Some tips from my experience on when to shop for clothes to help make your shopping trip relaxed and more enjoyable.

BEST TIME TO SHOP

Being a seasoned shopper (like many women!), I have found the best time to shop is first thing in the morning when there is more parking available, the shops are less crowded and shop assistants are generally friendlier, more helpful and in better moods.

HAVE A SPECIFIC GOAL

Rather than trying to cram in a whole range of items which can turn a shopping spree into a shopping circus, focus on one or two things only. That way you can remain focussed on the task at hand, find exactly what you are after, and return home feeling positive and happy with your successful purchases.

Be aware that although shopping can be great fun, a whole day of shopping can be quite exhausting. This state of mind is definitely not conducive to clear, rational thought and you will buy things you will later regret if you attempt to shop in this way. Believe me, it is very easy and tempting to continue a shopping trip despite your body (and feet) protesting!

BUDGET

Not a good idea to shop when you are short of money - this will only encourage poor decision making and create additional stress which is easily avoided. Best to save up for purchases in advance and then go out shopping knowing you can afford to do so without a guilty conscience. Maxing out your credit card soon destroys the shopping high, and everything else if you are not careful.

TIME TO AVOID THE SHOPS

The chaos of the lunch break - avoid it like the plague. Not only will you be fighting for a place amongst every other person who has whipped out during their lunch break, you also have to contend with stressed out, grumpy, famished, over worked shop assistants who have been on their feet all morning without a break.

# Be prepared when you go shopping. Spur of the moment purchases are fine for small items, but they often lead to buyer's remorse. Before hitting the mall, take stock of what items are sorely missing from your closet and how much you can realistically spend. Be sure to dress comfortably and give yourself plenty of time in the stores. This will allow you to make decisions out of reason, not rush.

# While shopping, stay focused on the clothing items you need. You may want to try shopping alone to avoid the distraction of friends. Always try on clothes in front of a three-way mirror and have a definite purpose in mind for each purchase. Keep in mind the body you have right now and don't be tempted to buy clothes for the body you wish you had. If you find a knowledgeable salesperson, don't be afraid to tell her what you are looking for. She'll be able to help you find the highest quality clothes for your budget, and she may even alert you to upcoming sales.

# As you make decisions, remember that clothing shopping should be an investment. You should buy clothes of high quality that will last for many years. You may also want to buy items of clothing in complete outfits so you know that you will definitely wear them. If you find a pair of pants or a shirt that fits perfectly, feel free to buy the item in multiples. That perfect fit could be difficult to find again on your next shopping venture.

Here are some tips....

Choose the right shopping buddy
If your boyfriend hates shopping (as most of them do), leave him at home and instead, take a friend who is keen. The last thing you want is someone rushing you because they are bored and irritated. If all else fails, a shopping spree with yourself alone can be just as much fun, plus you get to decide when to stay and when to go.

Narrow it down
This rule does not apply if you are shopping for fun. However, if you are looking for something specific, don't go around the store looking at every other item. Go straight to the section that keeps the item you are looking for and if they don't have it, move on and make your way to the next store. Don't spend hours looking at everything; rather leave that for one of those days when you need a bit of retail therapy.

Don't let temptation get the better of you
Stores and merchandisers are experts at tempting you into buying something you absolutely don't need. Don't let this happen, and stick to buying what you've intended initially.

Try the whole thing on
If you are looking to team a snazzy new top with a pair of black pants or jeans, instead of just trying on the top (in your baggy pants), rather take the top, a pair of black pants and jeans into the change room and get a better idea of the full picture. You may find that the top doesn't go with either one of the items and could just end up being a waste of money.

Hi

Shopping can be a pleasure or a chore. However you look at it, use these five tips to be an effective and organized shopper.

1. Dress well. In order to spend less and buy wisely, dress up in comfortable clothes. It's the same concept as going to the grocery store on a full stomach.

2. Shop with a plan. Know exactly what you need and how much you can spend. Write it down. Create a budget.

3. Keep an ongoing list of clothing needs posted in your closet. As you dress each morning, make notes of items you need to complete outfits such as a wider, brown belt or a white tee with v neck. Be specific. Take the list with you when you shop.

4. Before making a purchase ask yourself, "Does this match my wardrobe in terms of color, style and price? Is this on my needs list? How versatile is this piece? How many ways can I wear it?"

5. Shop first at high-end mass merchants (i.e., Target), outlet malls and off-price stores for basics such as tees, shirts and pants. You'll then have more money for seasonal updates like jackets and accessories.

Thanks

Be prepared when you go shopping. Spur of the moment purchases are fine for small items, but they often lead to buyer's remorse. Before hitting the mall, take stock of what items are sorely missing from your closet and how much you can realistically spend. Be sure to dress comfortably and give yourself plenty of time in the stores. This will allow you to make decisions out of reason, not rush.

While shopping, stay focused on the clothing items you need. You may want to try shopping alone to avoid the distraction of friends. Always try on clothes in front of a three-way mirror and have a definite purpose in mind for each purchase. Keep in mind the body you have right now and don't be tempted to buy clothes for the body you wish you had

As you make decisions, remember that clothing shopping should be an investment. You should buy clothes of high quality that will last for many years. You may also want to buy items of clothing in complete outfits so you know that you will definitely wear them. If you find a pair of pants or a shirt that fits perfectly, feel free to buy the item in multiples. That perfect fit could be difficult to find again on your next shopping venture.

