shopping 101...

ahhh...shopping...some love it...and some don't...whatever category you fall under...if you find yourself brnging home clothes you never wear...here are a few pointers...

- shop for who you are now...not who you will be five to ten pounds from now...

- buy something because it looks great on you...not because it looks great on a fashion model in a glossy spread...

- let your own legs (and body type) determine how long or how short your hem should be...

- sizes are relative...buy what size you are...not what size you thought you were...or what size you hope to be...(refer back to point one)

- before you buy...check yourself in the mirror in as many positions as you can...especially sitting down...

- put things on hold if you need more time...if you're going to a series of stores...maybe you'll come across something later that works better...thinking things over reduces the chances that you'll buy on impulse...

- beware of sales if you're prone to impulse buying...before you go out...reassess what you have and make a list of what you need...then try to stick to it...

- avoid pushy salespeople...and beware of those who flatter you too much...when you find a salesperson who speaks your language...stick with him or her...

and if all this just seems a bit overwhelming...seriously consider a wardrobe stylist...it just may save you alot of money...

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fashion's night out 2011...

today marks the 3rd annual fashion's night out...what will you be doing? there is still time to plan your evening...go on out...scope out some good deals...perhaps some give aways...meet designers...click on the fashion's night out website to help navigate you in your city...with details of what is going on...

of course...i would die to be in new york right now...i was there exactly this time last year...but couldn't make it out this year...

and for those of you not wanting to venture out...i have heard that there are online events as well...imagine...relaxing in the comfort of your own home...and participating in FNO 2011...

would love to hear what you end up doing...feel free to share in the comments...

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making the list...

as i'm always mentioning...it is important to "shop in your closet" - especially if you have a huge closet...packed with clothes...that you don't wear...what could be better then some free shopping? make it a habit to work in new outfits with your existing pieces...

another reason though...for shopping in your closet...is that by creating outfits with your existing wardrobe...you will notice the gaps...perhaps you need a good pair of dress pumps to help "step up" your suits...maybe you are discovering that although your suits are certainly wearable...none are making you truly happy and you'd like to update that part of your wardrobe completely...or maybe your favorite cream silk shell is starting to look too worn with your newer suits...if so...make a note on your shopping list to replace it...

maybe a cotton cardigan sweater you typically wear with a white t-shirt and jeans in the spring and summer can be winterized for the cooler months by wearing it with a turtleneck and some casual corduroy pants...as you assemble new outfits...note the missing pieces...

there is nothing like being in the privacy of your own home to test out new fashion concepts and see for yourself where your gaps are...so go ahead...play closet dress-up in your closet on a regular basis...especially when you'd like to shift wardrobe dollars to another area of your life...

when you are done shopping in your closet...you should have some new outfits to wear and a list of items to purchase...when you look over this list...keep your budget in mind...and set priorities if you don't have a lot to spend...this will allow you to clearly prioritize your shopping dollars later...

your primary goal when shopping in your closet is to make the most out of what you own...your secondary goal is to recognize what items to purchase to complete your wardrobe...