Below is a list of my Shopping Tips... As I'm out shopping with clients quite often, I notice what works & what doesn't during shopping trips. So I thought I'd post these tips here for you all. Hopefully they will make shopping easier and more enjoyable for you!
BEFORE YOU GO SHOPPING...
1. Make a list before you go shopping.
Take stock of your wardrobe and see what things you need to invest in to work with what you already have, and fill in the gaps in your wardrobe. Keep in mind upcoming events that you will be attending, and what you will need to wear to those. (What do you have that you can use for the events? You may not need to buy a whole new outfit, rather just accessories or a new top).
2. Have a budget in mind.
Try to stick to your budget as much as possible. I know that sales can be enticing, and "Oh my goodness, what a bargain! It would be a sin not to get it!" can flash through your mind many times over, but keep the list in mind, and keep the budget in mind too. This will save you from your guilty morning-after feelings.
3. Dress well.
You will always be treated better by shop assistants if you are dressed well while shopping. Call it shallow, but it's a fact of life - people respond differently to you depending on how you present yourself. You are much more likely to get the help and attention you need if you are dressed well.
4. Wear clothes that are easy to take on & off.
5. Wear shoes that are easy to take on & off.
Same as the above rule - avoid lace up shoes or boots if possible. Wear slip on shoes if you can (weather depending). It will make your dressing room time a lot shorter.
6. Wear neutral coloured underwear.
Have you ever gone shopping for a pair of lighter coloured trousers, shorts or skirt and checked out your rear view only to see a black knicker line staring back at you? I have! The same goes for dark bras while you are trying to buy a lighter coloured top. It's just so distracting! This is something that many people don't think about. However it is a huge help, as it means no matter what you are trying on, your underwear won't interfere with your decision. Ladies, make sure that you are wearing a good fitting bra. No tops look good with droopies. Hoist 'em up!
7. If you are trying to match something, take it with you.
This may sound completely obvious, but I think it's worth stating anyway. If you are wanting to buy a pair of jeans to wear with heels or high boots, taken your heels with you so that you know the jeans will be long enough. Or if you are wanting to find a top to match a skirt (which you shouldn't have got, because you had nothing to wear it with!), take the skirt with you to match colours against. Don't just rely on your memory.
WHILE YOU ARE SHOPPING...
8. Beware of sale racks.
To many of you this may sound like blasphemy! I'm not saying never buy anything on sale, I'm just saying beware. Often things are put on sale by retailers either because they don't fit very well, haven't sold well, or were just a big mistake to begin with. Don't just buy it because it's a "bargain". Think it over properly.
9. Ask yourself the 6 key questions.
Will this item go with at least 3 other things I already have at home? Does it suit my body shape? Does the colour suit me? Does it suit my style personality? How long will this item be 'in'? Is it within my price budget?
10. If you are unsure, put the item on hold.
If in doubt about whether to buy the item or not, give yourself some time to think it over. Put it on hold, go and have a coffee or carry on with other shopping. If you can't stop thinking about it an hour or even a day later, then it's probably a good thing to buy. If however, you are still unsure, then just leave it. There's nothing worse that wasting money on something that you won't wear because "There's something just not right about it." (I call these Closet Orphans).
11. If you find something you absolutely love, buy 2!
I have often heard friends and clients say that they wished they had another of their favourite clothing item. If you find something that is the perfect fit, good price, and it's a great key clothing item, then often it can be a good idea to get another one in a different colour, or even in the same colour if you think you'll wear it often (like the perfect fitting pair of black trousers). Obviously I don't recommend this for everything, but for the absolute favourites, it's a great idea.
I hope these Outfit Shopping Tips are a help to you. Feel free to post a comment if you have any great shopping tips of your own, or if you have any questions.
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