Shopping Tips

Before you embark on your shopping experience, we suggest you read through a few of these tips for some advice on what's best to shop for and how. If you have a long list of clothes and accessories to buy, or only a vague idea of what you are looking for, below are some suggestions which might help you on your way...

Where to invest and where to cut costs

The main problem which arises when shopping for a new wardrobe is how to make the best and most cost-worthy choices. With so many shops and arrays of products displayed at such varied prices these days, it can be easy to get confused and make a wrong or unbalanced choice. So the problem is not so much if your budget is limited or not, but rather what decisions you can make with the amount you have decided to spend. In other words, how can you spend your shopping money wisely? We have narrowed your wardrobe needs down to the basics and here is the short list we came up with...

We suggest you save on:    Basic white t-shirts/undergarments - Any basic top, pullover or cardigan in a solid colour - Basic shirts - Trendy items. 

If you find a basic designer t-shirt with no particular tailoring, print or colour, the probability is that you might be able to find the same kind of quality at more reasonable prices elsewhere; so it's a safe bet to cut costs where you can. The same goes for any basic kinds of tops and v or turtlenecks. Do however leave yourself the space to make some exceptions on the basis of quality, material, colour and knit. If you are on a budget, try to also be careful when buying trend-marked items. As the fashion fades out you might realise that you invested too much on an item you might not be able to wear for the next season.

We suggest you invest on:    Jackets - Coats - Trousers - Bras - Underwear - Shoes - Handbags - Accessories - 'Originals'.

These are real 'staple' items which you might be wearing everyday for a while, so it's always better to invest in good quality, long lasting styles and the best brand names. Bras and underwear are equally important as they can shape your body under your clothes and give outerwear a more or less allure according to your choices. You can also consider leaving some space for any special or famous but basic kind of clothing..  

Beauty Dressing

Choosing clothes that appeal to you firsthand might not always function as an adequate criteria for the most effective dressing results. More than the appearance of the clothes, you should always try to bear in mind some of the basic clothing facts or rules that will be able to flatter your body shape, size and measurements. Here are a few quick tips to help you along:  

Small shoulders and torso, larger hips (pear shape):-

Trousers: straight leg jeans, bootcut, flare, snug trouser fits, mostly low-waist.

Tops: semi-fitted, tailored shirts in cotton, linen and silk, boat necks, round necks, square necks, crewnecks, mandarin collars, wraps, camisoles.

Coats/Jackets: belted jackets, cardigans, A-line coats, military styles.

Dresses: empire, wrap dresses.

Equal shoulders and hip width, small waist (hourglass shape):-

Trousers: flat-front trousers, low-waists to hip skimming flares, no straight-lines or tight fits.

Skirts: pencil-line, small waistbands, natural waisted, trouser or tiered skirts.

Tops: soft fabric blouses, feminine styles with open necklines, wrap tops, deep crossover v necks in matte jersey, tight baby t-shirts in cotton.

Coats/Jackets: fitted cardigans, wrap coats, classic coats, single-breasted jackets.

Dresses: sheath dress, tank dress, strapless dress.

Equal or wider shoulders and hip width, no waist (apple shape):-

Trousers: any kind of jeans from bootcuts to slimcuts, any kind of shorts, capris or crop trousers.

Skirts: godet skirts, pencil skirts with no waistband, trouser skirts, A-line skirts.

Tops: cotton, silk, matte jersey and soft suede shirts, v-necks and u-necks, cardigan sweater, drapey fabrics, sleeveless tops.

Coats/Jackets: blazer, shirt jacket, belted jacket, coat, classic coat, cardigan coat, pea coat, trench coat, wrap-jacket or coat.

Dresses: tunics, strapless slim and straight-fitting dress, collarless bathrobe styles, kimono dress.

Seasons and fabrics

Any fashion conscious person or any person concerned with physical comfort and wellbeing is aware that certain fabrics are better adapted to certain seasons. Although you may find a nice acrylic t-shirt whilst shopping, wearing it under hot weather may cause discomfort due to excessive sweating. Polyester fibre does not retain moisture well and can therefore also make you feel sweaty and conduct static electricity more easily. So, just in case you need it, here is an approximate list to what fabrics can be good for what season:

Winter - Wools: shetland, lambs, merino, pure virgin, angora. Cottons: thermal, fleece, terry. Synthetics: acrylic, tencel, lycra, lyocel, nylon, polyamide.

Spring - Wools: merino, pure virgin. Cottons: jersey, thick-knit, sheer. Synthetics: acrylic, tencel, lycra, lyocel, nylon, polyamide.

Summer - Cottons: poplin, jersey, sheer, baby rib. Synthetics: tencel, lycra, lyocel, nylon, matte jersey, rayon.

Autumn - Wools: cashmere, mohair, merino. Cottons: thermal, fleece, terry, rib, baby rib, interlock. Synthetics: tencel, lycra, lyocel, nylon, acrylic, polyamide.

How to choose the right bra

Finding the right bra for your body is one of the most important things you can do when you shop for clothes. Breasts are a feminine feature in a woman and can very much add to her beauty and style. Despite this, many women do not properly look after their breasts and wear bras which do not fit well and offer very little support. Here are some guidelines for choosing the right bra:

-The back of your bra does not ride up, otherwise the underband may be too big, and you could need a smaller size.

-Your bra straps are not falling down or digging into your shoulders. If they are, you may need to adjust them or use wider straps or use shoulder savers.

-Your flesh does not squeeze over the top of your bra. If it does but feels fine everywhere else, the cup size is probably too small.

-Your finger can pass under the band in front. Your bra should be comfortable but not tight, otherwise you need a larger band size or you must fasten your bra at the next looser hook.

-The middle of your bra lies as flat as possible against your breastbone for a comfortable fit.

A bra that does not fit can spoil the most beautiful designer dress, so a good quality well-fitted bra is always a good investment to make as it can easily make your body look slimmer and more in proportion.

When shopping on the internet it is a safer choice to stick to a brand name that you are familiar with. For quality, we suggest you take a look at what Figleaves.com or Victoriassecret.com's online shops have to offer...

...More juicy style tips with Kendall Farr's amazing book "The Pocket Stylist", available for only $13.60 at Amazon.com.

Happy Shopping!

Find all your basics @ the following eshops:	Find all your accessories @ the following eshops:	Find all your designer wear @ the following eshops: