First of all you have to control your spending and the first step is to set a budget and stick to it. It doesn’t mean you can’t buy an expensive piece of clothing that you really like, but to make sure that this piece would match most of the other pieces you got in your wardrobe so that it is well worth your money.
Research – Read magazines and go on-line before you hit the shops to get an idea of what’s in stores at that moment and which are the styles to look for. In this way you can also save time by knowing where you find what. It will be also easier to plan your budget (see # 1) as you know what price you should pay for that particular piece. At the beginning of each season then, before going on a shopping trip to update your wardrobe, be clever and check-out the designer collections on-line so that you can easily recognize the must-haves and be inspired once in high-street shops.
Do not leave the time of your trip to chance. Plan it – If you are free to plan your visit whenever you want, plan so it coincides with the days shops are less crowded (especially during mornings) and when you know they receive new deliveries.
Dress appropriately – Go shopping in pieces that make you feel confident but also are easy to take on and off. Opt for flat or at least comfortable shoes and bring a pair of high heels in your bag in case you need to see how long trousers or jeans will hang or dresses will look like with them. Good underwear is also very important. If you are looking for something in particular to be matched with a piece you already have, bring it with you during your shopping trip. Or ensure you take your party underwear if you are shopping for a party outfit.
Sign up to web-sites that can give you the latest tips on all the sample sales, great opportunities to find bargains from top designers, like samplesaleslondon.co.uk, lynku.com or catwalktocloset.com
Make the biggest (more expensive) purchase first – People usually build an outfit around the most expensive item they got, probably a suit or a dress, a coat or even a bag or a pair of shoes. So, when going shopping buy this item first and then work the rest of the outfit around it. The expensive item will help making cheap basics look more expensive and will add them a touch of quality.
Beware of trickery – like flattering lights and slimming mirrors often located in changing rooms. Bring the piece you are about to buy out of the changing room or even out of the shop if you can, in a natural light to see what a color really looks like next to your skin tone.
Shopping SOLO – To get what you want and not to buy an item you loved in the shop but hated when home, go alone. In this way you will focus just on shopping rather than being sidetracked by your friends’ needs. And remember that too many opinions can confuse you. Instead, know your weaknesses and strengths and decide by yourself (see # 9).
A recent survey found out that people usually decide to buy something in just a couple of seconds. Instead of impulse buying, take your time. If you are not sure about buying something, doubting whether it is worth the expense, leave it there for a couple of days or even a week or more. If you can’t stop thinking about it or at how it would match this and that in your wardrobe then go for it.Besides, don’t just look at things or try them on, but feel them. Squeeze them. If there are too many clear creases when you let it go, don’t buy it. And if you are looking for cashmere, the softer is not always the better. Producers often add softener into the fabric to give the sensation of a high quality cashmere when touching it but it’s not true. The truth is that unfortunately you should spend at least 150/200£ for a real nice cashmere sweater.
