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How to be a fashionista on a budget

Spend a fortune on clothing and still have nothing to wear?  Learning to shop effectively can save you a fortune and ensure your wardrobe is full of clothing you really love.

At first, these strategies may seem time consuming, but once you get them waxed, you’ll find they’ll save you time and money in the long run.

Step 1:  Shop in your own wardrobe
Women often have full, disorganised wardrobes.  If you are wearing the same things all the time, it’s probably because you can’t see what you have in there. 

Take everything out of your wardrobe.  Separate the items you haven’t worn for the last year from the ones you have and the items you love from the ones you don’t.  There may even be some fabulous forgotten items in the back of your wardrobe, just waiting to be discovered.

Step 2:  Determine the look you want to create
Fashion offers great inspiration, but be sure to make it your own.   Not all looks suit all body shapes.  

Discovering what best suits your shape will make this much easier.  Have fun with it and create your own individual look.

Step 3:  Make a shopping list

Just as you make a grocery list, you need to make a wardrobe shopping list. 

Considering the look you want to create, go through the items in your wardrobe that fit that look and make a list of the items you need.  Shopping with a focus will save you loads of time and money.

Step 4:  Hit the stores
Often women go to the same stores, try on the same things and expect something different.  This time, go into stores you’ve never gone into before.  Try on items you’ve never tried before. 

Going with a trusted fashionista friend or personal stylist can be a big help.  They see you differently to the way you see yourself.

Step 5:  Suss out your options
Don’t just buy the first thing you see.  Rather try on clothes at a variety of stores first.   Once you know what your options are, go back and buy the items you really love. 

Step 6:  Your mantra
Before you buy any item ask yourself these three questions:
•    Does it make me feel fabulous?
•    Does it give me lots of mix and match options?
•    Can I dress it up and down for various occasions?

This should be your mantra.  If you don’t answer yes to these three questions, then the item is not worth the spend.

Step 7:  Less is more
Cheaper isn’t always better, but neither is a high price tag always the best buy.  It’s about how much wear you will get from an item. 

It’s better to spend more on an item you’ll get loads of wear from than a multitude of items you won’t.  If the lower priced item fits the requirement…fabulous. 

Step 8:  Good finds take time
You may not find what you are looking for on the first day, but don’t resort to buying items that are less than fabulous.  Rather save your money until you find that perfect match.

Remember that effective shopping is a skill, but it’s one that can be learnt.  Even if you just select one or two steps to start, you will be on your way to saving your hard earned cash.

Need to learn how to dress yourself slim, shop effectively and discover your own personal style?

Renowned for her work as a personal stylist and fashion designer, Tracy Gold offers a variety of personal styling services especially designed to assist you to feel fabulous about yourself.

Tracy will help you refine your existing wardrobe by teaching you what works for you, what doesn't and why. She will also teach you her effective shopping techniques that will save you a fortune and keep you from making the same expensive fashion mistakes again. 

Visit her website for more details: www.tracygold.co.za.

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