So guys and gals as you know i work in fashion retail and as recently I've heard ALOT of people saying how they hate shopping, how they struggle to shop for outfits that suit them or are in current trends or that they simply can't be bothered! WHAT?..... I don't know maybe I'm just an absolute shopaholic but i love it! don't get me wrong its soo much easier to sit at home order something online and get all excited at the anticipation of a parcel coming for you, because lets face it who sends parcels or letters anymore. But theres something about lugging bags around shops and getting to have an all day fashion show trying things on like your a human doll!
Anyway... Heres a few tips I've created to help you cope with shopping and if not then just a few things that I've learnt from working in retail that can actually help you!
1 ~ Mannequin
You know them human shaped things in shops yeah... well they are there for a reason they act as a display cabinet for the best, current on trend fashion! Generally the newest stock to that store or season. Take note. If you need some inspiration then take a look at their mannies and see if that style is for you because most of the time if you don't like those then more often then not your probably not going to like the rest of that brand. If your someone who's doesn't want to waste time then the work is done for you! A whole outfit from accessories to layers! In outfit we have a range of brands so mannequins are a great way to see the different styles that each feature!
2 ~ Staff
Ask for help! I know that for some reason theres a sense of defeat when you get asked ' are you okay there' 'do you need any help' and you give in and accept help. Most of the time sales assistants in shops are perceived as people who just want to sell you the most expensive stock in stores but i have some news for you hunnies! They actually know their stuff. Okay so i can't talk for all employees in all shops but in Outfit we are trained to know what looks good and be honest! If a customer needs help with an outfit or an opinion its only right to be truthful. After all they are putting their faith in you to look good. A date, a girlfriends birthday prezzie, a night out, or simply just a new wardrobe. so try it ... you might be surprised!
3 ~ Fitting room fright
'You'll never know until you try' and 'it looks a lot different off the hanger' are two things i tell customers i face every single day at work. When it comes to trying things on, unless your super busy and in a rush, then don't hold back! Take as much as you can and try new things on that you wouldn't normally. I would always suggest picking up one thing that maybe your not to keen on or sure about but has some characteristic that your a fan of. So it may be that you hate the fabric but like the shape, or that the cut is horrible but it has a nice ruffle. Trust me it will look a lot different when those womanly curves get in!
4 ~ Dress for the occasion
If your not a fan of the fitting room process having to get dressed and underessed and want to speed it up then you'll need to head out in the right gear! looks are important too, don't get me wrong shopping in a baggy tee, hair up and no makeup on is the ideal picture but think about it if your shopping for a girls night out or date night with your granny pants and hair that could fry and egg then you'll only throw yourself into the nothing looks good on me stage! Which lets be honest always ends in buying nothing! Pick shoes that are not only going to get you through the day but also compliment whatever it is that your shopping for! so ankle boots or ask to take a pair of heels in with you! And don't forget your chuck on outfit! a simple day dress or stretch jeans boots and a fave jumper.
5 ~ Love or leave
If you don't love it don't buy it! You'll know almost instantly if a certain item of clothing is for you or not! Now don't get me wrong i do it all the time buy something and then never ever wear it... what a waste. But seriously its a great rule to go by that not only keeps your purse happy but iliminates the many hours spent throwing clothes around your room stressing that you have nothing to wear, when actually your drowning in fabric... (lads now you know).
I hope these little tips help you in some way to smash some of your shopping problems if not i hope it was still an entertaining read!
I want to know what your worst shopping moments were and if this is useful to you at all! Leave a comment below and id love to read them all!
A.//x
