care, and I really liked both of her choices. Additionally, part of Janet's service is she will source things from other retailers and suppliers if she doesn't think she has what you need in stock - which is brilliant! She is really taking all of the hassle out of shopping for you, and making it as fuss free as possible.
So I chose my favourite of the two (which was not easy!) and I am thrilled with it! But I think it's best to let the outfit speak for itself...
Denim Peep Toe Wedges - Next (previous season)
Bizarrely, I have never tried anything from Hell Bunny before, so I was really excited that Janet had picked me things to try from a new brand. I am always worried about sizing with new brands that I haven't tried before, but I am wearing all 22s here (my usual size) and everything fit perfectly on my 5'8 frame. My new outfit consisted of a dress, cardigan, full petticoat and bag with matching purse. I love that Janet had literally taken care of every aspect, and even suggested what sorts of shoes would work with my outfits. You wouldn't be obliged to buy all (or any) of the suggestions made, but it's great to have someone look at it from every angle for you.
The Lacey Dress by Hell Bunny is a wonderful shade of sky blue, perfect for summer. It is covered in a pattern of pink roses and blue swallows, drawn in the style of an old school tattoo. It is beautifully full skirted, and looks perfect with the frothy Hell Bunny Petticoat underneath, giving the skirt that beautiful, vintage, bell shape. Oh, and guess what? Lacey has pockets! Can I get a whoop whoop?! Sleeveless, the neckline is cut in a deep V, front an back - one of my very favourite necklines, particularly on busty figures. The waist of the dress is nipped in with a wide cream satin ribbon, which I tied in a loose bow at the back, but which could also be tied to the front. For a more defined waist you could add a wide belt in a number of colours.
To dress down the outfit, Janet recommended pairing it with flip flops (in the pictures I am wearing a pair of Havianas in white and pink) and removing the petticoat. It's amazing how that immediately makes the whole look way more casual!
Janet picked out a pale pink cardigan from Hell Bunny to go with my ensemble. The birdcage cardigan is a soft pink, with embroidery of roses, birds and bird cages above the breast on either side. The cardigan fit perfectly, and is a good quality knit which doesn't loose its shape easily - one of my pet hates with knitwear. I know that I am going to get a lot of wear out of this cardigan, well beyond this outfit, so am really pleased with it!
The final touches to my outfit were the accessories. I had already added a cluster of hair flowers (most of them from Primark and Accessorize, bought over the years) and now what I needed to finish off my wedding look was an appropriate bag. Lucille's stock a wonderful selection of Woody Ellen bags which I have absolutely fallen in love with. I picked the Blossom bag and matching Blossom purse to go with my ensemble. And I adore them. The bright, painted birds and flowers are so cheerful and summery, and the vintage shape of the bag totally matches the rest of my look.
I am going to be recommending this service to loads of people. It was totally hassle free, and felt quite spoiling to have someone shop just for me. I think it would be a dream if you had a big event coming up and shopping just isn't your thing, or if you've been wanting to try out the pinup look but just don't know where to start, or maybe if you were trying to pick out bridesmaids dresses or something similar.
Excitingly, you can get 20% off all full price items at Lucille's until the 15th of May with the code loveyourcurves (enter at checkout). So get shopping! And, you can get a chance to win a gorgeous Woody Ellen bag of your choice if you enter at the Rafflecopter below! (I know! So many treats, right!!!)
You KNOW I love these bags. I need More of them in my life son I literally have EVERYTHING crossed. Good luck everyone x
ReplyDeleteI love Hell Bunny dresses! I own quite a few. That bag is to die for too x
ReplyDeleteLiz ~ Dreaming of Diamonds
I just bought my first hellbunny cardigan. Can't wait for it to be delivered. Like you, I'm funny about knitwear. I like to pay a bit more for good quality knitwear, but it's worth it because they last years with gentle washing. The bag is sooo lovely. Whoever wins will treasure it, I'm sure :) x
ReplyDeleteI love the bag - so cute! The styling is brilliant, I am going to check out the sites - thank you!
ReplyDeletethat sounds like such a good service! I love you in those pastel colours, so so lovely on you
ReplyDeleteYou look like an actual pastel delight in this outfit! I desperately want your bag and purse, so obviously I am entering your competition! You look absolutely stunning. Also, more twirling skirt photos please!
ReplyDeleteLottie xx
http://lottielamour.co.uk
What a pretty outfit and accessories:)
ReplyDeleteThe bag and wallet is lovely. So bright and summery.
ReplyDeleteThis outfit is just the best! Such a pretty print on the dress, lovely pastel colours and flattering fit / cut. I love the bag, so cute!!
ReplyDeleteThis bag is absolutely beautiful. Would I love it? Totally! Its stylish and well, absolutely fabulous!
ReplyDeleteYou look so gorgeous in pastels! Lusting over the cardigan, it's just so cute. Will be checking out Lucilles now, the shopping service is such a good idea.
ReplyDeletewww.fattyboomtatty.co.uk
That is Fantastic!! I love that Dress. I have a wedding to attend in a few months and that looks perfect! Generally hate dresses due to my figure but that is so flattering. x
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous dress you look fabulous as always and the bag is to die for! xx
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ReplyDeleteVisit find a personal shopper and hire a personal shopper. Because they are here to help you and also save your money and time both. So i think hireing a personal shopper would be the best decision.
ReplyDelete