| One thing that I've learned in my many years in the | | | | Ann Taylor are ideal for your style. Don't forget to |
| retail industry is that personal style is much more | | | | shop online. Many retailers offer clothing online that is |
| important than being a fashion guru. Unless you are | | | | not available in the store. |
| considerably wealthy, keeping up with the | | | | Once you have chosen stores that best suit your |
| ever-changing styles and trends is costly, and | | | | style, don't immediately buy an item the first time |
| unrealistic. | | | | you see it. Clothing retailers, unless it's a boutique, |
| One of the first steps to building a stylish wardrobe | | | | reduce items in two-week cycles. If you see an item |
| is knowing your personal style. Is your style classic, | | | | you like, wait a couple of weeks to buy it. Ask a |
| feminine, chic, sporty, or bohemian? We all have a | | | | sales associate when the item came in then. You can |
| personal that reflects who we are as individuals. Use | | | | then estimate when it will be offered at a |
| you personal style to guide your shopping experience. | | | | promotional price. When you go to purchase the |
| Take the time to analyze your closet. What types of | | | | item, if your size or color is not available, ask the |
| clothing do you buy on a regular basis? Are you | | | | associate to check nearby stores. Many retailers, |
| comfortable with that style? Does it reflect who you | | | | such as the Gap, will ship the item to you for a |
| are? Does it wok with you lifestyle? Answering these | | | | modest fee, like $5. |
| questions will help reveal your personal style. | | | | Retailers such as TJ Maxx and Marshalls are great |
| Consistency is the key to one's personal style. Build | | | | places to find designer discounts. These stores are |
| your wardrobe around signature pieces. Use | | | | great for adding pieces to your wardrobe without a |
| accessories such as bags, shoes, scarves, and | | | | big price tag. The key to shopping designer |
| jewelry to play up your look (think Jackie O's trench | | | | discounters is to know what days they receive their |
| coat, sunglasses, and fitted T-shirts with slim pants). | | | | shipment, and do your shopping on those days. |
| Not only is it cheaper than buying a new wardrobe, | | | | Last, utilize magazines such as Lucky for inspiration. |
| but its more genuine. | | | | Lucky is a magazine about shopping and style. This |
| After determining your style, shop stores whose | | | | magazine has great sections such as: What Works |
| clothes reflect it. For example, if your style is classic, | | | | for Me, Lucky how-to, and A Month of Outfits. |
| then stores such as Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, or | | | | |