What is one of the things women like to do most? If you are like me the answer is shopping. But in this economy we all have to watch our spending. This doesn’t mean to stop shopping all together but to find ways to shop smarter and make our purchase a clever one. How? It’s very simple.

The very first step in shopping smart is to know your body type. Once you learn what your body shape is and what styles look best for your shape then you can buy only those cloths that are guaranteed to make you look fabulous so you keep wearing them. This means you don’t waste your money on items that end up looking awful and will remain in your closet for years with its tag still on before you finally get rid of them. Knowing your body definitely helps you make cost effective decisions.

Image Source: http://www.womansday.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/wd2/content/fashion/clothing/how-to-shop-smart/338025-1-eng-US/How-To-Shop-Smart_full_article_vertical.jpg

Know your colors. Avoid buying cloths that are not going to compliment your skin, hair and eye color. If you like the color pink but it is not your color, don’t buy it. It will make you look dull when you can use colors to your advantage to look more radiant, lively and vibrant.

Don’t buy an item on sale just because it is on sale, even if it is a Chanel piece that has gone from a thousand to a hundred, if it is not flattering on your body or it is the wrong color for you, then no one cares what the label says, all they will see is the unflattering style on you. Always ask yourself, would I buy this if it were full price? If the answer is yes, then go for it.

Ladies, Costco is not a place to buy cloths. If sweater section is sitting next to bulk toilet paper that is not the right place to shop for your cloths.

I understand the bargain prices are sometimes hard to resist but remember quality items would work for you longer and won’t lose their shape after a wash.
Which brings us to our next point.

There are a few items you should never feel bad spending money on. A classic blazer jacket, an everyday purse, a trench coat in black or camel, a pair of fabulous shoes that will go with everything. These items are timeless. You will use them year after year. Always consider “CPW” (cost per wear) if you are not sure if an item is worth the price.

Don’t spend too much money on trendy items. Trends are in for now and gone before you know it. So if you want to look modern and up to date shop in stores like H&M, Express or even Target, they make these items available at a very affordable price.

Consider proportion when shopping. If you are a petite woman you need to go for patterns on a dress or shirt that are small. If you are buying jewelry, remember the very bold and big pieces are going to be a little overwhelming for your small figure. On the contrary, if you have a bigger frame and are taller, go for big bold patterns and that statement jewelry. You can pull them off but really small delicate pieces probably won’t look as good on you as on a petite person. It’s all about proportion.

Be aware of Internet and catalog shopping. I am not a big fan of buying any cloths or even shoes without trying them on first. They always look better in the pictures. If there is a store for that item, go in and try it on first, make sure it fits, it’s the right size and it looks good on. What you don’t see in those pictures is how much those models are pinned and tucked in the back so the outfit looks very fit and flattering on them just like mannequins in the stores.

To sum up, the more you know about you body and style, the less you would waste money buying the wrong pieces that are going to end up sitting in your closet and eventually passed on to someone else.

If you have a question or want me to cover a specific subject in the future, feel free to contact me.

Nazy Meknat
Image consultant/Wardrobe stylist
phone: (949) 633-0187
Email: nazy@stylebynaz.com

Web site: www.stylebynaz.com