Didn't catch it the first time around? Browse through our Newsletter Archives for further learning! 

• August 2010 - Developing Personal Style
• September 2010 - Clustering Your Clothes
• October 2010 - Evaluate Your Wardrobe
• November 2010 - Clothing Wear and Care
• December 2010 - Fashion in the Fast Lane
• January 2011 - The Power of Personal Apperance
• February 2011 - Art in Everyday Dress
• March 2011 - Line in Design
• April 2011 - Shape in Design
• May 2011 - Color in Design
• June 2011 - Fabric and Texture in Design
• July 2011 - Pattern in Design
• August 2011 - Developing Your Personal Style
• September 2011 - Which Fashion Trends Work into Clusters for You?
• October 2011 - Timely Tips for a Successful Wardrobe Evaluation
• November 2011 - 7 Ways to Find What You Need In Your Closet
• December 2011 - Love Plus Logic is the Key to Great Shopping
• January 2012 - Where Have All the Nice-Looking People Gone?
• February 2012 - Judith Rasband's Fashion Rule of ONETM
• March 2012 - Discover Which Fashion Lines Work for You
• April 2012 - How to Keep Your Shape in Shape
• May 2012 - Color: Don't Believe Everything You Read
• June 2012 - The Denim Dissent
• July 2012 - What Matters With Pattern
• August 2012 - Tricky Trends for Fall 2012
• September 2012 - Strategy for Shopping With A Plan
• October 2012 - Is Your Wardrobe Killing You?
• November 2012 - Clothing for Your 72-Hour Emergency Kit

I constantly read and hear about people frustrated with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.  More likely it's a closet full of nothing they wanted to wear.  Why don't people want to wear what's in their closet?  Usually it's because of bad shopping habits, the worst of which is shopping without a plan.  They buy on the fly, go at the last minute and grab whatever garment they need at the moment, shop only for the latest trends, shop only on sale, or simply because they want something new.  Random shopping like this usually results in a dysfunctional closet.  The clothes don't work together.  Dressing is no fun.  It's confusing and frustrating to say the least.

So, how do we come up with a plan for clothes shopping?

• First, keep a shopping list and pen or pencil in your closet.  When you realize you are missing a garment that would complete an outfit or a cluster, WRITE IT DOWN!  Resist the urge to make the clothes list as long as your grocery list.  You'll break the bank.  Your list can be longer, but limit your shopping trip to one or two items, depending on the investment involved.
• Next, within your shopping list prioritize what you need.  Literally number each item according to importance.  Plan, save, and shop for the #1 most important item first. 
• Forever, discipline yourself to buy only what is on your list.  Of course we can be flexible enough to buy the #2 item if it turns up and finances allow. 
• Also, on occasion like vacation, allow yourself an amazing impulse buy that combines both love and logic.  But buy no cheap stuff, fad stuff, only the good stuff that really fits your lifestyle, values, personality, body type and coloring, budget, and goes with at least three other garments.  Fill in the gaps.

Over time, the time will come when you need or want to shop for an entirely new outfit or cluster of clothes.  At that time shop according to Conselle's cluster plan guidelines.

Last December I recommended 2012 as a good time to begin budgeting a percent of your income to shop for clothing.  Review as you like.  As you look toward 2013, decide how much you can invest monthly before you go shopping.  This will ease your mind regarding overspending and alert you to where you need to shop for the best quality on the rack. 

As you prepare to shop, keep you thoughts positive.  If you think you hate shopping, you will.  If you think you won't find what you want, you won't.  This kind of thinking never pays off.  Start thinking of shopping as a game or a treasure hunt and you're out for the prize.  If you think quality clothes will be too expensive, start thinking in terms of "cost per wearing."  Higher quality clothing lasts longer, saving you time and money in the long run.  Positivity pays off.

Don't allow yourself to fall back into previous bad habits.  Don't buy only because there is nothing else.  Love it or leave it!  Keep looking!  Hold out for what works, what makes you happy.  Only buy something to wear if you love it and think you will be happy wearing it for the next several years.  Then congratulate yourself when you find it.  Celebrate!   

Shopping is a life-long task, a needed life skill.  It's not something you do once and then it's done forever.  The only way you lose is if you give up.  So here are a few tips to make the process faster, easier, and more successful time after time.

