Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Saturday Slam; none of it sounds particularly fun or like something a proper lady would want to participate in. On the contrary many of us step out and log on to try to find the deals, that one item we have been coveting that will be in our size and on sale that one particular day- good luck!

Holiday wardrobe shopping can be even more daunting than usual and the chance of your perfect holiday dress, shoes, bag and accessories being found by you on one of these dreadful shopping days and on sale is almost none. So lets real and make a plan. Women, and men, make lots of mistakes when shopping and then wonder why they can’t find what they are looking for- this is especially true around the holidays or when you are shopping for a particular event. This holiday season avoid a dressing room melt down and shop smart- and remember, maybe you won’t need a new head to toe look but only a few pieces!

Even if you shop with your favorite sales associate, that always hold back items that “are so you”, or you shop with a personal shopper, there are a few rules you need to remember.
1. You must schedule your shopping time. If you pop in on occasion to browse that is fine but to get serious shopping done you must allow yourself at least one hour.
2. Fix your hair and wear makeup. Dressing room lighting should be illegal it is so awful, so you must do everything you can to look presentable. Even if you are shopping after your bar method class, put on some lip-gloss, a swipe of mascara and slick your hair back- trust me this makes a huge difference.
3. Wear proper undergarments. If you are shopping for a holiday look wearing a sports bra is not going to work. I tell clients to take a variety of bras so you are sure to have the right one. Wear nude underwear while shopping, this is the most neutral. Take your shape wear, if you plan on wearing it out on the night of the party then why would you try and “imagine” what it will look like while you are in the dressing room.
4. Be patient. You must be willing to try on, and try on, and try on. Yes, we all have our favorite designers and styles but you must be willing to try something new, at least every once in a while.
5. Sit down. While wearing a garment, don’t be afraid to sit down, walk around, and move in it. You want to be sure that you won’t be cut in half while eating dinner or that it doesn’t become significantly shorter when you sit down or raise your arms while dancing.

Before you shop look in your closet and asses what you need. Maybe your favorite dress from last year that you only wore to one event will work with some new sass. This season designers have brought out the big guns when it comes to sparkle and shine. Adding a sequin vest to the LBD you already have or a rhinestone collar can be the perfect touch to bring your look into Holiday 2009. Pair a fabulous pair of black party pants or a pencil skirt with a dramatic top. You can even add jewelry to your shoes to make them new, fresh and edgy…bonus here because then you are sure no one else will have them on!  Don’t forget the sparkle when it comes to your coif- lots of headbands, clips, and barrettes!  Style Studio always recommends to get creative and think outside the dressing room box- this is especially true at the holidays!

Tis the Season to be Stylish!