Philippines Today - Features/Lifestyle

WAIT! BEFORE SPLURGING YOUR Christmas bonus on clothes, shoes, bags and accessories, review these shopping tips:

1 - Know what you want to buy.
Unless you want to go broke and crowd your closet with trash, don't go to a department store with your dough and with the sole intention of buying "something". Chances are you'll be spending more and end up owning pieces, which you do not really need.

Before the trip, list down your basic wardrobe needs? a red skirt to match your white or black blouse (Christmas parties are coming!) or perhaps, a body hugging, deep maroon, mock turtleneck sweater to wear over your jeans on dress down days.

2 - Take time to shop.
The worst time to shop is during sale - when you are tempted to buy anything marked down (cheap, in other words) and you are forced to queue long hours to the fitting room and then to the counter.

I used to shop during sale but I kicked the habit after realizing the activity is really a waste of time, effort and money, what with my buying useless items than really efficient ones (for how can one possibly think straight with all the frenzy and the mob?)!

I still go to sale but now I would rather relax in a restaurant, enjoy a great meal and watch the other shoppers go crazy. And hey, at day-end I am filled rather than hungry and exhausted! I also get to keep extra cash in my wallet.

And talk about panic buying! Have you tried hustling to a store to buy a blouse or a dress you could wear the following day to a special event or a major business transaction? I did a few times in the past. I remember the stress and anxiety when at the last minute I decided to attend a big convention, which required a cocktail dress. The affair was out of town and my flight was early the following morning. Probably out of habit, my instinct told me to go out and buy a dress. With limited time and more things to do, my heart was pounding as I searched rack after rack, store after store for the right dress until I found it. The dress was relatively expensive but I felt secure knowing I had something nice to wear.

So I hurried home to pack. Then, what I saw in my closet hit me. I had a cocktail dress hanging at the farthest end, which has a similar cut and color as the one I just bought! (I am now tempted to gripe about that moment, but before I do so let me just smile and move on.)

Experts say that the best time to shop is when you have both the time and energy. Mornings, weekdays and rainy days are wise times for shopping.

3 - Wear comfortable clothes when shopping.
Put aside your high heels or tight shoes and wear sandals or loafers instead for the long walks. Wear clothes which you could readily get into and out easily. Also, minimize make-up, lipstick and accessories that could dirty or damage items you will be fitting.

4 - Buy appropriate items.
We have discussed this at some length in the previous articles. As a reminder, ask yourself these questions before buying: Does the item fit your lifestyle? Is it of good quality? Do the color and design compliment your skin color and body type, respectively? Is the item a fad or a classic? Do you really need it?

5 - Perfect Fit.
The item must fit you P-E-R-F-E-C-T-L-Y. The blouse or skirt or pants must neither be too large nor too small. You should be able to move comfortably without the risk of ripping your clothes or exposing too much flesh. Do not compromise on ill-fitting clothes and say that you'll have it repaired at a dress shop. You'll be paying for the item with hard earned money; get the best fit.

Tippi works in a bank as Human Resources Manager. She also conducts personalized training on visual poise/posture, basic skin care, make-up, etiquette, oral communication and wardrobe. You may email the author at tippi@philippinestoday.net.

Shop wise