| Ever look at someone as your passing them on the | | | | practical than buying a cheap one that will hopefully |
| sidewalk or in the grocery and wonder "what are you | | | | get you through this winter only to fork over more |
| thinking?" Fashion is one of those arts that people | | | | money next year. |
| either get, or don't get. Grant it, some of those | | | | 3) Pay attention to your body type. This is a hard |
| "what-were-you-thinking" people could care less | | | | one...we all want legs like Cameron Diaz, but some |
| about your opinion, but for those of us that do want | | | | things aren't in the cards. Be honest with yourself and |
| to make a good first impression I have put together | | | | figure out what your best feature is. Dress to flatter |
| a list of tips to help when either hiring a wardrobe | | | | that feature! If you don't know, that's where your |
| consultant or, when doing some shopping on your | | | | wardrobe consultant (or a very honest friend) comes |
| own: | | | | in! |
| 1) Trends are great...while they're trendy! If money is | | | | 4) Dress for what you're trying on. This is a pet |
| the least of your concerns, buy as many trend | | | | peeve of mine. Shopping with a client who needs a |
| pieces as you want. But, for many of us, our | | | | formal dress and she comes out of the dressing |
| wardrobe needs to feature not just the trendy | | | | room with athletic socks and her little-black-dress. I |
| pieces, but classic timeless ones as well. Be leary of | | | | am also a fan of comfort, but it actually proves to |
| any wardrobe consultant or personal stylist who only | | | | be a quicker day when I dress to try on. That means |
| wants to dress you in trends. While they will make | | | | no sneakers or sports bras! |
| sure you look like a superstar right now, chances are, | | | | 5) Cut your consultant some slack! Remember what |
| they also want to make sure you will be calling them | | | | you have hired him or her to do...I don't think it's to |
| again next season. Here's my tip for trends: buy | | | | tell you look fantastic in everything in your closet or |
| them at places that are a little friendlier on the wallet, | | | | in the fitting room. If your consultant is good, they |
| Marshall's for instance. Many times you can pick up | | | | will let you know not just if something works or |
| several shirts for under $50.00 to update your | | | | does not, but also why or why not. Many times once |
| wardrobe. | | | | you know this, you will be able to see for yourself in |
| 2) Don't skimp on the classics! If you find a great | | | | the future. |
| piece that will be able to remain in your closet (and | | | | 6) Do not stop buying jeans because you can't find a |
| be wearable) for years to come, buy it! While I don't | | | | pair that fits. It is normal to try on 50 pair to find just |
| think it necessary to pay thousands of dollars for a | | | | one that works. This is also an area that you may |
| good coat, for example, several hundred dollars for a | | | | need to go to a higher end retailer. You will be |
| trench that you will be able to wear season after | | | | amazed at the difference. |
| season is money well spent. It's also much more | | | | |