shopping tips from a professional shopper

I’m no fashionista & no stylist, but I love getting dressed up (like most girls) & usually I loove shopping. Unfortunately I’ve been in a bit of a wardrobe rut lately….

Luckily, the lovely Nicole & Jacqueline of Hermanna Rush hosted Janine Carley-James (a professional shopper & personal stylist from Restyle You) to share her best shopping tips & tricks!

BEFORE YOU HIT THE SHOPS…

• Have an idea of what you’re looking for, but don’t arrive with a preconceived image of how these items should look.
• Consider the time of day, time of month & mall you’re visiting. Chances are the very best mall to shop at might not be the closest one to you.
• Be honest about what you can afford. Set a budget before your shopping trip & stick to it.
• Don’t drag along your kids or partner. It’s hardly an exciting outing for them.
• Pack a survival kit. An apple & bottle of water, knee-highs if you’ll be trying on boots.
• Dress comfortably. Wear flat shoes, clothes that you can take off easily & seamless flesh coloured underwear.
• Drop the guilt. Decide what you need, what you can spend & forget about the rest!

WHEN OUT SHOPPING, DO…

• Browse in ALL the shops & not just the ones you’re familiar with. Janine warns against only buying at the “Mother Ship” (yup, reliable old Woolies). You know, pop in for food, then grab a few clothing items…?
• Choose those items with ‘low hanger appeal’. Those are items that you wouldn’t normally pick for yourself.
• Choose quality over quantity. Calculate real price as opposed to the price on the tag. Remember that a sale item that you will never wear, is a total waste of money. Rather save that money for one quality purchase.
• Avoid panic purchases that you frantically buy at the last minute before an event. Rather set aside time to look for some ‘occasion’ appropriate outfits.
• Ensure your wardrobe is balanced. Percentage-wise your wardrobe should match your lifestyle. For example: do you have a cupboard full of evening gowns, but hardly attend any evening functions?

& DON’T…

• Buy without trying on. Yup, you’ll have to brave the changing rooms.
• Try on only five items. Rather select 20. You’ll have a much higher ‘hit rate’.
• Let size labels haunt you. “Select the item that fits irrespective of the size label,” says Janine. You can always cut out the label when you get home!
• Duplicate items (ie one top, three different colours), except for basics like jeans, pumps & camisoles.
• Be seduced. For the most part, Janine recommends avoiding the sales because you’re likely to buy things that you’ll never wear again. BUT, if you do love sales (& I know most of you do), then check out these fantastic tips on “How To Shop The Sales” by Candice-Lee from In My Bag.

FINALLY, ASK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU BUY:

• Does it fit?
• Does it flatter?
• Do I LOVE LOVE LOVE it?

Happy shopping!!

Yolandi ♥