One of the secrets to shopping success might come as a surprise. Before we get into the juicy details I want to remind you that my online class, An Artful Approach to Personal Style, begins October 19. Enjoy delicious color and texture while finding simple solutions to wardrobe dilemmas…or use your imagination to take you somewhere new. Details HERE.

Rediscover the enjoyment of getting dressed, anticipating the day ahead while choosing an expressive and comfortable outfit.

Discovering your artful style is the first secret to shopping satisfaction but the other important ( and possibly surprising) factor is timing. Did you know that when to shop could be as important as where? Part of the frustration with not finding the clothes you long for is looking for them at the wrong time.

When it comes to successful shopping, timing is everything.

Whenever I give a talk or teach a class, the big question on everyone’s mind is “Where is the best place to shop?” They are all hoping I’m going to reveal a dream location where the clothes are affordable, practical, in beautiful colors and fit perfectly. It does seem like magic when all the details come together and shopping becomes a pleasure. I have many favorites, but knowing where to shop and when isn’t the same for everyone.

Frustrated shoppers underestimate the importance of timing. Location is important, but if you miss the window when the clothes you need are in the store or available online it will seem as if nothing is right for you. For best selection and value, it helps to plan ahead. All stores use a seasonal system, but the merchandise and sales cycles vary. You can learn the peak times when the clothing you want will be available and when to get the best prices. This has changed dramatically since COVID. There is fewer merchandise available and top items sell out quickly. At the same time, there are more sales than ever.

I frequently shop for clients at the flagship Macy’s store at Union Square so I can take advantage of the large selection spread out over three floors. If you have an idea of what you need going into fall, the time to shop is now and here’s why: Selection. Sizes. Wearability. Department and chain stores are “ahead” of the season, and they have great sales on newly arrived merchandise. If you need to refresh your basics or need a coat, jacket, boots or sweater, check the sale dates and go. Macy’s Own Your Style sale begins later this month. If one category of clothes is a fit challenge for you, perhaps jeans, athletic, or outerwear, consider visiting a department or chain store and just focus on that. From there you can visit your favorite boutiques or online retailers and add your personal flair.

By the time it gets cold enough to need fall/winter clothes, many of the sizes will be picked over. Usually new merchandise will continue to arrive to encourage holiday shoppers, but this year might be different as retailers struggle to adjust. The good deals that used to be available during the bygone era of “after Christmas sales” are a thing of the past except for clearance. Clearance sales are a great time to pick up a gem at rock bottom prices, just don’t expect a great selection of basics in your size. Macy’s is just an example, but you can ask your favorite stores when their seasonal merchandise will be fully stocked and when it will go on sale. Can you be alerted in advance to the best sale dates? Will there be an on-line sale of comparable merchandise?

Prefer to shop on the spur of the moment? Locally owned boutiques correspond more closely to their customer’s current needs. Plus the scale of the store is manageable, the service is more personal and the garments often unique. You can finish your styling at one the community businesses you’d like to support. My hometown of Petaluma has an abundance of charming boutiques and I hope yours does too.  In my online class everyone will be sharing their favorites. I’ve learned a lot from my students about exciting new places to find unique merchandise. 

It’s worth putting a little effort into the art of shopping so you can create a wardrobe that meets your needs and celebrates your beauty. Your own personal needs and timing are still what matters the most. Just be aware of the seasonal shopping cycles and you’ll be happier. This could be the season where you turn your frustration into satisfaction. Hope to see your beautiful face on the small screen starting October 19. Click here to learn more.

 

Here’s what others have said about the class:

“Jennifer’s class was inspiring. I especially liked the combination of fashion/personal style paired with painting. She has a passion for her work that comes through clearly, even on Zoom! I will sign up for more of her classes if they are offered.”

“Loved your class so much! You helped me find my powerful sensual statuesque being! Thank you for guiding me! My clothes always felt so boring and you helped me see why!”

“Jennifer Robin is an artist and a natural teacher. She obviously knows this subject very well but is able to break concepts down to make them very accessible whether about painting and color theory, or about fit and proportion of clothes. She also helps you find how to express your own uniqueness, which is a really fun part of the class. I highly recommend her classes.”