One of the most important reasons why during a personal shopping session I always find great outfits is because I have asked a number of questions before the session. Some of these questions are:
- What are you looking for?
- What is missing in your wardrobe?
- What is your budget?
- What shops do you like?
- What is your preferred shopping destination?
I literally search the Internet and come up with a list of stores and items I want to look at with the Client in the timeframe we have together. I use the Westfield store locator and floor map to work out what route we are going to shop.
Here are my suggestions of how you can research your wishlist:
➜ Do a Wardrobe Review before your Shopping trip. Your Gap list will become the basis of your Shopping Plan. It is almost a given that when you know what you are looking for, it appears. With a clear direction the shopping heavens quite literally open up and help you find things. Also called the law of attraction.
If you feel that your shopping trips usually end in disaster then I really suggest you try the simple steps of going through your wardrobe, creating a little list of items that are missing and researching online. Here is a link to Part 1 – What is Missing in Your Wardrobe.
➜ Always join the newsletter list of your favorite stores. It will mean that you are in the “know” when new collections come into store, you are very likely to receive a discount or voucher for being a member and depending on how much you spend with this brand you will be entitled to things like tailoring, free styling services, free delivery and more.
From experience, all brands work really hard to get your purchase and they want you to be a happy repeat customer. Joining loyalty programs and newsletters could literally save you hundreds of dollars each year.
➜ Take the time in the weeks leading up to your shopping trip to visit the latest collections online.
I believe in today’s economy it is a shoppers market, meaning that retailers are fighting hard to get your business and offer money incentives and discounts all the time.
You have the opportunity to look at the different collections and pre-select what tickles your fancy in the comfort of your own home on the couch while watching TV.
Not only that, you will be able to see what specials the brand is running in that week. You might also like to cross reference with the big department stores as the same item might be better value. Mail order companies like Ezibuy now also carry many more name brands like Levi’s, Next, Diana Ferrari shoes so I suggest you include them in your research.
➜ Use Pinterest to pin visuals of styles you love. Unlike any other Social Media platform, Pinterest gives you a fantastic opportunity to create a visual wishlist.
Every image online now is shareable on your Pinterest boards. From your phone, tablet or computer.
Having your wish list right there on your phone will help you in-store when you look for things as the shop assistant can find items for you. The more efficient you shop the less you exhaust yourself.
If you don’t know how to use Pinterest or you would like a refresher, here is a quick course I created on how you can set up a Pinterest account and how you can add Pins to your boards.
YOUR NEXT PART IS ONLY A CLICK AWAY!
Part 6 – Set Your Budget
Sticking to your budget is really important to have a guilt free shopping trip.
The amount of tags I have seen on items never worn in clients’ wardrobe is proof that there is room for improvement. Learn to be a smart buyer and take charge in Part 6.
ABOUT ANGELA BARBAGALLO
Angela Barbagallo is one of the brightest minds in personal styling and confidence coaching today.
Angela has educated her many clients in making great style choices, which translates into increased feelings of well-being and a positive attitude in life.
Angela is a body shape and colour expert and a best selling author on Amazon of two style books “8 Ways to Look Fabulous, Taller and Slimmer” and “The Real Woman’s Guide to Hair”.
Angela is the NSW Independent Style Consultant for Diana Ferrari since 2011 as part of their Fusion Reward Program.
Angela also collaborates with Corporate Clients such as Bank of America, Jetstar and Bupa with her “Dress for Success” program.
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