SHOP WITH A LIST. (I know - duh!) It's so much easier to stay on course if you work with a list of items you need to to a)complete outfits, b) replace worn-out, damaged or tired staples, or c) update with trends that will work into the coming season or will remain popular into the next year. Without a list, you may easily get distracted by the sheer volume of available items and end up with (yet more) "closet orphans". CHECK OUT A RANGE OF SIZES. Don't be a "size snob" - women's clothing in particular is not sized in a standardized manner. If you find your needed item in a size above or below your usual size, try it on. It just may work for you, with or without minor alterations. (If it's in a size larger and that tag annoys you, just cut it out!) WHY ARE THERE SO MANY ON SALE? If you see many of the same item on the sale rack, ask yourself why? It's possible the store overbought, but it's also possible that there's an inherent design flaw - maybe the fit is a bit off...or the fabric is uncomfortable or too delicate...or maybe it was a trend that didn't take off as anticipated. On the other hand, maybe it will be perfect for you - you just need to be aware.
WOULD I BUY IT IF IT WEREN'T ON SALE? This is a very important question to help you determine if this item is a "keeper" for you. If you would value the item as an addition to your wardrobe at full price, it's probably a good investment. If not, ask yourself "why not?" It doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't take it home with you, i.e. if the original price is so far out of your budget that you simply couldn't afford it. But asking yourself this question can help you to clarify your thinking before parting with your cash.
BE WARY OF HELPFUL SALES PEOPLE. Face the facts - they are there to make sales, to move merchandise - not to help you with your wardrobe. Certainly there are exceptions and if you have found a sales person that you trust from experience, that's different. But generally speaking, the opinion of the sales associate shouldn't weigh heavily in your purchasing decision. (That's what image and wardrobe consultants are for - we're not invested in the merchandise!) BE STRONG FOR THE CHALLENGE. Physically, as well as mentally. Hydrate, take a healthy snack with you or plan to stop for lunch, wear comfortable shoes, and take breaks to reassess "where" you are in terms of completing your list. ONE MORE THOUGHT: After all of the above, be open to the unexpected. If you find that fabulous, fits-you-perfectly, I'll-wear-it-forever, it's-a-steal item, consider taking the plunge. After all, sale shopping should be fun, and taking home the plunder is part of the fun!
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My Style My Way covers many areas of interest: dressing for your shape, enhancing your image with color, make-up and hairstyles, and many more subjects, including my chapter on 'The Savvy Traveler'.
