I'm the first to admit I am fashion challenged. I've never been into labels or felt a need to have the latest, most stylish clothes. It just seems like such a hassle. Give me a basic black suit and six colored blouses and I'm good to go.
That said, I am a woman and I care what I look like. I dress as fashionably as I can with a minimum of fuss, a sense of professionalism and an eye toward value.
I've come a long way in my shopping habits and selection in the last few years, and that is due in no small part to our Her Times magazine fashion consultant Valerie Weaver and the fact that I can no longer shop for clothes without hearing Valerie's voice in my head.
It's as if I have a little tiny Valerie -- perfectly coifed and dressed, of course -- sitting on my shoulder dropping her shopping nuggets of wisdom as I browse the sale racks. "I know it's a $6 blouse, Heather, but you know you don't like those sleeves -- don't waste your money."
This Saturday, I channeled Valerie as I scored one seriously good deal on a great full-length cashmere-blend black wool coat at BonTon.
The coat, originally $290, was on sale for 60% off. I applied for the credit card (which I'll cancel after paying) and saved an additional 20% off. Then, I used my15% off coupon from the newspaper and got the coat for $78.88!
Yes, ladies (and gents) -- if you're in the market for a new winter coat -- now is the time to shop. The stores are clearing the shelves of winter gear and things are marked down drastically.
But, before you shop -- let me put a little Valerie in your head -- here are the top 10 shopping lessons I have learned from Valerie. Commit them to memory and they will serve you well.
1. If you don't love it, don't buy it. Seriously...how many blouses, blazers, sweaters and pants are hanging in your closet or tucked somewhere on the bottom of your dresser because you don't like the way they hang on you or you don't like the fabric, etc.? Make it a rule today -- to never buy anything -- no matter how cheap it is -- if you don't love every thing about it (fit, fabric, color, etc.).
2. Hold out for a sale. Everything goes on sale eventually. The time to shop for seasonal clothes is the middle of the season when they are making room to stock the shelves with the next season's fashions. Time it right and don't wait too long. If you wait until March to shop for a winter coat bargain, you'll find that they're long gone -- replaced by bathing suits and cabana wear in the first week of February.
3. That said, don't ever buy anything just because the price is right. One of Valerie's favorite phrases -- "It's not a bargain, if you never wear it." I used to do this ALL the time, but I can honestly say that I have stopped. It's not easy -- it's a very hard habit to break (especially if you're a frugal gal like me), but you can do it.
4. Buy what fits. Women's clothing manufacturers are notorious for sizing that is anything but standard -- a size 6 in one brand of jeans is like a size 10 in another brand of jeans. In the case of my coat -- I had to buy a size 12 Petite. I am a 120-some pound woman and I had to buy a size 12. Lemme tell you...it pissed me off good. But, I the little Valerie on my shoulder said, "Buy what fits...it's just a number...if it bothers you that much, cut the tag off."
5. If you're going to splurge, do it on classics and things you'll wear for years. Classic colors and classic fitting clothes -- think a nice, black tailored suit or a good wool winter coat -- are the things you want to splurge on. Buy the best you can afford because you'll wearing it for years and years.
6. Try everything on. See tip #4 (above).
7. The rule of 3s. Don't buy any item that doesn't go with at least three other things you already own.
8. New in, old out. Keep your closets from overflowing by making a rule that every time you buy something new, you weed something else out of your closet. Refuse to buy more hangers -- ever.
9. Shop locally. Sure, you can get some great deals online, but when it comes to clothes -- you really take a chance on whether those things are going to fit, flatter and feel good. And, sending things back in the mail is just a pain. Besides, shopping at our local retailers helps our local economy. So, there you have it -- tell your husband -- shopping is practically civil service.
10. Tell a friend (or 5 or 50). When you get good service and/or when you find a great deal -- share the wealth -- tell all your girlfriends. You not only reward -- and therefore, encourage -- that retailer's efforts (with more sales), but you help a girlfriend (or 5 or 50) as well.
Done.