By now it certainly is no secret to any of us that people are battening down the hatches when it comes to spending. Apparel, shoes, accessories and anything to do with fashion is oftentimes viewed as a frivolous expense, therefore, has been an area even Fashionistas have slimmed and trimmed down when it comes to spending these days.
But let’s face it; (speaking of slimming and trimming) fashion also makes us feel good.
Apart from the excitement of wearing something new, there is an added boost of confidence when we step out in a newly purchased article of clothing or accessory that completely enhances our overall image. However, during these harsh economic times where everyone is budgeting and cutting back, people seem to be tip-toeing around the idea of shopping or at least,
keeping it “their dirty little secret.”
As a fashion and image consultant who travels the world shopping with clients, I am here to say, you don’t have to give up shopping entirely. There are plenty of choices out there for different budgets and different tastes in style. The good news? You don’t have to travel all the way to New York or L.A. to find them! No. You only have to look right here in our own Tampa Bay backyard.
Recently, I have been spending some time researching fashion trends in our market and I was pleasantly pleased to discover we have our own panache and certain sense of flair that exudes a good natured type of confidence you can only find here in the Bay area. Tampa Bay is full of stylish Divas and they aren’t jet-setting to the larger cities for their fashion finds. No, they are shopping in our area malls and assortment of boutiques and finding just what they need right here. Conversely, there’s still a snippet of concern for these expert shopaholics, who at one time, dropped hundreds of dollars like a flash fry in the pan without batting an eyelash extension. Enter an expert shopper like me to help calm their Fendi toting hearts by educating them on how to stay stylish on a budget.
So what advice do I give the chic shopper during this time of newfound focus of watching our bottom line? It’s simple really. Five easy tips below on staying stylish while keeping your bank account (how shall I say it?) well-groomed.
First of all, before you even slip into that sassy outfit you like to wear shopping and those comfortable, yet stylish, sling-back sandals to meet your girlfriends out for a day of retail therapy, always know your budget. Although I firmly believe in retail therapy (believe me) – you probably shouldn’t shop just to shop. Be on a mission when you go out. Have an idea in mind of what you are looking for. Is it a certain look, style or just an item? Whatever it is, make a list (mental or written) and stick with it.
Make some phone calls to area boutiques and shops and ask over the phone if they have what you are looking for. (Retailers: if you have a great associate working for you, the shopper on the phone will end up in your store regardless because of the service they received over the phone.) Unless it is an absolutely “to die for” item that makes you feel like you’re walking the red carpet in Hollywood arm-in-arm with (insert favorite male actor’s name here), you probably shouldn’t buy the first item you try on in the first store you walk into. Sometimes that first try-on is a winner, but chances are you will find something two shops away and you’ve already slashed your designated budget in half with your impulse, Ginsu knife shopping ways. Shopping is supposed to be fun, not regretful.
Once you find a shop you really like, be loyal to them. Get on their mailing list to get alerts on when they have deals and special offers. Be friendly and honest with the sales associates. If they bring something for you to try on that is way out of your price range, don’t be afraid to tell them. They know their store and merchandise better than you do and if they realize something is out of your budget (and they are good at what they do), they will offer something with comparable style attached to a lower price tag. (Retailers: With that type of service, shoppers are most likely going to return and stay loyal to your shop.)
Overall, shopping is supposed to be fun and even therapeutic if you do it the right way – even those of us who live and breathe fashion, have to be realistic in understanding our needs versus wants. Although we are in a ‘new economy’, it doesn’t mean we have to completely let go of activities we enjoy, such as shopping. We just have to be smart and shop with confidence. Carry on, shoppers, and keep those bank accounts orderly and well groomed while keeping your images chic and fashionable!
* Founder of Freeway Fashion, Laura Hunt is a Fashion Stylist, Image Consultant and Fashion News Reporter. She is also the Editor in Chief of Diva Drive, an online fashion news blog. To contact Laura, send an email to laura@freewayfashion.com.
