Last Tuesday I had the privilege of being invited to Reiss in Princesshay, Exeter. They wanted to trial their new “Personal Approach” campaign and I was a willing guinea pig!

“Our seasonal campaign involves inviting customers in store to book a personal shopping appointment and within this appointment customers can receive a 10% discount. Each appointment booked through our Personal Approach campaign will involve your very own style advisor offering expert advice on everything from the trends of the season to how to wear those timeless investment pieces.”

I was greeted by Helena, and we immediately started chatting about fashion, what I was wearing and how I might like to update my wardrobe. I always consider myself a pretty “safe” dresser. I tend to stick to the most basic of colour pallet and don’t venture far from the track. My go to outfit is generally a pair of skinny jeans and plenty of layering pieces. I love jewellery so keep my clothing simple so I can spruce myself up with the addition of a statement necklace, bracelet, ring or a combination of the lot!

We took a walk around the store talking about the different styling options available and if I had any particular events coming up that I might need an outfit for. Unfortunately I don’t have any weddings or christenings to dress for this season but I do have plenty of drinks, cocktail parties and dinners to attend so we focussed on that alongside the every day.

Helena pointed out to me that she wanted to make the shopping experience in Reiss as fun and enjoyable as possible. It was at this point I confessed that I didn’t really enjoy the whole shopping experience! I find the process quite stressful in general but both agreed that the new “Personal Approach” campaign was a way of easing me into the whole shopping vibe. I could relax in the knowledge that I had someone on side wanting to create a capsule Wardrobe that I would love and wear for seasons to come and which I could add to when I needed something fresh.

Helena has a long history in fashion and has worked for the likes of Gucci alongside various fashion magazines so I knew I was in safe hands. We talked fabrics, colours, fits and styles so that Helena could gage what I might like to try. I was offered a seat with a cup of tea whilst she went to work pulling together various looks and colour pallets that she thought would work for me and my taste. She wasn’t trying to change my style but was eager to add to what I might have already to enhance my wardrobe for Spring/Summer 2017. This appealed to me as I knew that there was no pressure at this point to splash the cash on a top to toe new look. I could shop at my leisure trying on items without feeling like I had to leave the shop dripping with bags. 

Being a girl who lives in her skinny jeans we both thought that that was a great starting point. High rise “Helvin” jeans first. A staple jean for Reiss available each season in different colour swatches.We followed these with another Reiss staple, the “Stevie”. Different shirts, tops and sweaters followed in beautiful fabrics and hues to complement my skin tone. Each item finished beautifully with creative styling features. You could certainly tell that the garments were of the highest quality and design.

After a pleasurable couple of hours, Helena’s undivided attention helped me whittle down some key items. A beautiful cream silk shirt (Mayda), the “Helvin” jean, the softest nude pink sweater (Kate) and a buttery soft leather biker jacket (Erin). Helena said that five items per season can create a new feel to your wardrobe and update your look which I totally agreed with. Having that capsule wardrobe of perhaps two bottoms and three tops could see you right through the season giving you plenty of mix and match styling options. Adding in items that you already own, you are set for whatever comes your way in the fashion stakes!

I left feeling good about myself and the knowledge that I could style my new pieces alongside what was already in my wardrobe. I can even say that I enjoyed the process! The relaxed shopping environment that Helena and the team created eased me into the process. Who knows, I might even be a shopping convert!

The Reiss “Personal Approach” Campaign runs from the 23rd March to the 2nd April. There is absolutely no obligation to buy after your appointment but a 10% discount for each customer who does book an appointment is a welcome incentive. To make a booking call 01392 213 343. 

You can find Reiss at Unit SU1, 15 Princesshay, Exeter EX1 1GE. 

Disclaimer: I wasn’t paid by Reiss for this blog post and as always all views are my own. 

Thank you to Reiss and Matt Austin for the images used in this post.

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