Chapter 25
Chapter Twenty-Five
B ack at the hotel, I do a quick change and then I’m on my way out again – this time with a smile on my face.
Coming out on top after my brief encounter with Karla – booze-free – has lifted me out of my misery and elevated my mood. She and Dave are as bad as each other. In fact, Karla’s probably just the type he’d cheat on me with. If only I’d managed to walk away from him with my head held high too. Nonetheless, what I need to do is focus on my triumph, put them both out of my mind (easier said than done, but I can give it a damn good try) and make the most of my shopping spree.
On walking through the doors of the vast department store just off the east side of Princes Street, my eyes soak up the sea of beautiful clothes in different colours, styles and materials. Every single piece perfect in its own way. A bubble of excitement forms in my stomach, quickly followed by the realisation that I have no idea where to start, so I begin browsing from where I’m standing.
Twenty minutes later, my arm already laden and straining under the weight, I head for the changing rooms, where a sullen looking shop assistant takes the clothes from me to count them.
‘Erm… this might be a silly question,’ I say to her. ‘But I don’t suppose you have shopping trollies here?’
She looks at me like I’ve grown a unicorn horn. ‘No, madam.’
‘OK, no problem.’ I feel stupid for asking.
I’m about to head into a cubicle when another staff member with a petite frame and bouncy long blonde hair approaches me.
‘Excuse me, madam? I couldn’t help overhearing your question. Are you looking to buy a number of items today?’ She’s wearing a pristine tailored suit jacket and trousers, so she must be a manager or something.
‘Yes, a whole new wardrobe actually, which is why I was asking. I’m not sure how I’m going to carry everything round with me, never mind get it all home at the end.’
‘Well, you’re in luck.’ She gives me a bright smile. ‘I’m Jana, one of the store’s personal shoppers, so if you’re interested, I’d like to offer you our free service today. I can help pick out items that will best enhance your shape and colouring, and the items you choose can be kept in our personal shopping area until you’ve finished. We also have a free home delivery service. How does that sound?’
‘Like you’re my guardian angel.’ I’m so relieved that someone else is going to co-ordinate this exercise for me. Having never done anything like this, I hadn’t thought it through.
She laughs. ‘OK, great. Let’s go have a chat about what you’re looking for and go from there.’
She takes the clothes from the moody shop assistant and ushers me to the personal shopping space, which is similar to the changing rooms, only bigger, with a seating area and only a couple of roomy cubicles.
‘So…’ She invites me to take a seat on a duck egg blue sofa. ‘I’ve been a personal shopper here for… ooh, seven years now, which means you can rest easy that I know this place inside out. May I ask your name?’
‘I’m Emma.’
‘It’s lovely to meet you, Emma. Now straight off, I want to put your mind at rest. My role is to help meet your needs, not to pressure you into buying anything you don’t want. I’m not on commission. I work solely for the purpose of giving you a great shopping experience.’
‘That’s helpful to know.’ I try to sound knowledgeable and reassured, when in reality none of that had crossed my mind.
‘Let’s start with your shopping goals for today. What outcome are you hoping for?’ Jana asks. ‘And if you don’t mind me asking, why are you seeking “a whole new wardrobe” as you put it? Often my clients have a story behind their desire for a new look. It can be helpful background information.’
‘Um… I can tell you why I want to do this, but being honest, I don’t really know what outcome I’m looking for.’ I cringe, feeling out of my depth.
‘OK, let’s start with that then. Tell me why you’re here.’
‘My story… right… You’d maybe better get comfortable.’
Same as with Cameron from the salon, I find myself telling my story to another complete stranger. Jana appears gripped by my tale, getting outraged at the right moments and saluting my bravery at others. And when I tell her about my win, her squeal of excitement is so high-pitched that I worry for the crystal on the homeware floor. She’s so genuine and friendly – even sharing some of her own experiences in a gesture of solidarity – that by the time we get around to the shopping part, I feel like we should be taking an oath of eternal friendship.
Jana’s great at her job too. She helps me work out a plan of attack to build a new wardrobe perfectly suited to me. One that will stand the test of time, both from a quality and style perspective. None of this ‘fast fashion malarky’, as she put it. This is music to my ears because today is a one off – for warmer weather clothes anyway. I will, of course, need to top things up when it’s approaching winter. She also arranges an appointment for me with the beauty department so that I can choose new makeup.
When we get up from the sofa to start our mission, I suddenly remember something. ‘Oh, there’s one more thing I need your help with.’
‘What’s that?’ asks Jana, and I fill her in on my request.
‘Not a problem at all, Emma. We’ll definitely be able to see to that.’
