What’s on a personal shopper’s wish list? Alli shares her must-have buys

“My family is very creative. Growing up, I was considered the bookworm, but fashion was always my creative outlet. I remember my father bought me an amazing gold prom-style dress with matching shoes for a big family party when I was just three or four years old, and that evening is like a flashbulb memory – I can still recall it in vivid detail to this day. That’s when I first realized that fashion isn’t just about looking amazing, it’s about feeling amazing, too.

“It was back in 2009 that I first became interested in securing a job at NET-A-PORTER. It was listed in Glamour magazine as one of the best companies to work for as a woman, so, after reading about the company culture, I was determined to get in. At the time, I was working for a TV production company in London’s Notting Hill and, one day, the fire alarm went off… As we were rushed outside, I spotted an army of well-dressed women making their way out of a nearby building and I was transfixed: they all worked at NET-A-PORTER. Resolve hardened, I eventually secured a role in customer care, but when I discovered that NET-A-PORTER had a Personal Shopping team, I knew that was my next move. Fast-forward 12 years and I have played a central role in moulding the department into what it is today.

“I have incredibly close relationships with my clients. We have what I’d call a family dynamic – we share jokes and funny TikTok videos; we laugh and cry together. We’re there for all the highs and lows in each other’s lives. I’ve been invited on holiday with clients and to their weddings. I’ve known some of them for 10 years and we’ve become firm friends. Many of my clients, from business titans to royalty, are people I wouldn’t ordinarily meet and I’ve learnt a great deal from them – not just about fashion and style, but life, too.

“My style is pretty eclectic and it has evolved over the years, but right now I’m enjoying being more maximalist with my look, which is quite modern prairie meets Victoriana. I love layering, and details like ruffles, frills and interesting necklines. As for jewelry, I often wear stacked rings across all four fingers on both hands and I’ve also gotten into bracelets during the past year – I feel naked when I forget to put them on. I try not to buy into trends too much, though, because I get bored of them quickly and I like my look to be singular. Ultimately, I just invest in what I like and have fun with it.”

“I’m always cold, so I love layering and, in my opinion, a great cardigan is a closet essential. Elegant, refined and perfect for adding a pop of color or personality to an outfit, cardigans aren’t as one-dimensional as sweaters and you can do a lot with them when it comes to styling. This season, I’ll be wearing mine casually tucked into denim with the top few buttons undone. I may scoop one side down to make it one-shouldered or both sides down to make it an off-the-shoulder piece. Burberry has some great oversized cardigans that aren’t too chunky and are cut perfectly for wearing over a dress. Elsewhere, Gucci has some cute cropped cardigans that are ideal with high-waisted pants or skirts, and you can always count on LoveShackFancy for a vintage-inspired style.”