Don’t obsess over the number on the size tag. Rather obsess about the fit and length of your clothes.

• Stylish people wear clothes that fit them perfectly. This doesn’t mean that they have perfect bodies – it means that they have good tailors.
• Size specifications are different for each brand. Clothing sizes in different stores (and even different departments within the same store) are not created equally. You will need to experiment to find the correct sizes that fit you in different stores.
• The fit is different for each brand. Different brands target different body shapes. A certain size in one store might fit you perfectly, whereas the same size in another store just doesn’t look right. Again, you need to experiment to find the stores that work for you.

So it’s common to have at least 3 different sizes hanging in your closet. Forget about the size number and shop for clothing that fits you correctly. The point is not whether you are a size 4, 12 or 18 – the point is that you look fabulous in your clothes!

Summer is here and so is the start of sale season. By all means have a good look at what’s on sale - who doesn’t love a good bargain! But as you peruse marked down items, bear the following in mind:

• Do not be seduced by anything that does not absolutely work for you. You should already have something in your closet that you can wear with your end-of-season-sale purchase. Waiting to match it up with something at this late stage is risky. In a month or so, colour spectrums and fabrications will change as Autumn merchandise starts appearing in stores. If you don’t absolutely love what you bought at sale time, you won’t wear it – and that’s not a bargain.
• Watch your budget. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is mid July. It debuts fabulous new Fall fashion which will be an excellent start to your “new look” for the new season. If you plan to spend money here and are on a budget, make sure that you don’t overspend on summer sales now.
• Buy the dress. If you come across a cocktail or evening dress on sale that is perfect for you – buy it. You might not have an occasion to wear it to on your calendar just yet, but occasions such as these creep up on us. Chances are high that you’ll battle to find what you are looking for when the time comes. I’ve received lots of requests for advice on “what to wear to an occasion” at the 11th hour. You’ll be stress free when the time comes if you already have your outfit hanging in your closet.
• You are always worth full price. Don’t get caught in “the sale trap” - you don’t need to buy everything on sale. Buy something because it makes you look (and feel) like a million dollars and you’ll want to wear it over and over again, regardless of what you paid for it. That way, it’s a big bargain for you anyway.

Treat yourself to what’s still on your shopping list for summer – you deserve to feel wonderful!

Summer sales have started!

• BCBG’s sale starts today – Thursday 18th May. If it’s a wedding outfit, dressy separates, business casual or something alluring that you are after; this is a good place to shop. I particularly like to look at their dresses and trendy suiting.
• Macy’s is currently having a 25% off sale on most of their Spring lines. I’d head straight for their dress, accessory, and I.N.C. departments (in petite, regular and plus size). The Michael Kors, Nine West and Karen Kane ranges are also well worth a look. Look for “Maggie London”, “London Times” and “Jones New York” labels in the knitted dress department – they’ll fit and look just as good as the designer Diane von Furstenberg ones for a quarter of the price!
• Express is currently having their t-shirt sale – plain longer length T-shirts for $10, Tank tops – 2 for $19.50, Jewelry – buy 2 items and get the third one free. I have been impressed with their work walk shorts and casual bermudas – but they are unfortunately not on sale yet. If you’re looking for an assortment of  plain white or black collared stretch shirts, this is super place to get them for $39.

Have fun shopping, but do not be seduced by anything that does not absolutely work for you.

No, it really doesn’t matter where women shop. As long as you are discerning about style, colour and quality, spend your fashion dollars where it works for you.

Shopping for merchandise from a variety of places works best for my style, my pocket, and my conscience. I shop anywhere and everywhere! There are reasons to shop in one particular place, and reasons not to shop at another. Where you choose to shop will depend on what you are comfortable spending, the time that you have available, and the items that you are looking for:

Designer boutiques (e.g. Chanel, Prada, Dior) – shopping for exorbitantly priced designer labels is purely a status symbol. You are not getting “better quality” purchasing items here then you would shopping at better end chain stores. In fact, chances are high that the merchandise was made in the same factory! You can expect a high level of exclusivity (although knock offs are rife), but certainly no value. “Investment shopping” does not necessarily yield the highest rate of return. Your body and lifestyle change, and few people are happy wearing the same black jacket for 10 years.

