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5 Ways to Eliminate Returns!

January 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I really hate returns, well, I take that back.  The only returns I  like are on my investments and those are few and far between these days!  But seriously, I abhor returning items to a store.  It is a waste of time and money.  Here are 5 easy ways to eliminate or at the very least MINIMIZE your returns and maximize your ROT (return on your time!)

  1. Shop With a Plan: Go to the store focused on what you are looking for and don’t get distracted
  2. Don’t Buy Just Because It Is On Sale: How many times do you convince yourself that it is “o.k.” just because it is on sale.  It must follow the 3 “F’s” to get to the register (fit, flatter, feel-good!)
  3. Don’t Shop With Your Friend: unless she knows your style and promises NOT to make you buy what looks good on her!
  4. TRY IT ON! How many times do you buy something just to take it home to “try”..Get theyself into the dressing room…(remember “Fit-Flatter=Feel Good”)
  5. Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry: Basically don’t wait until the last minute when you need something. Shop seasonally and build your wardrobe “based on purpose”.  Being pressured to find something is the best way to ensure a return

Plan, focus and “attack” and you are sure to have a great wardrobe and

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”

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How to Be a Frugalista

February 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Have you noticed when you shop lately that you have more trepidation and are somewhat guilty not if you purchase something, but whenever you buy anything these days?  We’ve become so painfully aware of the financial woes of seemingly everyone that even when we go to the grocery store, there are glum faces.  Whalt’s a shopper to do?

There is a new word on the streets-frugalista.  It simply means that you are not only a frugal shopper, but also one that can stay on trend and be updated without spending a fortune.  It is becoming the latest trend in shopping  So whether you are shopping for celery or shoes, let’s talk about what it means to you to be a  frugalista. 

The easiest way to be a “frugalista” is to create vignettes in your closet.  Select a color to focus on and work on that color all season long.  Go deep with it.  Buy it in a variety of styles, fabrics, patterns and sleeve lengths.  Make sure that you have several solid styles before you start adding patterns in that color.  At first you may find it hard, but shortly you will see the merit of your hard work!

After you have a variety (at least 5) tops with this variety, the real fun begins.  Start to find accessories in your new color-necklaces, scarves, shoes, belts, bracelets earrings, and more.  You begin to see how adding accessories will allow you to create wonderful lifestyle looks that will take you from the board room to the ball game in style!

And remember……look good, feel great and have fun doing it!

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Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.
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How to Shop When it is Not Your “Season” or on a Budget

October 13, 2008 By Leave a Comment

We are often confused by all the latest trends and want to go out to buy something just so we can be up to date or ‘on trend’. Have you ever gone to the shops and not seen any color you like or even looks good on you? Or, you may be experiencing a budget crisis and want to update but really don’t have the money. Check out the tips below on how to update your wardrobe whether you are on a budget or just can find any color that you like. Just don’t buy anything, but the right thing and your wardrobe will sing!

10 Tips to update your wardrobe when it is not your season or you are on a budget

  1. Focus on basic or core pieces (slacks, skirts, jackets-nothing too exaggerated or severe)
  2. Buy a new suit in a neutral color (navy, black, gray, brown, etc)
  3. Buy a Pashmina or scarf (they are usually always in an array of colors that will match your season)
  4. Update your belts to match the current trends (skinny belts for fall)
  5. Add some textured tights
  6. Build your lingerie wardrobe – get fitted for a new bra
  7. Update with a new handbag
  8. Try some accessories that are in season.  A great “statement” necklace is all the rage this season.
  9. Get a new style of jeans that fit great and look great (get them in 2 hem lengths-you’ll be glad you did)
  10. Focus on shoes (shoes are big this season and will add huge impact)
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Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.
Filed Under: How To, Shop, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , ,