| 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!). |
You are currently browsing articles tagged shopping.
Here’s how you can ensure a SUCCESSFUL spree:Tags: personal shopper, Personal Style, Sale Shopping, shopping, Shopping Bootcamp
BY CATHERINE CASSIDY
As a personal stylist, I think it’s pretty ironic that I act
ually don’t really like shopping. What gets me through it is that I LOVE Fashion and making women look stunning.
And what really helps get me through it is streamlining the process so I can get it done as quickly and effectively as possible.
I’m giving away some great tools, so pay close attention!
Know your Stores
Have you ever noticed how the same stores can seem completely different? Meaning, you go into one Zara but it’s totally different than the Zara the town over you visited yesterday.
Allow me to explain. If a company is working intelligently, they don’t stock their store in Des Moines, Iowa the same as they do in Los Angeles, California. Even more, they generally don’t even stock two stores in the same city alike.
Basically, in order to maximize sales, store such as Nordstrom, BCBG, the Gap, etc. stock their stores according to the clientele and demographics of the area.
So, how can you know if you’ll be visiting the best store for your needs?
Feel free to call ahead and ask a few questions of the sales people:
( Bigger Budget = Higher Price Point Merch = Better Assortment)
(Meaning, A/B/C/D – companies label their stores and allocate assortment accordingly. Just as grades in school, these go from best to worst)
Plan your Route
Even if you’re going out of your way to find the best store, you should plan out your route.
Generally, I like to go to the furthest spot first and work my way back, but I’m also dealing with LA traffic. If that’s not a problem for you, you could always do the opposite.
Also, consider when traffic has it’s peaks and valleys. Here in LA, traffic starts to get worse by 2 pm on a weekday, so I try to get most of it in between 10 – 2. If you plan out your route and exactly the stores to hit this is perfectly possible. No dilly dallying! Don’t just wander in to ‘check it out.’ That’s only allowed if something specifically compels you and even then, check it out and get out!
That said, be very specific about the stores you want to get to. If something else catches your eye, make a mental note (or save it to your phone) and put it on your route for next time.
You also won’t buy things that you’ll never wear!
If you’re buying gifts or something for someone else, come prepared with some ideas – even if it’s a mental list. If it’s for someone else, don’t stress over finding the perfect gift. Simply start considering their personality and the things they like and I trust that some good ideas will come through for you.
As soon as you enter the store, take a look around and see if anything catches your eye. Maybe it’s a styled mannequin, a print, or a color. Whatever it is, use that item as a jumping off point for quickly walking through the store.
Personally, I’m a stickler for quality, so you’ll see me touching all the fabrics to see if I really like it. You’ll also see me picking up the item and quickly assessing whether or not I like it (considering print, color, stitching/quality, and cut). Really, don’t waste time hemming and hawing. Either you like it or you don’t!
Ask for Help!
If it makes you feel any better, I even ask for help from salespeople when I’m shopping for a client for exactly that reason – they can lead me to what I want quickly!
If you really want to kick it up a notch, then hiring a professional to tackle all of this for you (or teach you how to) is what you should aim for in the New Year. A great professional will teach you all the tricks and tools along the way so eventually you could do it on your own if you needed to (teach a man to fish approach!). She will also give you spot on and honest advice to make sure you’re not only maximizing your time and style, but also your money.
Happy Shopping! (Seriously!)
Tags: Holiday Shopping, Holidays, Mall, Maximizing Time, Money, Personal Shopping, personal stylist, shopping, Smart Shopping
BY CATHERINE CASSIDY
 With the holidays around the corner and the current state of the economy, I’d say it’s safe to assume that we’d all like to save a little money where we can with our holiday shopping.I use these resources I’m about to share for any day, but now at least you have the opportunity to give while you receive the savings.
What is so great about these resources is that they allow me toshop the designers I love at the price point I want. In your wardrobe I believe in quality over quantity. I would rather have an item last than be proud of myself for spending only $10. Of course, if I can have the best of both worlds, I’m a really happy camper! The following online resources allow me to have the best of both worlds and I love them for it: Gilt Groupe Invite only, and here’s mine to you: Gilt also has Gilt Fuse, which is contemporary Fashion, as well as Jetsetter which offers amazing deals on luxury vacations. What’s not to love?! Hautelook Also invite only, but I’ve got one for you: Rue La La My invite for you: These are all considered online sample sale sites, but with many designers and consumer products brands having overproduced with decreasing consumer demand, the consumers (you) now benefit from significant savings of production quality products. It’s also a great way to see what’s out there, learn about new designers and get inspired! I know that ordering online can feel intimidating, but these sites have great fit guides. So, as long as you know your measurements you can be sure to order the appropriate size. Now, for your further Holiday Shopping enjoyment, these major retailers are offering huge sales. Take advantage! There is some amazing Fashion to be found for a steal! Saks Fifth Avenue - up to 40-50% off and offering free shipping! Neiman Marcus – also offering up to 40-50% off and free shipping! Barney’s Co-op – Sale started yesterday with savings up to 40% in store. Also, great deals online! Check out the Vince and 3.1 Philip Lim. Revolve Clothing – One of my favorite resources has great up-and-coming designers and you can find amazing deals. Something for everyone! And check out Forward for the higher-end lines! Happy Shopping! |
Tags: Fashion, Gift Guide, Holiday Shopping, Los Angeles, personal shopper, Personal Style, personal stylist, Saving Money, shopping, Smart Shopping
I’m often asked ‘what is the process of working with you as a personal stylist?’ Many women I meet haven’t ever thought working with a stylist was within the realm of possibility, so I’m really happy to make it approachable and fun!
Another SHOULD ask question: How can you SAVE me money? Many women feel that stylists will just take you out shopping for new clothes. Of course, this is part of the process, but I don’t believe it’s the only way to work with a stylist. The point of working with a stylist is your PERSONAL style … which always starts with what you already have.
How I can SAVE you money:
Tags: clothes, Fashion, Lifestyle, personal shopper, Personal Shopping, Personal Style, personal stylist, Saving Money, shopping, Style, working with a stylist