Good Shopping Practices

1. Find out once and for all what really suits you! Invest in a color and style consultation
2. Shop your own wardrobe before buying new pieces! Try to style outfits in new ways to create updated looks.
3. Stop buying on impulse! Every $10 bargain mistake you make would be better put towards a carefully thought out wardrobe. And you don't need yet another item the same as the 4 you already have! If you don't love it madly or need it badly put it back!
4. Shop with a plan -- think carefully about every purchase you make (I know I've said that before, but it's worth repeating!). Does the piece you are about to buy work with a majority of your other garments or is it a look that will be out-of-date in a few weeks or months)? Is it on your prioritized shopping list?
5. Leave enough time to find what you need -- if you know you have a special event coming up, such as a wedding or a special dinner, don't buy something in a panic at the last minute! This is a recipe for ending up with an outfit you wear only once. ou'd be better off finding an outfit you can wear within your current wardrobe
6. Don't buy too many trendy items -- (trend items are garments with an exaggerated style element that will most likely only be trendy for a short time, such as extra-wide lapels or top stitching in a stand-out color) and don't spend too much on them
7. Spend most of your budget on good quality key items -- such as jackets, coats, pants and skirts. The more classical these are and the fewer exagerated design elements, the longer they will last without looking dated. Buy most items in trans-seasonal fabrics, such as wool crepe, jersey and silk. This way you'll get more wear out of each item
8. Don't spend too much on basics -- shop around for good deals on items such as t-shirts, camisoles and tank tops. These items have a limited life and are available from many shops, so there is no need to spend a lot of money on each item
9. Update your look with accessories. Rather than buying whole new outfits each season, update your look with new shoes, jewellery, scarves and a handbag. This is also a way to add color and trendiness
10. Never compromise on fit -- if an item can't be altered or you're not prepared to spend the money on an alteration don't buy it
11. Continually replace key items -- just before they wear out, so you are never caught without a necessary item. These items are good ones to buy at end of season sales
12. Plan where you need to look to find what you need. With your shopping list in hand, work out the priority items and where you will find them. And remember quality doesn't necessarily mean price, shop around for good buys. Some places to consider are...
• Online, such as at eBay or an online store
• Second hand shops, especially those in good neighbourhoods where you may find discount designer clothes
• End of season sales

http://www.style-makeover-hq.com/style-tips.html