Hi

1) Be prepared when you go shopping. Spur of the moment purchases are fine for small items, but they often lead to buyer's remorse. Before hitting the mall, take stock of what items are sorely missing from your closet and how much you can realistically spend. Be sure to dress comfortably and give yourself plenty of time in the stores. This will allow you to make decisions out of reason, not rush.
2) While shopping, stay focused on the clothing items you need. You may want to try shopping alone to avoid the distraction of friends. Always try on clothes in front of a three-way mirror and have a definite purpose in mind for each purchase. Keep in mind the body you have right now and don't be tempted to buy clothes for the body you wish you had. If you find a knowledgeable salesperson, don't be afraid to tell her what you are looking for. She'll be able to help you find the highest quality clothes for your budget, and she may even alert you to upcoming sales.
3) As you make decisions, remember that clothing shopping should be an investment. You should buy clothes of high quality that will last for many years. You may also want to buy items of clothing in complete outfits so you know that you will definitely wear them. If you find a pair of pants or a shirt that fits perfectly, feel free to buy the item in multiples. That perfect fit could be difficult to find again on your next shopping venture.

Thanks

Hi

Shopping can be a pleasure or a chore. However you look at it, use these five tips to be an effective and organized shopper.

1. Dress well. In order to spend less and buy wisely, dress up in comfortable clothes. It's the same concept as going to the grocery store on a full stomach.

2. Shop with a plan. Know exactly what you need and how much you can spend. Write it down. Create a budget.

3. Keep an ongoing list of clothing needs posted in your closet. As you dress each morning, make notes of items you need to complete outfits such as a wider, brown belt or a white tee with v neck. Be specific. Take the list with you when you shop.

4. Before making a purchase ask yourself, "Does this match my wardrobe in terms of color, style and price? Is this on my needs list? How versatile is this piece? How many ways can I wear it?"

5. Shop first at high-end mass merchants (i.e., Target), outlet malls and off-price stores for basics such as tees, shirts and pants. You'll then have more money for seasonal updates like jackets and accessories.

Thanks

Hello Dear

Set a budget. Knowing you can only pay $100 for a dress ahead of time will help you sort through the racks quicker. Start early. For special occasions allow yourself at least two weeks prior to the event to find the dress. You'll need extra time for shoes and accessories. Dress for shopping. If you'll be looking for a special occasion dress, try to wear or bring undergarments (strapless bra, etc.) to go with the style. Otherwise, wear easy on/off clothes. Also, styled hair and makeup will make looking at yourself in the dressing room mirror just that much easier. Shop by yourself. If you really need a second opinion, put the item on hold and bring someone back with you later.

Thanks to

Most women relish the opportunity to spend a day at the mall, perusing store windows and racks, chatting with friends, and bringing home a wardrobe of new, stylish clothes. Still, some of the excitement of clothing shopping inevitably wears off when the credit card statements arrive. Follow these three steps to make sure your next shopping outing doesn’t break the bank.

Be prepared when you go shopping. Spur of the moment purchases are fine for small items, but they often lead to buyer's remorse. Before hitting the mall, take stock of what items are sorely missing from your closet and how much you can realistically spend. Be sure to dress comfortably and give yourself plenty of time in the stores. This will allow you to make decisions out of reason, not rush.

While shopping, stay focused on the clothing items you need. You may want to try shopping alone to avoid the distraction of friends. Always try on clothes in front of a three-way mirror and have a definite purpose in mind for each purchase. Keep in mind the body you have right now and don't be tempted to buy clothes for the body you wish you had. If you find a knowledgeable salesperson, don't be afraid to tell her what you are looking for. She'll be able to help you find the highest quality clothes for your budget, and she may even alert you to upcoming sales.

As you make decisions, remember that clothing shopping should be an investment. You should buy clothes of high quality that will last for many years. You may also want to buy items of clothing in complete outfits so you know that you will definitely wear them. If you find a pair of pants or a shirt that fits perfectly, feel free to buy the item in multiples. That perfect fit could be difficult to find again on your next shopping venture. These shopping tips should help you fill your closet with stylish, high-quality clothes you will wear for years to come.

Hi

1. Be prepared when you go shopping. Spur of the moment purchases are fine for small items, but they often lead to buyer's remorse. Before hitting the mall, take stock of what items are sorely missing from your closet and how much you can realistically spend. Be sure to dress comfortably and give yourself plenty of time in the stores. This will allow you to make decisions out of reason, not rush.

2. While shopping, stay focused on the clothing items you need. You may want to try shopping alone to avoid the distraction of friends. Always try on clothes in front of a three-way mirror and have a definite purpose in mind for each purchase. Keep in mind the body you have right now and don't be tempted to buy clothes for the body you wish you had. If you find a knowledgeable salesperson, don't be afraid to tell her what you are looking for. She'll be able to help you find the highest quality clothes for your budget, and she may even alert you to upcoming sales.

3. As you make decisions, remember that clothing shopping should be an investment. You should buy clothes of high quality that will last for many years. You may also want to buy items of clothing in complete outfits so you know that you will definitely wear them. If you find a pair of pants or a shirt that fits perfectly, feel free to buy the item in multiples. That perfect fit could be difficult to find again on your next shopping venture.

Thanks