Shop & Save!

People are doing a lot of shopping on-line, so it makes sense to review some of the basics, before you hit the “checkout” button.

  • Check the size and color
  • Check packaging — how many to a “pack”
  • Read the care label instructions (wash or dry-clean)
  • Read the return or exchange policy
  • Check the cost of shipping (if any)

Before Shopping

  • Look good and feel good so the clothing looks good on you.
  • To make the most of your shopping experience, have a plan!
  • Before you leave your home, grab any merchandise returns, store credits, and gift certificates.
  • Wear easy on / easy off clothing and shoes; if you’re buying a gown, bring your own heels – don’t approximate; if you need a strapless bra or pantyhose, bring them along.
  • On average, people spend between 5-10% of their net income on clothing. Therefore, make decisions that will stand the test of time. Classic, well-made clothing stands the test of time.
  • Assess your lifestyle and buy for that lifestyle. If you’ve changed, so should the style of clothing that you buy. If you’re still wearing the same clothing you did a decade ago, then you are probably missing something.
  • Remember, fashion is fleeting, but style is forever.
  • Make a list of your favorite colors, fabrics and styles before you begin to shop.
    There are exceptions, but comfort is just as important as fashion.

Shopping At Holiday Time

  • During holidays, the best time to shop is early in the mornings, especially on the weekends. The largest crowds are after lunch and after dinner.
  • For Christmas, try to be done with the majority of your shopping by December 5th.

While Shopping

  • Find a salesperson that you like, tell them that you’re going to buy, but that you need service and attention.
  • Spend 15-20 minutes on the sales floor to round up all possible winners – even if that means that you collect 15-20 pieces – before heading to the dressing room. Ask the salesperson to hand you in 5 garments at a time. This will reduce the amount of return trips to the sales floor and increase the percentage of winners.
  • Look at the big picture when you shop for clothing; how to wear, care for, clean and store a garment for its entire life.
  • Buy clothing that fits your current body.
  • Buy clothing that looks great in the store, looks great at home 72 hours later, and stop buying “maybes.”
  • If you can’t resist a “passionate purchase,” use the 48 hour rule. If you pass up the item and you still want it 48 hours later, it’s probably a good investment.
  • Have a quality standard for all clothing — from bargain basement to designer boutique — and make sure that the clothing meets this standard.
  • Read all care labels and content labels before you buy.
  • When you shop, ask yourself, “Is this fabric well-suited for me and for what I do? Will it wear well? Can this fabric be washed at home or will it need professional drycleaning?”
  • A bargain is only a bargain when quality is part of the package.
  • Before you reach the cash register, hang the garment, spin it around, and spend two minutes to do the 6-Point Quality Check™; zippers, hooks, hems, seams, snags/stains, and buttons.
  • Always ask for extra buttons because 3 months later it will be too late to get more!
  • Always ask the salesperson for a quality hanger (wide plastic or wood) for your new purchase and be sure to keep your garments on quality hangers whenever possible. Or purchase high-quality hangers from Clothingdoctor.com
  • If you find something that you like and you can afford to buy more than one, in more than one color, do it!
  • Always beware of piping and trims made from leather, suede, vinyl. Check the care label and think about eventual washing and drycleaning.
  • If you want to keep your white clothing white, make sure that these garments can be washed and drycleaned.
  • When buying outerwear and clothing with buckles, hooks, clasps and zippers, be sure to closely check the quality of these accoutrements.

Personal Shoppers

  • Consider using a Personal Shopper at Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and other fine stores. In most cases, the service is free and the advice and time savings is unparalleled.

Shopping for Others

  • When shopping for a partner, remember these hints:
    Peek in their closets and take note of sizes, colors and style preferences
  • If your partner is into collectibles, then add to that collection.
  • Accessories can make a great gift; scarves, belts, jewelry, socks and gloves. Buy something frivolous that your partner wouldn’t buy for themselves.
  • It’s ok to simple ask what your partner wants. Window shop and look at catalogs together. Don’t be shy about this, it just means that you care!

When shopping online, be sure to look for savings like 6pm coupon codes to reel in the best deals and keep you on budget!

After Purchasing

  • Every time you buy a new garment, discard or donate an old one.
  • Reduce damage on silk, satin and velvet skirts and pants by only using “smooth” clip hangers.
  • Resist using hangers with ridges or “teeth” that can crush or mar the surface of the fabric.