HOUSE OF FRASER

THIs store had the most detailed questionnaire of all, right down to bra and cup size, but my stylist hadn’t actually looked at it because the computer system had failed.

never mind — she was a delight, although she left me in my sizeable changing room with its comfy leather sofa in the private, ensuite area for almost 30 minutes as she trawled the rails.

While she was gone, I leafed through a copy of shabby Chic, an interior design book that had been left on the coffee table. Just then, I was feeling far more shabby than chic in my posh surroundings.

What a difference a warm personality makes, though.

and I needn’t have worried that she looked rather too young and glamorous to be styling a 65-year-old.

she persuaded me into a jumpsuit, which looked surprisingly elegant, as well as being perfectly on-trend, and I fell for a shirt dress, despite being previously convinced I didn’t suit them.

I was also bowled over by a flippy Phase eight dress that would be ideal for warm evenings out on holiday.

The stylist then brought in some Max Mara weekend trousers and a top I loved and teamed them with a pretty, well-priced necklace.

I was spoilt for choice and was even given extra time at the end of my two-hour stint because she felt bad about searching for outfits for such a long time. Very positive. 4/5 Winser shirt dress, £150; Phase Eight choker dress, £89