because this will be now a short summary of those "50 Tips from the Stylish on how to Shop The Highstreet". (given between the Elle April Issue) It was all amazing, but (and there is always a But!) I didn't like every single of those tips. So here is my summary of the best ones. (with my own comments)
01. Write a wish list
"At the beginning of every season, write a hit list of pieces and choose a palette to work with." Moriamo Oshodi, head of womenswear buying, Asos.
Make it even more: choose those textures you are ready to work with. If silk isn't your thing, and now in fashion, give it a chance, and if it still feels wrong, drop the whole idea.
02. Join the Insiders
"Log on to prshots.com where you can find images of the high-street stores' present and forthcoming collections. That way, you can go to each store with an item in mind." Susie Lau, aka fashion blogger Susie Bubble.
Try it. And even if you don't like- you will be probably the only one of your friends who knows what high-street is coming up with next.
03. Identify your Style Icons
Remember: you don't have to wear whole Audrey Hepburn- wibe, you will just have some inspiration with movies/pictures.
04. Invest in Classics
"A pair of elegant court shoes should be a wardrobe staple. My favourites this season are our taupe suede pointed courts with contrasting black patent toes- timeless." Annick Gorman, creative director, LK Bennett.
Think about those things you use every season, no matter what is the trend. Possibly a black, ruffled top or plain white summer dress? Invest in them, and no matter what, you can always be more trendy with adding some jewels.
05. Stay Hands Free
"Never take a handbag on a high-street mission- you need both hands to shop. Just shove a small compact mirror (so you can see how you look from all angles) and your credit card in your hand pockets." Lulu Kennedy, director, Fashion East
Totally true. When shopping, it is impossible to have a heavy backpack/purse in your hands. It will take all your concentration.
06. Chronicle your Wardrobe
"Go through your clothes to make sure you have all the basic foundation pieces you'll need to built your new-season wardrobe. Try on your purchases with your existing wardrobe and if they don't go with anything you already got, be prepared to take things back." Elika Gibbs, founder of wardrobe service Practical Princess
Maybe one of the smartest advices. Your basic is always your closet at this moment, so if the thing just doesn't fit in, you have to take it back. And "the not coolness of taking things back" is not a issue for a smart girl!
07. Get to know each store's strenght
"Gap is brilliant for basic; Cos is a great place to buy a nice pair of city shorts. " Erin Mullaney, buying director, Browns.
As long as you don't dress from one store only, you will look great. Just imagine: a Lacoste t-shirt, shorts, headband and shoes. Can you get more clishe?
08. Customize
"I always like to customize my high-street purchases by raising hemlines, turning t-shirts into dresses .. that way I know that my clothes will always look unique." Ben Grimes, model and designer.
It's not that hard. All you need is inspiration. And Time.
09. Be Intrepid
"Shop outside your comfort zone- it helps you avoid buying the same thing. By trying things you didn't consider "your style", you'll discover something new and add another dimension to your look." Susie Wong, Bargainista Fashionista blogger
Just one tip: if you are from a small town with the norm of someway not expressing yourself through clothes, don't go extreme with the first time walking outside. (the rumors will kill your happiness at first anyway)
10. Mix and Match
"Always buy basics like cool tank tops and leggings from the high street. You can layer them under bodices and mix them up with designer and vintage pieces for a really individual look." Annette Felder, designer, Felder Felder
Also look for cheap jewels, and nice head bands.
11. Timing is Everything
"shop mid-morning on a Monday. It's the time when the shops tend to be restocking the floor, so you can usually find a much better selection of sizes."Margo Stilley, actress
Totally true- ever shopped in stores before noon? The assistants at shops much more friendly, and smiling. Go and try! Ps. if you should sit at that time in school/work/sth else, give yourself a well worked break at that time you want, and go shopping. Or skip few classes every now and then. No one can concentrate oneself on boring maths/work, if they are thinking about shopping.
12. Be Decisive
"As indulgent and consumerist as it sounds, never think twice about a high-street purchase if it fits like a dream and gets you excited. The fast stock turnover in shops means you won't find it again it you want." Carrie Gorman, acting web editor, ELLEUK.com
Just think about how many more great purchases would you have, if you hadn't thought that time about everything else, and not walked to the cashier. Depressed? Should be.
13. Accessorise
"Accessories are a good way to buy into the trends of the season, whatever your shape, lifestyle and budget. With more high-street retailers expanding their ranges, the choise is ever-incraising." Belle Robinson, co-owner of Jigsaw.
It is the cheapest and fastest way to look trendy at the time. (and you can always throw the shit in garbage after using just twice- it has by then payed off. No. Just kidding. Customizing accessories is great. I, for example, never throw mine away- they are great memos and add nice touch to my wall.
14. Stick to your budget
"To prevent yourself over-shopping, give yourself a budget, take out the exact cash and leave your credit card safely at home." Stacey Duguid, executive fashion editor, ELLE
Stacey knows what she's talking. Ever had nightmares at the last week of the month, just about your Visa overdue? Save yourself and be happy sleeping with not eating just soup the last weeks. DO as the tip says. And don't borrow money from your friends/family to do shopping, you will still have to give it back someday.
15. Don't be sexist
"Men's departments are a great place to have a rummage. H&M men's collections have some really cool pieces with great details. They're cut more narrowly than a lot of menswear, so they're easier to wear as unisex. H&M is a good place to start if you've never worn menswear before." Donna Wallace, accessories editor, ELLE
And save your boyfriends nerves- apparently they don't like if you dig like a goldhunter in their closets. Why so?
16. Staple it
"Five key staples that never go out of fashion are a really good soft jersey-cotton tee, a great pair of Converse, a classic black stiletto, a black cashmere V-neck and a white shirt, all of which you can find on the high-street at affordable prices." Bonnie Rakhit, market and merchandising editor, ELLE
Check if you have these.. And be sure they fit perfectly. My day saviour is usually jeans (perfect fit!), good and comfy pair of shoes (no matter if they are stilettos or converse) and the cashmere V-neck. Comfy, and some think boring. But a saviour of the day!
17. Pick your moment
"Never try shoes at the end of a long day on the high street because your feet will have swollen and you could end up buying the wrong size." Sarah Fox, press and marketing executive, Bertie and Pied a Terre
Why didn't they teach this in the first class?! I would have spared many nerves of myself and other people just knowing this all my life. And they say they teach vice things in school.
18. Final Thought..
"Don't ever shop in the high street when you're hungover, when there is full moon or when tyou have PMT. This will impair your judgement- guaranteed." Mademoiselle, columnist, ELLE
Lock yourself (or at least all your money resources and credit cards) at home when those three happen to be at the same time. Or actually, if you really want to go to therapy for the next 57 years, be my guest.
and one thing: even if you hate some fashion bloggers, check few blogs to know what people not in your town wear, Can be refreshing sometimes. If you want to go really outlandish-check "extreme lands" (by which I mean small, not well known lands. Supricing, they have many bloggers.)
-Ellen.
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