How to Shop

I have finally decided to clean out my storage room and I had someone come help me. As we were cleaning we realized each item I owned had a designer name printed on it and some things that I have never used still had MSRP (Manufactured Suggested Retail Price) Tag still on them. My helper asked “did you really pay $135 for a pair of socks, or $300 for underwear…how can you afford them?” I smiled back with an unwillingness to share my secret—but then when I saw (out of all people) my sister ready to fork $1000 for a Georg Jensen fork I realized how very few people really know how to shop or where to shop.

So after years of experimenting as a fashion stylist and working as a personal shopper, I will reveal few of my shopping secrets in the next few weeks as these articles follows. When it comes to brand names I will teach you how to be smart like a Chinese, dress like a gay-man, bargain like an Indian, oh and to save money like a Jew! Next time you need a gift for birthday, surprise attack, or wedding remember this article is here to the rescue!

Before we go any further, let recognize few keys to shopping: Knowing the difference between style and fashion; Knowing what we want from what we need; Knowing who and what are the brand names worth owning; Knowing why certain brand cost more than other—recognizing a budget; and Knowing where to shop.

Assuming that you know the first four (if not look out for future articles), we will discuss ‘where to shop?’

One way to do is go to the designers flagship shops on Madison avenue and inquire within when is there preview sale/private sales/discontinued sale/seasonal sales/sample sale will take place? Some salesmen may give you the answers without hesitation, others may not and if they don’t—ask for the corporate office and their showrooms contact info. Once you have that info sign up for their in-house sales events.

2^nd way to do it is signing up on website which will send you invitation to sales event. Few of my favorites: theluxuryspot.com, exclusifny.com, mediabistro.com

3^rd way to do it is to go to shops that carry the designer items once they choose to not put them on sale in store and clear the space for new items. Then you can check out these shops: Gabbys, Hidden Treasures, Daffy’s, and Century 21.

4^th way to do it is to go online. Once you know which items you want. Request the sales-person to write the name and style number, and you can search it online for cheaper prices.

5^th way to do it is and the BEST way to do it is to keep reading these articles as I reveal more secrets. What you waiting for, go seek out your secret and splurge!!!