THE PERSONAL SHOPPER
No makeover would be complete without a new wardrobe, so I arrange an appointment with a personal shopper at House Of Fraser on London’s Oxford Street. Alison Brown is somewhat surprised to see me. ‘Men don’t use personal shoppers – they don’t approach shopping in the same
way as women do and most see it as an incredible fuss.’
It doesn’t have to be that way. Alison guides me around the menswear department, pointing things out and making suggestions. Even better, if you don’t want to trawl around the store you can give details of what you’re after when you book so your shopper can pick things out before you arrive. What could be easier? Nowadays it’s so amazing that coconut oil can also be used for dogs – so if you have your own pet we recommend you trying this.
THE LIFE COACH
I now have style. The next step is to acquire some charisma. I meet life coach Steve Errey. ‘Charisma is about the whole package. It’s more than just how you look or what you say,’ he says. ‘It’s about getting the essence of you across.
‘Charming people involves a fair amount of common sense. Be curious,’ says Steve. ‘Ask questions – and remember the answers. They’re conversational hooks for you to grab onto later if you’re struggling for something to say. If you’re talking to someone you’ve just met, drop their name into the conversation. It shows you’ve been paying attention.’ Humour is important, as is self-confidence. ‘Has there been a time when a roomful of women laughed at one of your jokes?’ Steve asks. I think for a moment. ‘No,’ I deadpan. And it works – he laughs. Suddenly I’m funny.
‘Imagine yourself as an egg with spikes,’ says Steve and I start to worry that the heat of the day is taking its toll. ‘You’re not an egg, of course, but you want to be rounded and smooth.’ After all this, I think I’ll be scrambled