God, this is totally amazing. Why have I never done this before? It certainly beats buying stuff online, finding it’s nothing like I imagined and doing endless laps to the post office as I fruitlessly try to top up my wardrobe.
It turns out to be the most amazing shopping experience of my life. First, we take a walk around the store so that Jana can get an idea of the styles I’d normally wear. She also asks me to trust her judgement where she chooses pieces or colours that I wouldn’t ordinarily pick out myself. Then she sets me up in a changing room, where she critiques each and every item I try on.
I’m in heaven, unable to contain my excitement, as my cubicle fills with outfit after outfit, piece after piece. My fingers roam over pink chiffon, black lace, silk, cotton and linen. My eyes drink in greens, blues, greys, a dash of dark red and purple, a kaleidoscope of colours.
I try everything: long, floaty skirts, clingy dresses, more revealing but still classy pieces, various cuts of trousers and jeans. I pose in a range of smart jackets and elegant coats. And I try on tops I would never have looked at, let alone actually put on. My manicured feet are treated to everything from pretty ballerina pumps to boots, trainers and sky-scraper heels. It feels like I’m doing the Clothes Show Live in fast-forward, and it’s exhausting, but at the same time super inspiring and empowering.
Before I know it, I have a whole new wardrobe of stylishly sophisticated and flattering outfits, matched with the perfect accessories. Jana has hand selected pieces so I can mix and match, and dress my look up or down and still look a million dollars. She’s the style equivalent of what Cameron is to hairdressing.
After we’ve done the clothes and accessories, Jana takes me down to the beauty department where she introduces me to a raven haired, beautifully made-up and high energy young woman called Trudy.
Following another whirlwind of questions, excited chatter and activity – which includes telling my whole story once again – Trudy unveils my new look by holding up a mirror in front of me.
‘ Ta da. What do you think?’
I gawp at myself, absolutely speechless. My eyes roam over my now flawless skin, glittering eyes, cheekbones I never knew existed and plumped-up, moisture-drenched lips. It’s a bit over the top for this time of day, but it’s a killer look for a night out .
It’s as if Trudy’s read my mind. ‘Now, Emma, I’ve made you up in your new evening look. For daytime, you can pare it back with a tinted moisturiser and brown-black volumising mascara, as well as the nude lip gloss and neutral eyeshadow we tried on you earlier.’
‘It’s… unbelievable,’ I finally manage to say.
‘Unbelievable good or unbelievable bad?’ She asks. ‘If it’s too much I can tone down your eyes.’
‘Oh no, sorry, I love it,’ I continue to admire my face in the mirror. ‘I’m just gobsmacked. I’ve literally never looked this good in my life. Can I take you home with me? I’ll never be able to recreate this, especially the eyes.’
Jana, having nipped away for a bit, suddenly reappears and clasps her hand over her heart. ‘Emma, look at you. That ex-man of yours is a fool.’
‘All true.’ Trudy gives Jana a wink, while I beam like a five-year-old who’s been told she’s the prettiest princess in the world. ‘Though I just did the art, you brought the canvas. You have lovely features, Emma. It’s about learning to make the most of them. And don’t worry, I’ll give you an instruction leaflet to take away with you. You’ll be a pro in no time.’
‘Thank you so much, Trudy.’ I feel completely humbled. ‘And you too, Jana. You’ve both made my day. And as you know, it started very badly.’
They both grin, obviously pleased to have made a customer so happy.
With nothing left to do but settle my bill, I find myself facing the same urge I had with Cameron at the salon. Once again, it may be completely ludicrous, but I feel like I’ve really connected with Jana and Trudy and I find myself wanting to thank them for treating me so well.
‘Erm… this might sound a bit strange,’ I say to them. ‘But I’ m having a Champagne celebration with a few friends tomorrow to mark the end of this amazing week. I wondered… if you maybe fancied popping along for a glass or two? Just if you’re free…’
‘ Oh man! I’ll be at my parents’ house because my aunt is visiting from abroad,’ Trudy says, pouting in disappointment. ‘I always miss out on stuff like this. Thanks for the invite though, Emma. That’s really nice of you.’
‘I’m free,’ says Jana. ‘I’d love to come. Only if you’re sure, though?’
‘Of course, I’m sure. You have no idea how grateful I am to you both for today.’
‘ But it’s our job, ’ they cry in unison, not for the first time today.
‘I know that.’ I chuckle. ‘But I also know that not everyone would have gone out of their way to make it such a nice experience for me.’
Jana gives a sympathetic nod, probably aware that I’m referring to the first shop assistant I spoke to.
‘Oh, come here, you,’ she says suddenly, and the three of us end up having a group hug in the middle of the department store, much to the amusement of the other staff and customers.