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4. Go When it's Quiet and You Have Some Time
This may not always be possible, depending on your situation, but try to go when stores are nearly empty and you have a little time to look, like a weekday morning. Not only will store clerks be more available to help, you'll have plenty of time to go through store inventory.
If you hate crowds or have to constantly monitor your watch as you shop, you're more likely to give up quickly or buy unsatisfactory pieces just to get it over with.
Simple solution: shop online.
5. Leave The Kids At Home
This may not always be possible, but if you can shop when they're at school, leave them with a sitter, or swap sitting duties with another mom so you each have free time, do.
6. Buy and Return
If you don't have time or inclination to try on clothes before you buy them, go to a mirror, hold clothes up in front of you and see how they look. If it looks like something you might like, test size in places it's most likely to give you trouble, like shoulders, bust or hips, by grabbing edge of garment and seeing where it hits on side of your body. If it goes half way, chances are, you have a close fit. If it doesn't or if it goes beyond halfway point, go up or down a size, respectively. Buy it, take it home, and try it on there. If it fits, keep it. If it doesn't, take it back.
7. Hire Help
If you truly don't want to attempt any of this on your own, or if you're after a certain look but don't have time to track it down, hire a personal shopper. Many better department stores and boutiques have one on staff; just ask. Or, check online, in newspaper, or in phone book for freelance personal shoppers in your area. The Association of Image Consultants International
http://www.aici.org
might also be able to recommend someone locally.
While fee for department or boutique staff shoppers is usually free (they receive a commission on clothes you buy from their store), most freelance shoppers will charge either an hourly or flat fee for their services, plus cost of clothes. If that's what it takes to get you out door, looking your best, with a minimum of stress, pay it. It will pay you back many times in increased confidence, reduced stress, and a workable, wearable wardrobe.
Shopping for new clothes should be an enjoyable event you participate in at least twice a year, to refurbish your closet for new season. If you hate to shop or always wind up with stuff you don't need, try these tips to get your closet in order. Who knows? You may actually start to enjoy yourself!
Have designer tastes but a discount budget? Diana Pemberton-Sikes has helped thousands of women create a stunning style on limited funds with her fun, fresh approach to fashion. Sign up for her popular weekly ezine at www.FashionSavvy.com.