Inject some shopping peace into your life
Running a business and keeping it thriving, especially in a recession, can be a lot of stress. So why not take the opportunity to strip back and make ‘presenting yourself’ for your business a piece of cake. So far we looked at the ways to achieve a balanced shopping diet, fine-tune your wardrobe and how to use some ‘maletelligence’ to shop.
So to get you more visible for your business, I’ve compiled some shopping tips that will make your life so much easier.
Don’t get caught up in trends - it’s nothing but a waste of energy, money and time. How can I call myself a stylist, if I don’t like trends, you say? Well I’m no fly by night lady…..like I said before, trends and naughty bits need to be chosen wisely and should only be 5% of your wardrobe. These sugary sweet fixes never go the distance, they taste nice first up and then rot your teeth over time. Just like these items, great for a spring/summer fling and then they just sit there taking up valuable space in your wardrobe. Choose pieces wisely and see which bits have longevity and which ones don’t.
Before buying an item ask yourself these key questions:
- “Will I get more than one season out of it?”
- “Does it go with what I already own?”
- “Is this really me?”
You and your body – Everybody has that one body problem area. If you find items that fit these areas well it makes sense to splurge on them in a few different key colours to provide you with flexibility.
Hone in on well-constructed investment pieces you can wear in several ways.
There is nothing better than a well cut jacket, trousers, skirt or dress that will go the distance. I know the initial expense may seem daunting, but think about it this way a well made dress that costs perhaps £150 worn 20 times for example only really costs you £7.50 a wear. Nothing worse that thinking you are getting a bargain spending £200 on multiple cheap items only to have to spend another £100 or so re-buying those same items once they have been washed a few times. It doesn’t make sense. It takes time and effort. Get yourself some gems, that you look after and care for that will go the mileage. If you cherish these items they will show you love back by making you sparkle.
Shopping smartly
For more attention from salespeople, hits the shops on weekdays just after the doors open. Also by building a relationship with the sales assistants each time it means even when you are not in the store, they may put aside pieces for you or keep them for you in sale time.
Investment and USPs
Stock up on these items in sale times like January or at the change of the seasons. The rest of the time in the year you should just graze on your foundation items to keep your wardrobe healthy.
Make a smart list
To avoid getting overwhelmed in the shops, I believe it’s best to have a systematic approach to the shopping process. Keep a running list of what needs to be replaced, what you are lacking, what needs to be altered and allocate a monthly ‘grazing’ budget to this. Learn more about this here.
Purse free days!
Yes I said it, sometimes it’s good to go to the shops without temptation. Rediscover the art of shopping and remove that fear of getting it wrong. I think taking a step back from doing the deed and the fear that women attach to it causes us to make some rash buying decisions. Take a step back and try being present; observing people, colours, shapes – generally sharpening your creative wardrobe building and shopping ability. Look at items and really take in what they feel like and look like. If you have to mull over something, then do so, don’t be in a pressured state with a wallet = a NO NO.
Lastly, online is just as good as the store
Getting savvy with your body shape and colours saves you time. Use websites that allow you to return for free. If there is a delievery fee justify this by the petrol money or spontaneous food you might spend going to shopping centres. By forgoing the bright lights and awkward changing rooms in the shops, you are more relaxed trying things on at home and identifying how to create combinations that work for your business and your life. Most stores now have a multi-channel offerings so you can buy online, return in-store etc
Know your style
By identifying your true style identify you can navigate the shops even quicker. It is also very wise to shop in an outfit that communicates your style effectively. When you walk into a shop, the sales assistants will immediately get an idea of your taste and know how to help you.
I want to save you money and time, I wouldn’t be doing my job well if I didn’t. But I also want to give you the power to shop well forever. These are just a few of the valuable tips and tricks I teach in the DIY Wardrobe Success guide. So what are you waiting for get savvy and save money today. Your business could do with the extra pounds!
Stay beautiful,
Samantha x
How does a step by step guide to building the right wardrobe that helps (not hinders) you to get visible for your business without the stress sound to you? Good?
Well why not grab our DIY Wardrobe Success guide -to learn the skills and tools to shop effectively and efficiently to build a long lasting wardrobe! Lay the foundations now so you only buy what really suits you, saving you money and time spent returning things that don’t work! Check it out here
