The Art of Shopping

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Betty Barclay

One of my favourite films is Pretty Woman and I love it when Julia Roberts gets the opportunity to kick sand in the faces of the snooty sales staff on Rodeo Drive. Let's face it we've all probably been made to feel like that at some time or another which brings me to my point of today's blog. Shopping can be hard work and overwhelming!

Hopefully, the service that Miss Roberts received is confined to the annals of retail history and sales staff everywhere are much more attuned to the customer. However, we can help ourselves to become better shoppers and achieve retail contentment. We want to enjoy the shopping experience, spend our hard earned cash wisely and build a wardrobe of clothes that will give us confidence and love wearing. 

Here are a few tips:

• Know what works for your colouring, body shape and proportions - that means knowing what colours and styles suit you best and which fabrics, cuts and patterns are most flattering. Having this knowledge means you can zone in on items, saving you time, effort and money.
• Buy clothes to suit your lifestyle and don't build a wardrobe on fantasy. You may dream of floaty dresses and killer heels but if you spend more time in trousers and flats it makes sense to allocate more of your budget to those items that you will actually wear rather than collect dust at the back of the wardrobe. Look for items items that will add versatility and range to your wardrobe.
• Don't be lured by the sales. It's only a bargain if you are going to wear it. Better to look for classic pieces that stand the test of time and basics, such as white shirts and black trousers that work as building blocks for the rest of your wardrobe.
• Think about cost per wear. If an item carries a hefty price tag but you know you will wear it over and over again then see it as an investment.
• Get to know the places and staff where you shop and find out about their return policies, loyalty schemes, discounts and price matching. Check out whether they offer extra perks like free alterations or private viewing. 
• Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take off and put back on and wear seamless bra and pants.  If you are looking for a specific outfit make sure to take with you the accompanying shoes, underwear or accessories.
• Your clothes should look up to date without you being a slave to fashion. Invest in garments that you know are right for you and only choose high fashion pieces if they flatter you or if you want to add a personal touch. 
• If you find a basic item such as trousers or t-shirt that ticks all the boxes, by all means buy in more than one colour. However, avoid buying the same prints in different colours because you will soon get tired of them.
• Make your clothes interesting. Pair an item of designer clothing or accessory with budget finds. A higher quality item will upgrade everything it is worn with. For unique style mix a high fashion piece with a classic.
• If in doubt, go away and think about it. 
• Less is more! Don't overbuy and don't cram wardrobes to a point where you can't see what you've got in there. 
• Never feel pressurised into buying something.
• WEAR IT AND ENJOY IT!