| Does that sounds like an oxymoron … SUCCESSFUL Sale shopping? How? You may be saying to yourself, I always think it’s a success, but then I realize that 60% off top is still hanging in my closet with the tags still on. Yea, if you’re not wearing that ‘great deal,’ then it wasn’t a success.
1) Create a list Know what you’re looking for so you’re not just browsing and shopping. Being aware of what you already have in your closet and what you would like to update will keep you focused. For instance, if you’re missing some key closet staples, that should be a high priority. You need them anyway, so BONUS to find them on sale! If you’ve been bored with your wardrobe lately, you need to add some excitement. An easy way to add excitement is with a new accessory or unique item (ie: cool vest, a gorgeous skirt or dress, or a pair of shorts/pants that are a bit out of your style comfort zone … but you LOVE the way they fit!) Here is where you should spoil yourself a bit. You work hard, you deserve it! 2) Fuel up If you think you’re going to be shopping for more than two hours, you need to bring a snack. My preference is something light but filling. A balance of protein and carbs is ideal. For instance, almonds and crackers are a staple snack to keep me energized when shopping. For any shopping trip over an hour, you should bring water or know where to find some. This is in addition to your snacking. It’s amazing how simply keeping hydrated can keep your energy up! 3) Set parameters Give yourself a budget, a min and a max price point of what you’re willing to spend on an item. The max price point might even be a bit out of your comfort zone, but you’ll be willing to spend it for something exquisite. The min price point determines the level of quality you’re going for. No matter your min and your max prices, you need to mind your budget. I do not believe in shopping guilt. Only buy it if you love it and you can truly afford it! 4) Get creative While you’re shopping, start brainstorming how you can mix your new pieces into your wardrobe with items you already have. Also, start thinking about where you want to wear this new piece. Get excited about having it in your close NOW as opposed to LATER! 5) Let it BE Ignore sizing, lights and mirrors. Shopping can be a really frustrating experience b/c you’re going up and down in sizes depending on brands and most stores don’t pay enough attention to the quality of their lighting and mirrors. All three are a bit of a pet peeve of mine, but at least because I’m aware that it’s THEM and not ME, I can let it be. Focus on fit and how pieces make you FEEL and ignore what size it is and the fact that the lighting and the mirrors are accenting your dimples (we ALL have them!). |
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Here’s how you can ensure a SUCCESSFUL spree:Tags: personal shopper, Personal Style, Sale Shopping, shopping, Shopping Bootcamp
I asked you to assess your value line. Were you honest with yourself? Now, I want to discuss how you can extend it. How you can offer MORE value to yourself, your life and your career. What I’ll be sharing isn’t groundbreaking, but it will serve as a healthy reminder. This topic isn’t going away any time soon, so I even encourage you to print out this article to keep nearby. You’re focusing on building your business, your career and your family and these are exactly the tools you need to uplevel and get there now! 1) Assess your Values Just like my favorite example, Lululemon, assess your values and write them down. A mentor of mine calls them his Guiding Principles. Lululemon calls it their manifesto. Give it a name that resonates with you and keep it somewhere easily accessible. I guarantee you that you’ll be referencing this frequently. Any time you need to make a decision and you’re having trouble, refer back to these values and you will quickly know your answer. Now, to be clear, this doesn’t have to be focused on your career or your business. This should absolutely be about your life. If you do have your own business, I recommend a separate set of values so that you can inspire and empower your team just as Lululemon does. 2) Focus on your Core Competencies You know what your good at, but as a woman, you’re probably trying to do it all yourself. Stretching yourself among too many tasks/projects/etc. will only overextend yourself and ensure that you’re not doing any one thing particularly well. Take a cue from some of the most successful (and unsuccessful) businesses and focus on your core competencies. Any business that has been GREAT has focused on their core competencies (think McDonald’s). Any company that has only been GOOD has tried to expand too fast outside of their core competencies and ultimately had to downsize and revert back to their core competencies for any chance of survival. If you’re focusing on what you do best, you’ll not only be more successful, you’ll also be much more satisfied. And you better believe people will take notice of that! 3) Build your Team You might be amazing, but you can’t do it alone. Ask for help when you need it, but also start building your support team that you trust. If you’re having amazing career success, consider how great you’ll feel when you can hire someone to assist you and give them that priceless opportunity as a mentor. You’re not only focusing on your core competency, but you’re training people under you who can develop that competency as well. And where you don’t have the core competency, simply outsource. You needn’t be bothered with all the laundry, the admin tasks, presentation prep, accounting, etc. Your time spent on those things is a waste. You could be training someone, marketing yourself or booking or working with a new client (or, spending time with family and friends). 4) Live by your Values Lead by example. The most effective leaders are the ones that live by their values. You innately instill trust, a sense of team and motivation simply by living by these values. Trust me when I tell you that people will take notice. Look at Lululemon’s insane growth over the last five years, regardless of a down economy. New stores keep opening, they’re now selling online and people are lined up to quit their corporate jobs and work in a store. Do you see what this means? You can remotely inspire people to ACT if you live by your values. How cool is that? |
Tags: business development, Lifestyle, personal development, Support, Value, women's values
Today WWD reports that according to The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, consumers continue to grow more confident – gaining 5 points in April and reaching it’s highest level since September. Not quite where we were years ago, but I’m excited to see that we’re really getting back on our feet.
