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AFE Cosmetics & Skincare
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Shopping can be a pain or a pleasure. There are several things you can do to make shopping for clothes faster, easier and definitely more pleasant. These few simple tips can take the strain out of shopping.
- Before shopping, clean your closet. (See Cleaning Your Closet for more information.)
- Go through your cleaned closet and make a list of the items you need to purchase. You'll need to be fairly general in making your list (i.e., you need a blouse to go with your blue suit) rather than specific because you'll be limited to what you can purchase at the stores you shop at.
- You should only need to shop once each season. Use the chart below as a guideline. This is generally when the stores receive new seasonal merchandise. By purchasing at the beginning/middle of the season, you'll have more selections and also be able to purchase coordinates easily. If you wait until later in the season, or wait for end of season sales, you'll be limited (especially if you are a small or large size) in your selection and you may not be able to find coordinates.
| Shopping Guide |
| Shopping Months |
Season |
Shopping Months |
Season |
| January/February |
Spring |
April/May |
Summer |
| July/August |
Autumn |
September/October |
Winter |
Shopping sales can save you substantial dollars, however there are some pitfalls that you should observe carefully.
- If you purchase something at the end of the season, unless it is to go with something you already own, you may be unable to find anything to wear with it--it becomes a wasted purchase.
- Purchasing things at the end of the season, unless you select classics, you may find that the styles look dated next year or your tastes have changed and you really don't like the look of the outfit anymore.
- By purchasing at the beginning of the season you have the opportunity to wear the outfit the entire season (if you happen to see another piece at an end of season sale--grab it! It's probably a good buy).
- If you aren't a standard size (if alterations are necessary, even hems) you often don't have time to make arrangements before the end of the season, so although you planned to wear the outfit during the last few weeks of the season, you've substantially reduced your wearing time (and often the cost effectiveness of purchasing at the end of the season is eliminated).
- Certain times of the day and the week are obviously better to shop. If you can shop during the week (it's often worthwhile to take a day off to get your shopping done--it's easier to shop when the stores are less crowded). During the day, from 10 to 2 is usually the best time to shop. The stores are relatively quiet, the "regular" staff is working (as opposed to part-timers that are less aware of what's available) and there is a much better ratio of customers to sales people available. Early in the week, Monday through Wednesday are also usually better than later in the week and, of course, weekends should be your last choice. (If you have to shop on the weekends, first thing in the morning or during the evening are generally better, although a week day evening is still a better choice.)
- Dress appropriately and be well groomed. Sales people will treat you better if you are are well-dressed (no sweats, jeans, etc.). You'll also have the appropriate undergarments, shoes, etc. on and it will make it easier to make a decision on what you'll purchase.
- If you've had your "Colors Done" it will make shopping easier. Color is the first thing you see when you walk into a store. If you only select the colors that are appropriate for you, you'll have a better chance of getting what you want.
- Remember that size is only a number. Because there are variation in cutting and sewing garments you can't depend on the same size always fitting. If you aren't sure, select the size you think is right and one on each side. (Remember: no one will see the size tag, except for you, but if it doesn't fit, everyone will notice.) This is also where being well-dressed will benefit you--sales people are more likely to be willing to help you with "running for other sizes" if they think you are likely to purchase.
- Since you are only shopping from your list, you'll have a narrower selection of choices. By selecting only colors that work for you you'll narrow the choices even further. The items that meet your criteria (if you are cost-conscious, you should check before taking the garment to the fitting room--there's no sense in trying on anything you can't afford or don't consider a reasonable value--you're just wasting your time, and energy).
- Trust your own judgement (or take along a friend whose opinion you respect). Sales people may not always be perfectly honest about how good or bad an outfit looks on you. If you don't feel wonderful now, you won't like it any better later (and you may regret spending the money).
- Everything you purchase should meet all of the following conditions:
- They should be in colors that flatter you.
- They should fit.
- They should look and feel good.
Remember: Love it Madly, Need it Badly--Or Don't Buy It!
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