How to avoid the pitfalls of shopping online - Part one
Written by - Samantha La Porte
The new normal...
Living in a world of isolation but still having the desire to feel the satisfaction of a purchase, or having the necessity of needing a few items for the change of season. The world of online shopping has certainly been catapulted fair and square into the spotlight.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or an amateur, online shopping is a great tool and a great way to receive goods in this new climate, however, there are a few fundamental strategies that you should know to make great choices and good purchases that save you money, time and of course your sanity.
This three part series will help you to navigate the world of online shopping effectively, avoiding the pitfalls of buying clothing that does not fit or suit your needs. By understanding your style and how you want to look, as well as useful steps to help you to shop like a professional, discover a new way in the new norm of online shopping.
The influx of emails all with discounts and huge savings!
Have you have noticed recently that since going into lockdown the amount of emails into your inbox have increased significantly.
“50% off Storewide”, “Free shipping on all orders”, “up to 70% off” and numerous more. All of these incentives are good for the consumer if you need something; however, the key here is to know exactly what it is you need!
Retail is being challenged at the moment, in the week to April 10th, consumer spending in Australia had dropped by 58% on clothing alone (according to Business Insider Australia). So it is no wonder that you are receiving a flood of emails everyday trying to get your attention!
Attention they may get but what you need to do is focus, focus on what your particular needs are. If you are in need of a few items to top up your wardrobe, be clear on those items, have a plan shop for those items only and try to stick to a budget. The key here is to minimise excessive browsing and therefore stop the unnecessary spending (sometimes easier said than done).
Understanding your style and how you want to look?
Knowing how you want to look and understanding your unique shape is key to creating a wardrobe that works for you and a style that is uniquely yours. Understanding your outcomes and your style when shopping alleviates all of those impulse buys, making the shopping experience more productive, not to mention enjoyable and less consuming. Having a plan saves you money and time, it also lessens the overwhelm in your wardrobe and stops all of the “why did I buy that” and the “it doesn't quite fit right” or the “I thought it was a good buy at the time” purchases.
So how do you find out what your style is and how you want to look?
This process all starts with a series of key questions that are focused about you and how you want to look. Take the time to think about how you want to be perceived and find imagery that supports this.
This can prove to be challenging but it is key to achieving your style goals, this is where an image stylist can really help. Book your complementary 30 minute virtual style consultation*
Try to answer the following questions, be ‘season’ specific (i.e. Autumn/ Winter or Spring/Summer) and what the wardrobe use is actually for (i.e. work or leisure). When you break down your wardrobe into sections, it becomes so much easier to target what you actually need.
What colours do you like to wear?
What colours do you wear the most?
What is your lifestyle? Think about how & where you wear your clothes, consider how you launder your clothes, (do you dry clean, hand wash or just throw everything in the machine?). This question will help you to consider fabric choices.
How do you want to look? (be descriptive, i.e. classic, feminine, stylish, sexy, masculine, trendy, ect…)
What clothing are you comfortable in now?(some may say tracksuits at the moment!)
Whose style do you admire and why?
Compile a Pinterest board or an image folder that supports how you want to look, include imagery that interests you and some that may even be a little different.