Hate Shopping? Feel Clueless? Here Are My Stylish Six Shopping Tips

A friend and fellow blogger Jen of Tiny Oranges (a local Orange County, CA blog targeted at moms), contacted me because she is going to appear as a guest host on MommytoMommy.TV and needed some styling help.  I was more than happy to assist. But I was also a bit nervous to style a friend who I did not *that* know well and had not seen in over 5 years.  Plus, the shoot was less than a week away so time was limited.  I got some details about the event, her body type, budget, and preferences and we set a date to meet for 2-3 hours at a few designer discount stores like Loehmann's (hoping to stay within her budget.)

As I prepared for our shopping trip, I realized that most people probably don't prepare or do fashion homework.  The reason many people hate shopping is because they are unclear about their own personal style and preferences and so they feel lost, confused, and overwhelmed amid the racks and rounders.  Many women walk into a store without much vision and hope something just jumps out at them from behind a size 00 mannequin (who has 34 C boobs -- a creature rarely found in nature.).  Sadly, this is rarely the case.  Developing your personal style and shopping with success is a a skill.  But, don't worry, it doesn't take long to develop this skill ,and I have a few hints and tips to help you along...

The Stylish Six Shopping Tips

1. Prepare.  Yep, that's right.  Take some time before you shop to think about what you want and need.  Whether you are shopping for a certain event or for a few key pieces for the season it is a good idea to purchase a few fashion magazines and start flipping and tearing.  Go with your gut -- tag a look if you like it, even if it isn't something you usually wear. Some of my faves are InStyle, People StyleWatch, and Marie Claire (much more fashion oriented since Nina Garcia joined Marie Claire.) I save Vogue and the like for those who buy single items with 3+ 0s on their tags -- that's not me.  I arrived at my styling session with Jen with a folder full of magazine tear sheets to serve as inspiration.  Preparation doesn't have to take long (15-30 min) and flipping through mags can be fun.
 
2. Use the sales associates at the stores.  They are there to help you and will save you a ton of time.  If you are looking for something specific do not spend time combing the racks.  Ask an associate if they have anything like what you are looking for (you can even show them your magazine picture).  They will either tell you "no" or comb the racks for you.  Yes, I know that once and awhile you get a pushy one who won't leave you alone but you can squelch them with a polite: "Thank you for offering to help.  I prefer to shop on my own but will be sure to find you if I need any help." If online shopping, use the live chat or customer service lines.  They can be extremely helpful too.
 
3. Don't be afraid to take risks. I can't tell you how many times I have picked an item or outfit for a friend and they say, "wow, I would have never picked that up, but I love it."  I think Jen from Tiny Oranges said that numerous times on our shopping adventure.  Think outside of yourself for a moment.  Try on a totally different style just to see how it looks.  You will often be surprised.  MIX IT UP. Pair a jewel colored pump with jeans and a casual top.  Throw a biker jacket on top of a feminine dress. Confidence makes all the difference. If you wear a look and "own" it others will see you as stylish, they won't question your choices.  And, once you've worn your new item or look a few times it will become a standard for you, just like your jeans and cardigan or whatever has become your "uniform."
 
4. Browse first, look at price tags later.  We all have budgets.  I love a good deal as much as the next person and am always trying to find the look for less.  But, it is important to find what styles and shapes work for you.  So, if you see something fantastic that is out of your price range -- try it on!!  If you do indeed love it, now you have just narrowed your search to a hunt for a more budget friendly version of what you tried on.  And, there is a good shot it exists.  It may not be as fabulous as the pricey one but often you can get pretty close.
 
5. Be kind to yourself.  No one has a perfect body.  No one.  I attended a Playboy party and even those playmates had some dimples and cellulite up close when the lights came up at the end of the night. Focus on your positive features and do not stare at your problem areas. People see the entire person when they look at you, not just a rear end or upper arms.  Remember that. If you have great legs but your arms need work a long sleeve mini dress can be a great bet.  Work with what you have and do not obsess about what you don't.  Looking fabulous is about confidence and carriage not about having the best features.
 
6. Forget about fashion rules.  There really aren't too many any more.  Your shoes do not have to match your bag, you can mix metals (gold and silver), and black strappy shoes can be worn in the day with the right outfit.  Take your clues from fashion magazines and don't be afraid to mix pieces you like even if you thought you "shouldn't."

Hope these tips are helpful, and if you have some tips of your own please share them by leaving a comment below. Stay tuned for the dish on the look Jen will wear on MommytoMommy.TV.  Jen will blog about our styling spree and I will guest blog for her on Tiny Oranges about Fall Must Haves for Moms. I will also link to the episode when it airs and and give some info on the items.