Smart Shopping Strategies to Be the Belle of the Ball at Your Holiday Party

By Judith Rasband, AICI CIM and Dani Slaugh, Conselle Affiliate 

It's the holidays!  The time of year when we love to pull out the bling, or shop for something new that sparkles.  With the dim evening lighting, something with a little shimmer or shine plays off the lights beautifully and makes a fun statement.   A word of caution:  just because the clothing has sparkles doesn't mean it works.  (Unless, of course, you are 4 years old. Then it always works!) Knowing that many of you are looking for that lovely holiday outfit, we have eight tips to consider for your smart shopping success.

1. Plan for time to try on the clothes you're shopping for.
2. If it zips, it doesn't mean it fits.  Take two or three sizes into the fitting room with you.  What is labeled small, medium, large or extra-large varies from brand to brand and possibly even item to item.
3. When wearing each garment, ask yourself, "Where could I wear this?" "Will this get me the raise / date / recognition I'm looking for?" "What will this do for me?"
4. Move around, walk, reach, stretch, bend, and sit.  Can you move comfortably?  Can you breathe?
5. How do you look in a full-length mirror?  Leave your dressing room and find a mirror where you can step back several feet for a different vantage point.
6. If it's too short, check the hem allowance to see if it can be let down.
7. If it puckers or pulls, the garment is too small for your body.  Let it go, or go up a size.
8. Give yourself a break.  Stop for a healthy drink or snack to rest and relax rather than make a rash decision or give up too soon.

Expect success and you will often find it.  Of course, we've got an expert to help you if you eliminate any shopping mistakes and teach you how fun shopping can be, click below for more information.