I’ve felt over this last year and a half that it wasn’t so much of a recession as it’s really more of a restructuring. Now that the dust is settling we’re really seeing who are the stars that shine and it’s the small business owners!
I especially like the mindset of this boutique owner on Larchmont in Los Angeles:
Yes! As I said, I’ve felt that way for a while!
In any case, you know how I feel about spending money (on clothes). There is no such thing as impulse shopping or returns – you buy it because you love it and you know you’ll wear it. I prefer to buy on sale, but I won’t buy just because it’s on sale. And, I’d rather shop your closet first!
Happy Consumer Confidence!
xox, Catherine
Tags: Consumer Confidence, Larchmont, Personal Style, Recession, Shop your closet, WWD
| BY CATHERINE CASSIDY
Last week I introduced the various body types and offered some quick tips to get you started dressing your best for your body type. This week starts the series of going into more depth for each body type. PEAR is the most appropriate to start with as it’s the most common body type for women. Your body is fuller at the hips and rear, and smaller on top with a defined waist. A couple of celebs FAMOUS for their PEAR shaped curves …   Some keys to their success: Dressing in Proportions (Notice how Beyonce has a shoulder detail on her dress, this is how she adds weight to the top and effectively creates an hourglass shape.) Think pencil skirt with a feminine blouse on top that nips in at the waist – either by being tucked in, by adding a belt or having waist of its own. Wearing Darker Colors on Bottom Bonus tip: NOT that you want to eliminate your curves, but you might want to control them a bit! So, try this amazing underwear from Sarah Blakely of SPANXfame: ASSETS. Perfect for streamlining your shape under a dress or skirt that’s showing off your curves!
Go A-Line Try Pants of ALL Kinds!
Add a Wide Belt
 Put a wide belt (as opposed to a skinny belt) over a shift dress and/or cardigan or jacket to add a little bit of bulk to your top half while playing up your curves. This is an incredibly feminine and sophisticated look! And you’re off! I challenge you today to look into your closet to find some of these items and put them together for yourself. AND WORK IT! Own your curves! If you want to attract wealth, success, love, happiness, etc. into your life … you have to walk the walk as well as talk the talk! In other words, you’ve got to LOOK the part of wealth, success, love and happiness!! To your STYLED life! |
Tags: Brand Image, Business branding, Dressing for your Body Type, Fashion, Pear Body Type. Pear Body Shape, Personal Style, Personal Styling Los Angeles, personal stylist, Style
It’s the most frustrating feeling – looking into your closet and feeling like you have nothing to wear. It usually stems from not knowing what you feel like wearing.
For instance, what might go through my head is:
“Well, I want to wear flats, but my jeans don’t work with most flats. Do I really want to wear jeans, though? It might get hot. Plus, they can be too constricting. And I don’t really have a top I want to wear that goes with the jeans that do go with the flats.”
Can you relate?
Now, this is a scenario that doesn’t happen too often with me because I’ve taken action steps to build my perfect wardrobe for myself (I can help you, too!). But still, I have my moments … as we all do!
The solution?
If you buy one item to update your wardrobe this season, make it a dress. You throw it on with some cute shoes, a couple of accessories and your favorite bag and you’re good to go in no time! Minimal effort with maximal outcome. That’s the way, uh-huh, I like it!
I personally love the comfort, ease and sophistication of the maxi dress, but I know that’s not for everyone.
The key to finding the perfect dress for you is beginning with what you love. What colors make you feel beautiful? How important is comfort to you? Do you prefer something tight or something body skimming? Will this be for every day or evening or both?
Some favorites and why:
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- BCBG $148 – Day to Night, comfort, color & sophisticated
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- Catherine Malandrino $495 – Day to Night, Print, Colors
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- BCBG $168 – Day to Night, fit & color
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- Rachel Palley $211 – Color, fit and comfort
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- Young, Fabulous & Broke $140 – Day to Night, fit & sophisticated
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