Lazy girl's guide to shopping

Topshop's free personal shopping service is the ultimate lazy girl luxury. A style adviser, kitted out with the latest must-haves, will visit you in the privacy of your home, office or hotel room. If you like a bit of girly camaraderie, then you can always organise a Topshop party: as hostess, you'll be entitled to 20 per cent off (for further information, call 020 7323 0326).

Selfridges free personal shopping

You can even shop during the sale, according to your budget. Just click on your price label of choice and you'll be guided through the various options (www.netaporter.com).

At Selfridges, you have two choices: There's the "Selective" service in which you wander round picking out items, and a flunky carts the load back to the waiting area. It's popular with those looking for heavy home furnishings.

Or there's the full-on treatment. You are given a 15-minute consultation in which a trained personal shopper will discuss your body shape and requirements. While you sit ensconced in a waiting area with a cup of tea, the shopper will trawl the store and return armed with a selection of suitable items. You can try items on in the privacy of a secluded cubicle with the shopper on hand to offer advice. Items can even be couriered to your home. (Call 08708 377 377).

Boden Catalogue

Boden is one of the easiest clothing catalogues to follow, separating items into basics such as skirts, trousers or shirts. It has now made things even easier by introducing an online service, and if you change your mind, or don't like the item in the flesh, you can send it back and get an exchange or full refund. Clothes are excellent value, especially during the sale time (www. boden.co.uk).