| Shopping for Clothes |
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The key step to smart shopping is setting a budget. Stick to this budget even if it irks you. If you know that 200 dollars is your limit, it will help you make more discerning choices. If you have a problem sticking to a budget, just leave the credit cards at home and shop with cash. Allowing yourself go over even just a tad is a slippery slope.
The next tip is to start early. If you are shopping for a special occasion, you need to allow yourself some time. Two weeks before the event is usually good enough. This gives you time to coordinate the accessories as well. Leaving it too late can lead to impulsive buying. This can lead to overspending and over buying.
Another good piece of advice is to shop on your own. Friends mean well, but they can get in the way and cloud your judgment. They may have a problem telling you the truth as well. If your butt really does look big in something you will want to know, friends quite often are too afraid to tell you. If you find something that you are not sure of, ask if you can put it on hold and then bring someone. However, don’t be surprised if they are little help.
Try to stay clear of the sales racks until you have achieved your objectives. Stores put the most enticing offers on display to try and snare you in. The problem is that, if you are not careful, you can blow your whole budget in a matter of minutes. Be strategic! Shop for what you need and then hit the sales racks. You won’t be sorry.
Don’t be afraid to seek the sales people advice. They can be incredibly helpful. Tell them what you are looking for, and send them looking. Professional sales people will offer an advice regardless of the commission. You are more likely to return to their store if they give you something that makes you look great.
It doesn’t matter what size the tag says, try everything on. Sizes are only numbers, and you cannot tell how these clothes will fit on you without trying them on. Walk around in them and see how they feel. Bend, stoop, and do all of the actions you would normally do in them. It doesn’t matter how great they look, if they are not comfortable, there is no point in buying them.
It may be a scary thought, but face that 3-way mirror. Check if the butt is looking big in something? Remember, you want to look good from the front and back. Look for panty lines and bunched up areas as well. This will help you gauge whether or not the cut is bad. Basically, if it doesn’t look right, then don’t buy it.
Look at the care tags on the clothing. Delicate items may need to be dry cleaned only. And if you have to do it often, this can run into some serious money. If the clothing is for work, and you don’t have a clothing budget, then look for things that can be washed at home.
Before you buy anything, check the store’s return policy. Sometimes you cannot return them for cash; you can just exchange the stuff. If you bought something on sale, you may not be able to return it at all. Think twice before you buy anything from where there are no returns. It may look good in the store, but you can be surprised as to how you feel about it when you get back home.
Finally, beware of the word bargain. The store may have marked 95% off; however, it isn’t a bargain unless you can actually use it. If you cannot work it into your existing wardrobe, just leave it. It will cost money and take up some space.
Getting the most out of your clothes
When you are shopping for clothes, try to get items that give you a multi-usage option. Could that pair of pants be made a bit more chic with a nice belt that you have? That way it can be used for work and pleasure. Think of the accessories that you have, and if various items could be jazzed up a bit. This way you will be getting more out of your clothing which makes them worth buying.
Sometimes, it pays to look beyond the price tag. Even though something costs a bit more, it may be worth it if it is quality stuff. Don’t be seduced by designer names. Look for something that looks good and will be long lasting. This will save you money in the long run.
If you feel your wardrobe is about to burst at the seams, or that your clothing selection needs some updating; you should carve out a smart plan. The first thing you need to do is get rid of what you no longer need. If you are not wearing it, take it out. Once you have cleared the much needed space, devise a good shopping strategy, and be ruthless! Do not purchase anything unless you love it. Avoid taking friends and try not to be seduced by sales. Shop for quality! Look beyond the price tags and designer names. Think of your wardrobe as an investment, and get the most out of it. Proper shopping planning at the right time can enable you to avoid the pitfalls of impulsive buying. You can get a great wardrobe, saving space and even money. |
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