• Practice people watching.  Notice what others are wearing that might also meet your needs.  When you see someone wearing the perfect blouse, suit, or shoes for you too, stop them, compliment themon the item, and simply ask where they found it.  Most people are flattered by the compliment and happy to share their source.
• Enter a store or department that is most likely to have what you need, then scan the racks and shelves for the color or item you need.  If you don't see it, move on to the next store.  
• Engaged in the hunt, don't limit your options.  Be open to shopping somewhere new to you.  Even when you think you've looked everywhere, keep on looking.  Check out the internet and the phone book for local clothiers-department stores, chain stores, boutiques, outlets, discount, and consignment stores. Don't forget clothing catalogs and online stores as well.
• When you see the color, go there.  Check out the style, feel fabric fabric, check the construction detail, and fit - it's a natural order of inspection.  Just don't miss the details.  If one by one you see the garment meets your needs, the price is right and you love it, by all means, buy it!  

Remember, not every shopping trip ends up a total success.  If what you need isn't available exactly when you want it, wait.  Patience also pays off.  If you are open and aware, what you need will appear. I've seen it happen time and time again. 

To read related information about smart shopping, with instructions and examples regarding people just like you, order Conselle's Wardrobe Strategy Book #12, Smart Shopping at $27.97.   You'll find charts that will summarize the information and simplify your learning and application.  Order through Conselle's Store or call 801-224-1207 and order directly through Kathy.  Order Smart Shopping. 

Photo: CBSlocal.com | thenest.com | theepochtimes.com

Plan to shop with your list, #1 priority first.  Last season's trends may include an viable option or two for you.  Options include navy, green, and purple; black with gold, black with royal blue; silk blouses, peplum tops and skirts, leather and leather trim, big belts, slipper flats, wedge heels, shoe boots.  Patterned pants, color blocking, animal prints, and faux fur are fashion trends that require you to be more careful.  Are they really part of your personal style? 

Here are eight tips to consider for smart shopping:

1. Plan for time to try on the clothes you're shopping for. 
2. If it zips, it doesn't mean it fits.  Take two or three sizes into the fitting room with you.  What is labeled small, medium, large or extra-large varies from brand to brand and possibly even item to item. 
3. When wearing each garment, ask yourself, "Where could I wear this?" "Will this get me the raise / date / recognition I'm looking for?" "What will this do for me?" 
4. Move around, walk, reach, stretch, bend, and sit.  Can you move comfortably?  Can you breathe?
    
5. How do you look in a full-length mirror?  Leave your dressing room and find a mirror where you can step back several feet for a different vantage point.
6. If it's too short, check the hem allowance to see if it can be let down. 
7. If it puckers or pulls, the garment is too small for your body.  Let it go, or go up a size. 
8. Give yourself a break.  Stop for a healthy drink or snack to rest and relax rather than make a rash decision or give up too soon.  

Expect success and you will often find it. 

Photo: Harper's Bazaar | MSNBC

Just when the holiday season begins to wind down, make use of the time to offer your clients a "Shop Your Closet" service to ramp up their style and expand their wardrobe styling skills.   It's a fun way to create new looks before they even consider shopping the stores again, plus it can save time and a ton of money too.  Zero in on pieces they haven't worn for awhile.  Much like a mini-wardrobe evaluation, find out why a garment is not being worn -- poor fit, needs repair, needs cleaning, needs a companion piece to complete an outfit... Ah ha! Add that to the shopping list. 

Yes, dear reader, you can do it for yourself, but with a real pro, I guarantee more fun and more results. 

Here are some things you can suggest to your clients:

• Try a new color scheme with pants or skirt and top. 
• Try new ways of layering, light or heavy weights depending on the weather. 
• Try different accessories with basic core pieces. 

The timing is good.  End-of-Season Sales will soon be underway.  It's a great time to shop for classic core pieces to complete an outfit or a cluster.  This is the right time to replace selected items.  At half-price, buy into a trend that has merit and advise to wear it out by Spring. 

By offering a "Shop Your Closet" service, you'll boost your bottom line as you better serve your clients.

Photo: Real Simple

Judith Rasband

Conselle Institute of Image Management

Check out our blog at http://conselleimageconsultant.wordpress.com!