Shop with Confidence - Insider Tips

Joanne is a personal stylist and consultant Brand Manager for small business, based in Sydney with over 20 years experience in the fashion industry, Contact Joanne for more info on Joanne.becker@bigpond.com

For the majority of women, shopping for clothes is a daunting and stressful experience, add motherhood to that mix, and the lack of time only increases that fear and leads to many costly mistakes being made. Below I will share some important tips to help you with this process and give you the opportunity to get it right every time.

The most important thing is to spend some time prior to your shopping trip, to work out exactly what you do have and what you need. This includes trying things on! It’s no use looking quickly at you wardrobe and mentally ticking off items, if when you come to put them on they no longer fit or are outdated and inappropriate. (This can be anything from being clearly out of style or showing too many signs of wear and tear, such is shine or pilling)

Once you have identified these gaps, make a note of the items which you really need to complete your wardrobe. If there are things you need for a specific item, (ie the perfect pant for a few great tops or knits) wear one of these on your shopping trip. Also wear the shoes that you are most likely to wear these pieces with, so you really can get the full picture. The other thing which I suggest before you head out is browse on line. Have a good look at some of your favourite stores and see what they are showing for that particular season. Now matter how much you may love a Brand, from season to season there are often big changes. It could be a simple matter of showing a colour as their main for the season, (such as nude that is huge right now!) that you know just does not work for you. The other thing you can do online is check out their prices, if it’s a jacket you are after you can do some comparisons and maybe rule some stores out or have a more accurate budget.

The last thing before you head out is get yourself ready to shop. I know this sounds strange, however, you are about to go out and part with some of your hard earned money, so give yourself the least opportunity for mistakes! If it is work attire you are after, do your hair and makeup as you would on a work day. It is very hard to judge whether you feel and look good in something, if you are feeling frazzled and unkempt. This also means arranging for your kids not to be with you if possible. As much as we love our kids, they are not conducive to a relaxing and focused shopping trip let’s face it!

On the other hand, if you are in a change room, trying on an evening outfit and you think… just some extra makeup and bronzer and this will look great! No, I’m afraid if you really need such props to look good in a particular outfit, then I have to say that the colour or style is probably simply not right for you. One last thing; if you wouldn’t buy something full price but all of a sudden it’s very appealing on sale; just make sure it’s something you really need… A good buy is not that, if it spends its’ life sitting in your wardrobe!

Now you are armed and dangerous, good luck with your shopping and try and remember to have fun!!