After years of working in a business-casual environment (denim trousers and sweaters usually), I am now working in a very conservative office. I had no business clothing at all and was getting increasingly frustrated trying to piece something appropriate together every morning and running extremely late.

I went to J.Crew and really found nothing on my own (this was when the Spring collection just came out and it was mostly neutrals–I’m really really pale and I just didn’t think any of the pieces would work for me.) I was just about to walk out of the store when the manager asked if I needed help. I explained my situation and she completely took over. It was a weekday night and she was able to give me an unscheduled personal shopping consultation.

She picked out a lot of basics and told me to start trying on. I was extremely skeptical, but she just kept saying, “Trust me. Just give it a shot.” And, boy, was she right! Apparently I can wear neutrals, I was just picking out the wrong shades. And, in the end, I bought over $1000 worth of clothing from that visit and a subsequent online purchase. It sounds like a lot (it is!) but you have to understand that I was starting from scratch. Now I have an entire mix-and-match business wardrobe. Plus, I got the 20% off and a coupon for 20% my next consultation. I also received a hand-written thank you note in the mail a few days later. Nice touch.

A few things I really took away from the experience:
– One, women really do go about shopping the wrong way. We go into stores and buy 1 or 2 pieces at a time as we can afford them. Then we get frustrated that we have a closet full of clothing but nothing to wear. I am going about things differently now after my consultation. I am saving up and visiting the stores once or twice a year. That way all of my pieces mix and match.

- Two, accessories and shoes really make all the difference. I wasn’t totally convinced by the outfits she pulled for me until she added a sweet belt (the men’s leather plaque belt), the right shoes (Marjorie flats and Coralie suede heels), and a necklace or two (dainty bead layering necklaces.)

- Three, sometimes it looks like J.Crew has nothing particularly interesting in the stores at the moment–just basics in weird colors again–but, if you ask for help you’ll see that the pieces were made to be layered and accessorized into really cool looks. You’ll be surprised. I was.

- Finally, your J.Crew personal shopping experience will really depend on the consultant. I think I lucked out. The woman who helped me was the store manager and had a SERIOUS talent for putting together looks.

I recommend people to try it. I was really really happy with my experience. But be prepared to shell out some dough. It hurts a little.