Smaller boutiques (e.g. Mercer, Zebra club, Sway & Cake) – items from boutiques tend to be more unique and fashion forward. Selections and sizes are limited and sales are always late into the season. But if you are lucky and happy to pay higher prices – you’ll probably love your boutique purchases.

Department stores (e.g. Nordstrom, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus) – the variety in department stores can not be beat. They house a wider assortment of designer labels and boutique merchandise with a better return policy. Better -end and mid-priced items, underwear, cosmetics, accessories and shoes for the entire family are available under one roof. Sales and specials are prolific and refunds are easy. Department stores are top on my list for convenience, customer service, and excessive choice. However, the abundance of product can be overwhelming and precisely the reason why many stay away.

Chain stores (e.g. Banana Republic, J Crew, Express, Lane Bryant) – both better-end and mid-priced chain stores are super places to shop for commercial fashion. However, the risk of “looking like everybody else” is a guarantee. What you gain in value you’ll loose in exclusivity.

Specialty stores (e.g. Victoria’s Secret, Sylvia’s Swimwear, Accessorize) – such stores make shopping simple and are therefore popular. Their narrow but in depth range of one product is appealing. You might find yourself becoming incredibly loyal because of this.

Budget shopping (e.g. H&M, Old Navy) – with women’s trends constantly moving, buying “fashion fads” from cheaper end stores is a brilliant idea. They’ll last you a season (hence the term “throw away fashion”) and won’t have cost you an arm and a leg.

On-line shopping (Zappos) – as convenient as this may sound, pictures are deceiving and disappointment is inevitable – unless you have bought the product before and know exactly what to expect.

Whether it’s trendy designer boutiques, better-end chain stores or “throw away fashion” lines that tickle your fancy; its how you put it all together and carry it off that will make or break your look.

Do you feel like you don’t know where to start when it comes to shopping for clothes? Do you feel bombarded by fashion trends? Is resorting to comfy sweats your only solution to discouraging shopping experiences?

Here are some tips that might make you a more effective shopper:

Shop seasonally: Fashion and trends are always moving. They move at a faster rate for women then they do for men. The fashion industry therefore focuses on women first and men a bit later. While women certainly don’t need to update the majority of their wardrobe every season, it’s not stylish to look dated. Ideally you’ll need to shop for a certain amount of clothing and accessories every season, not only because trends change, but also because you change.

Shop with a plan: Wondering aimlessly from shop to shop, getting overwhelmed by what is on offer and not knowing where to look or what to select is enough to put anybody off shopping. What is your current body type and how does clothing affect it? What the trends for the new season? How do the new season’s trends translate into updated looks that are best for your body type, your budget and your lifestyle? Answer these questions, make a list, and you can then set about shopping for a wardrobe that satisfies all aspects of your life.

Shop to your current body type: It’s very important to dress (and therefore shop) for the body that you are currently in. Waiting until you’ve lost or gained weight is not the best idea. Despite the fact that it’s good to have personal weight goals, looking good now will make you feel better. A short term quick fix can therefore have positive long term effects!

Shop with focus: Once you know what works for your body and lifestyle, focus on only those items when you shop. You’ll automatically bypass styles that aren’t right for you, which will prevent frustration and save time. Pear shaped ladies should know not to entertain tapered pants; small busted rectangular shaped ladies know to look for high necklines; while apple shaped women can select bias cut skirts with confidence.

You don’t need to follow every fashion trend to be stylish. Dressing correctly for your body and appropriately for an occasion is a lot more stylish then shopping at a swanky boutique for designer clothing that’s unflattering. Your personal style begins and ends with a strong sense of yourself!