The shopping rules
They say you should never shop for food when hungry or shop for shoes when emotionally unstable. But since this is precisely what women do all time, I figured it would be nice to share with you a few more realistic shopping rules.
1. If you go shopping in department stores or on the high street, do it on Monday. If you can go in the morning, that’s even better. Mondays are usually quieter and that’s also when they bring new garments in stores. For Chanel though this rules don’t apply, just go anytime.
2. Avoid the places where you have all the shops together and where most people go. For example, if you live in London, just say no to Oxford St or shopping malls such as Westfield. You wanna go to H&M? There’s a small one that stocks special picks in Selfridges. Looking for some Zara basics? Go to the on near Harvey Nichols. If you choose shops that are not on the same street, you really make shopping your cardio.
3. Learn when to to buy different things: don’t go for shoes after a long day of walking, don’t buy lingerie when your PMS is at its pick and never ever shop while carrying your big bag with a laptop and 3 Moleskine notebooks in it.
4. Know your size very well so you can shop online. And even if you prefer to see and touch the clothes before purchasing, get into the habit of using apps for searching various items, save your favourites and then go straight where they have them instead of wasting time looking for the perfect cashmere sweater. One of the apps I love is ShopStyle- you can shop for everything from beauty products to shoes, clothes and home stuff. Vogue Stylist is another great one. Just lovely.
5. Beware of sales. I rarely go shopping when everything is on sale because I just can’t deal with the madness. Shopping becomes a traumatising experience and women are at their worst when fighting for the last discounted skirt. Moreover, you’ll notice that most of the things you bought on sale weren’t smart investments and will end up at the bottom of your closet. The way to stay safe during sales is to buy only things that you really need and classic pieces or basics. Don’t ever buy anything trendy- there’s a reason why it got discounted during the mid-season sale. Also, sales are a good time to look at clothes you wouldn’t normally afford. Don’t be greedy and get 10 Thopshop shirts just because they are £5 each. You could buy a nice Acne one instead.
6. Probably the most important rule is to know in what to invest and what to buy cheaper.
Lingerie- you can get away with cute, %100 cotton underwear that doesn’t have to be La Perla. Spend more on bras and get them from brands that only make lingerie.
Basics- such as t-shirts, cotton shirts, leggings, socks, pyjamas, and gym equipment don’t have to be fancy or cost a fortune. As long as the fabric is good quality, there’s plenty of good stuff at H&M, Uniqlo, Topshop or Zara.
Jeans- brands that make jeans. In other words, Levi’s, 7 for all Mankind, Diesel, Lee, Miss Sixty, G-Star, Calvin Klein. Forget about the Topshop jeggings- they are hideous.
Trousers- invest in wool or cotton ones and go for classic cuts that fit perfectly. That means you have to spend a little more although sometimes Gap does really lovely affordable models.
Shirts, t-shirts, blouses and knits- as mentioned before, you can save on bascis and spend more on evening lace or sequined tops or cashmere sweaters.
Dresses- there are no rules here. You can spend a fortune on a haute couture gown and also have pretty dresses that you found at a Sunday market and cost nothing.
Outwear- never underestimate the importance of a good quality coat or jacket. Invest in classic cuts and shapes and have at least one trench, one woollen coat and one fur jacket. Just sayin’.
Shoes- boots and shoes should always be an investment. You don’t have to be so strict with flat summer sandals or rain boots. As long as your feet are confortable, that’s all that matters.
Bags- same with dresses, can have 10 Chloe bags as well as cute totes or purses from vintage shops or high street brands.
Accessories- diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but sometimes Topshop or Accessorize can provide you with equally good friends. Only a lot less expensive.
7. The vintage dilemma. I for one am not a huge fan of vintage. I love old jewelry or rare accessories but I would never wear someone else’s shoes. They could be Dior. There are of course, very expensive vintage shops where you can find amazing haute couture pieces but you need to develop a really good eye and know what’s worth spending on and what is just grandma’s old stuff.
8. Don’t be boring. It’s easy to always go shopping in the same places, this way you never fail. But you don’t discover anything new or exciting either. In one of my previous posts I mentioned Notting Hill and Shoreditch. These are amazing treasure troves in London where you can find small, boutique shops that sell unique pieces. Always explore your city and have your little secret places where you go for those special gloves of yours or those gorgeous earrings.
9. Explore other cities as well. When in Paris, forget about Avenue Montaigne or Lafayette. Wandering the streets of my favourite city in the world I have discovered the most exquisite little shops around Rivoli and I always go there for shoes and boots. There’s a whole chapter in Parisian Chic filled with tips on where to shop like a true parisian. Get reading.
10. Get tips from experts. Follow Liberty Girl London, Bargainista Fashionista, Susie Bubble, Hanneli, Style by Kling and A cup of Jo. These lovely girls know everything that’s worth knowing, trust me.
