Time saving shopping tips...

Are you one of those ladies who dreads clothes shopping?  Do you hate having to scour the racks, waiting in line and spending endless hours trying on clothes and then getting depressed that you're not the size you want to be?  Well if this is you then read on, because I have some great time-saving shopping tips that will allow you to shop like an expert!

Most of us just want to get our shopping done as fast as possible.  In the busy lives of women today, saving time is a luxury!  Well, perhaps the ultimate luxury on shopping would be not shopping at all, but learning to shop deftly and efficiently will make the difference between a failed closet-restocking mission and a successful one.




Time-Saving Shopping Tips....

• Set up an appointment with a personal shopper (that would be me ladies)!  Also, most major department stores do have personal shoppers if you want to utilize this service.  Be specific about what you expect and are looking for.  Bring clips from fashion magazines of items you like or actual pieces you are looking to refresh.  If that sounds too high maintenance for you, try calling ahead so a staffer can prepare a dressing room for you.
• Go solo!  Husbands, boyfriends, girlfriends, mothers, and children can be distractions when getting down to the business of wardrobe building.
• Have your clothes altered at the time of purchase and sent to your house or office.
• Build a relationship with an insider at your favorite store.  He or she will pull pieces for you, hold hot items for you or put your name on the waitlist for them, and call you when popular pieces come in.  Touch base with your in-store friend regularly. 
• Keep your credit card on file at trusted stores so you can avoid the wait at the register.  (Some smaller boutiques will even offer house accounts to their big-spending and loyal customers).  That way you can get your shopping done in a flash, or even make purchases over the phone.
• Shop at off-peak hours.  When the store first opens is best; everything is neat and orderly, and you'll have a salesperson all to yourself.  Avoid the lunchtime and post-work rushes.
• Consider getting a chargecard at a couple of your favorite stores where you shop regularly.  It is worth it if you spend a significant amount there and you will get rewards, coupons and usually a gift certificate on your birthday.  Over time these cards will save you a significant amount of money.  But - make sure you pay them off immediately so that the $$$ don't add up!
• Take care of those who take care of you.  Thank you notes and a general appreciation for those who've helped you will go a long way!

So, now you have the expert time-saving tips ladies.......start shopping!!!