Now I know we women are regarded as being shopaholics but I must confess that on the whole I hate it.

Perhaps it is the result of too many bad shopping experiences. For example there was one winter when I must have toured every shop in town in search of a new winter coat. Being only 5ft 2ins, most of the ones I tried on seemed about a foot too long and simply swamped me.

Then there have been the occasions when I have gone in search of the perfect summer dress or something jazzy for an evening out only to find everything I tried on was either too long, the wrong shape or the wrong colour.

But I have discovered there is no need for me to feel frustrated as I go in search of something new to wear – I can just head for Lucinda’s in Purley.

Living in Coulsdon I have often driven past the shop and admired the eye-catching outfits as I passed by. I had also heard good reports of why this small boutique has put Purley on the map.

Before he retired my hairdresser told me how his mother-in-law had been dressed head-to-toe at Lucinda’s for a family wedding. He told me how her relatives were truly amazed by the transformation Mary and her team brought about finding just the right outfit to flatter her shape and colour.

Another friend had bought her 16-year-old daughter a dress for her graduation ball. Their budget was £100 and Lucinda’s found the right dress and shoes to turn her into a truly glamorous creature.

And this is exactly the desired effect that Lucinda’s owner Mary Coughlan wants. As far as she is concerned her customers are the very best advertisement for her business.

“I want people to ask them ‘where did you buy that, you look fabulous’,” she says.

And the answer is that the item they so much admire will only be available at Lucinda’s as Mary and her team pride themselves on offering exclusivity. You might see something similar elsewhere but you will not see the same outfit anywhere else. In fact they have even decided against buying designer labels when they have heard they will be available in department stores.

Mary her daughter Jenny and their staff have mastered the art of sizing some one up in a minute flat (in a nice way) and knowing exactly what will suit that person.

I was given a taste of that personal service and was impressed by the speed and ease in which Mary and her girls came up with a half dozen looks which really enhanced my figure.

They can help if you want to update your wardrobe or want a showstopper of an outfit and what’s more they will make the whole experience feel like fun. Mary started by showing me a pair of rather funky, brown Fitflop boots which really did feel comfortable. The moment I tried them on I knew I had to have them. Next was a slinky, bias-cut calf length skirt perfect for the office. They showed me several tops – a beautiful red, silk jumper, beautiful white linen shirts topped with a rabbit skin gilet which added the wow factor.

Next up was a beautiful down quilted calf-length coat which was £200 – a similar version by Max Mara is £1,000, says Mary. I thought it excellent value for a warm winter coat which looked incredibly glamorous.

I mentioned my daughter is getting married in 2013 but as it is a register office wedding I would prefer something simple and classic. In no time at all they picked out a green linen jacket and print dress which would be perfect and the jacket actually gave me a waist!

I am not a fan of heels but they helped me into a pair perfect for the outfit which were very comfortable. Apparently these are the shoes worn by the stars on Strictly Come Dancing. If the thought of having a simple wardrobe that works for you appeals, then I would certainly recommend a visit to Lucinda’s.

Whatever you are shopping for – one thing is guaranteed, the whole experience will be fun!