8 Ways to Shop like a Pro ...

By Rebecca

8 Ways to Shop like a Pro ...

Ladies, looking good is important. Whether you’re working or at school, you want to your clothes to suit your personality, your body type and, of course, your bank balance. While this might seem simple enough, I’m sure you’ll agree that mistakes are not unusual, and often fashion faux pas are the result of bad shopping. I’m a retail junkie, and I’m sure most of you can relate, but every now and then I get a glimpse of why some of us hate to shop. Without a clear idea of what you’re looking for in mind, buying clothes can be totally overwhelming. Here’s a list to guide retail rookies through the shopping experience …

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1

Cull without Mercy

Before you head out for a major shop, take a few hours to rid your wardrobe of everything you don’t need anymore. I know it can be hard parting with some of the stuff, but if you haven’t worn it in a year and it’s not couture or a classic then, trust me ladies, it needs to go out. Bag up all the cast offs and take them to a charity. That way you’re helping yourself and others all at the same the same time!

2

Know Your Wardrobe

While there may be certain staples that we need in duplicate, ladies please remember that variety is the spice of life! If you already own five pinstriped shirts, why not consider a fresh new print this time round?

3

Make a List

Experts suggest you keep a list pinned in your closet and every time you get dressed and find yourself wishing for a certain item, you write it down. The list then comes with you the next time you go shopping as a record of everything you need to perfect your existing outfits!

4

Be Budget Smart

Particularly now, after the economic crisis, it’s not smart to overreach your means. Your shopping habits need to match your bank balance and for most of us this means a mixture of reasonable basics and with a few expensive feature pieces. Remember ladies, looking great is important but it’s not about bankruptcy.

5

Find Time

Never go shopping for half an hour in your lunch break. You’ll only end up under pressure and buying random things you don’t need. Successful shopping usually takes a while so clear yourself a window when you can relax and indulge in a little retail therapy.

Famous Quotes

One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.

Albert Schweitzer
6

Go It Alone

If you have a serious shop to do it really is best to go by yourself. This way you’re free to get exactly what you want, and the tastes of other people can’t interfere. Of course shopping with a girlfriend can be a blast, but sometimes comments and compliments will pressure you to buy things you don’t really want.

7

Versatile Style

If you’re working on a budget, and let’s face it we always should be, then buying clothes you can mix and match is a real winner. Skirts and tops, for example, can be put together in hundreds of fun new combinations to give the impression of totally different outfit everyday.

8

Sweep Stakes

Girls, don’t be tempted to buy the first thing you see. Have patience and do a sweep of the mall to begin with. That way you’ll know exactly what’s available and how much everything costs, and from there it’ll be easy to make an informed decision about what you want. Mature and responsible shopping or what?!

Those are my suggestions to make shopping less of a chore and more of a breeze. Got any fab shopping tips, ladies? I’d love to hear your retail secrets …

Top Photo Credit: AXEHD

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I feel you girls! I'm a compulsive shopper myself

Before I hit the mall, I hit the internet. It's always a good idea to go online to look at the new items/sales that the store is offering. While not all stores will carry what is online, I've found this to be a huge time/money saver.

Thanks for the article great tips

I totally love this idea of putting a list in the closet, I'm always upset when I've to mentally picture my entire clothes collection before I can decide on an item. This will help me enormously. Shopping with girlfriends can tire you out a lot faster, especially when it's not just one person shopping.

I LOVE shopping, especially during season changes, because I find such fabulous bargains. Some stores tell you know HOW MUCH YOU SAVED, rather than remind you how much you spent. It feels good to know how much it would have cost you if you had to pay the regular price. I agree that you need to take into account your current wardrobe, but then again, sometimes I like to have something totally "off the wall", just to make a statement and feel different.

I shop like a shopaholic.

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