Shhh...Secrets from a Personal Shopper

Go to your closet and pull out everything that…

 

Now, add up how much you spent on that pile of clothes you’re not wearing. Shocking, isn’t it?

 

Women tend to shop out of habit. We shop for the same kinds of things we’ve always shopped for. I have numerous clients at retirement age who are still shopping for suits. When I ask them why they are investing in something they will rarely wear, the answer is always the same: “Because I don’t know how to buy casual clothes.” I am sure your story is similar.

 

There are many choices in the marketplace: where to shop, what to buy, how much to spend. I understand why people don’t like to shop; it can be confusing and overwhelming, not to mention the crowds. That’s why we shop out of habit. We look for the things we’ve always looked for. Many times, smart shopping is as simple as breaking an old habit.

 

Smart shopping comes down to lifestyle and one’s personal fashion. The first step is to think about your lifestyle. Are you a mom on the go? Career woman? Somewhere in between? Make a list of the three most frequent “events” you have on your calendar. My list looks like this:

 

Now, think about what kinds of outfits you need for those three activities. Where do you see the gaps?

 

Next comes your personal fashion style. This comes down to your taste in clothes. Believe it or not, your style changes over time.  Start a Style File. This is a file of pages from magazines you’ve torn out that display items you like. These might not be actual outfits you would wear, but represent things your eye is drawn to. It won’t take too long before you see a theme coming from all the magazine and catalog clippings. 

 

Let’s go back to your closet. Ask yourself, “Do I have outfits for the activities in my life? Do I see my style in this closet?”  

 

Now you know what to look for when you shop.

 

Where you shop is as important as what you buy. 

 

Looking for quality items at a real discount? Try an off-price store. These stores carry name brand items they purchase at below wholesale. The trade off is shopping through aged merchandise, sometimes over a year old (meaning they’re likely not the latest trends and probably last year’s styles).  Some of the popular off-price stores include TJMaxx, Marshalls, Filene’s Basement and Loehmann’s. 

 

Shopping at an off-pricer is like a game of hide-and-seek. Find out when the store receives shipments. Great deals go fast, so be prepared to spend some time going through racks and bins searching for a good deal.

 

Factory Outlet. It’s a magical term in the English language. Shops that are part of a Factory Outlet Mall get merchandise from unsold stock (returns, odd sizes or styles). Many brands create lines specifically to cater to a market that can’t afford regularly priced merchandise (Ann Taylor Loft is a good example). Real factory stores are located at the actual factory. Don’t be fooled! Factory Outlet shopping is really Manufacturer Outlet shopping – there is a difference. The deals can be few, but it is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

 

Big department stores hire designers to develop clothing lines that are only available at their store. Examples include Kohl’s Apt 9, Macy’s Karen Scott, Nordstrom BP and Target Merona.  This is a clever way for the department store to cut costs. When shopping these brands, steer clear if the line is always on sale or clearance at random times of the year--or always seems to be on sale. Also, beware if one item is available in 1,000 colors; the sheer warehousing and inventory it takes to keep so many options available is very expensive, leading a smart shopper to know this may not be a quality item and, therefore, not a good deal. 

 

There are obvious disadvantages in shopping this way: shipping, not being able to try things on before you buy them, ordering on a photo rather than being able to touch and feel the piece. But the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Online and catalog shopping allows you to shop the world. You can try things on in the privacy of your own home with your collection of accessories and with the right undergarments.  You can see things in the lighting you are used to, in the mirror you are comfortable with and without a pushy sales person telling you that you look great in everything you put on. Make sure you completely understand the return/exchange policy and the shipping costs before you order anything from a catalog or online. 

 

My favorite places to shop are at boutiques. Generally, they are locally-owned shops with excellent customer service, which are both important to me when I spend my money. What you find at a boutique will be unique. If you see something in a magazine that you love but can’t find it at a store, a boutique is where to shop. Even if you don’t see it at the store, ask the owner or buyer if she is able to get it for you. Boutique owners and buyers have a unique relationship with designer reps and may be able to bring in pieces for you to see.