One tactic that will have an impact on “your look” will be changing up where you shop. In my last post on Personal Style, I encouraged you to try walking into three stores you have never entered. It’s very easy to get in a rut and get comfortable with the places you shop, especially if you are the type of person who likes familiarity. We get accustomed to a certain salesperson and the level of customer service. It’s hard to venture out. In the area I live, we only have two major department stores: Nordstrom and Macy’s. I shop them both. There are times I wish I lived in an area with more choices. We have five Nordstrom stores within a 30 mile radius and 3 Nordstrom Rack stores. I have acquaintances who believe I buy everything at Nordstrom. This is far from true. I actually enjoy putting together a look obtained from several stores and price ranges. It is not unusual for me to have pieces from a higher end boutique, The Rack, Nordstrom sale rack, Target, and E-bay–all in one outfit.
I think that Nordstrom has the reputation of being “expensive”. When working with women, I meet many who have never given the store a chance, and just aren’t sure they can afford it. While it is always the client’s choice, I like to start there to show some basic styles, quality fabrics, and have access to a variety of sizes. Over and over I have pleasantly surprised clients.(No, I am not employed at Nordstrom!)
So how do you know where to start? Don’t judge a store by conclusions you have drawn about price, age range, what you see in the window or the first few rounders. Last year I was introduced to the store Cache. I had always walked right past; I found two items I loved. Recently three different women have told me about their finds at Forever 21 when they were there shopping with their daughters. Who would have thought 40 something women could find an item there?
I try not to pay full price for anything, but there are times I do. If you try a new store with a higher price range, you may be tempted to walk out. Here is a little tip that may help. I always think about the CPW: Cost per Wear. This is a term used in magazines, and recently on What Not to Wear. Using this tool is a good way to determine whether or not it is a wise purchase. I put money in pieces I know I will wear over and over. How do you determine this? Good fabric, well constructed, great label, flattering style, coordinates with pieces in my closet are just a few factors that I use to make my decisions. Jackets, certain sweaters, novelty tops, jeans and shoes are things I will pay full price for. I love to find unique pieces at smaller boutiques that are not a “dime a dozen” and sometimes this requires paying more. Camis, tees, casual clothes, trendy pieces I may not wear more than 2 seasons are things I’m willing to skimp on. The goal is to find quality clothing at lower prices. When time or choices do not allow that, think CPW!
Check out the photos and see if you were correct in naming the store. Let me know if you venture into a new store and what you found! Remember, if you do not have a variety of stores near you, learn to become a savvy online shopper and your choices will greatly increase! I’m heading to different stores not mentioned here and will let you know what I find.
Photo Credits: J Jill, Ann Taylor Loft, Dillards
