When I'm lecturing to students I like to ask them how much a $100 pair of shoes costs. The most common answer is $100 plus tax. Would you believe me if told you it could be as much as $1,376.46? As a 20-year-old, if you convinced yourself not to buy the shoes, and invested it instead -- with an assumed rate of return of 6 per cent -- you'd have $1,376.46 by the time you were 65 years old.
I'm a huge fan of high quality, well-made, designer clothing and accessories. Unfortunately my wallet doesn't always allow me to indulge as often as I'd like. So how does someone like me, who enjoys the finer things, manage to stay current and on trend while still maintaining my budget? The key is to know when and how to shop both regular and off-price retail. Here are my five tips to getting the most out of your shopping experience.
with Christmas chomping down on my heels, I've been doing quick trips to random stores in an effort to pick up those oh-so-perfect gifts for my family members. Now that I've done some legwork, I'm comfortable in providing you with some tips for holiday shopping when you've left it down to the wire. Here are some dos and don'ts.
December is the month of holiday and shopping. Regardless of one's religious and cultural background, one cannot resist the temptation of going out shopping. You get all kinds of offers that distract you from making sound decision. It requires self-discipline and a strong mind to win the battle and look the other way.
A daunting shopping list, annoying music at full volume, crowds of people walking with their heads down texting...welcome to the fresh hell that is holiday shopping. The stress of shopping can make even the most festive, patient person want to start throwing elbows, but some of the trauma can be curbed with these five tips.
What happens when three excited children, one grandmother and two mamas/aunties go shopping together, manoeuvring a crowded mini-van through a torrential down-pour? Santa could at the very least provide a few of his slacker elves for babysitting service and maybe a reindeer or two for entertainment. Needless to say, online shopping is looking pretty good this year.
What is princess math? Your favourite department store is having a half price sale. The gift was originally $200 but you are saving $100. Princess math says -- I was going to spend $200 anyway so now I can buy that purse. The reality is, though, most women aren't flush with money. The problem is that deep down, we know our actions have consequences.
I won entrance into the pre-shop for the highly coveted Margiela collection at H&M the night before it opened to the public. We had four in our group, but it was everyone for themselves on the second floor. I did quite well climbing through racks and saying "sorry" compulsively to trick people into thinking I was polite and not a blood-hungry Margiela fiend.
Like any addict I started small, working my way up from shoes to sequins to vintage novelty anything. Then it began as a means to keep up with the competition: if a blogger was talking about it, I wanted it, or if I thought it would be an upcoming trend, I had to have it. It was at a point where I felt this compulsive need to constantly be checking what was new, and "in", and on the backs of my fashion icons.
A shopper will saunter over to the kitchen appliances section, whip out their smartphone, scan the UPC symbol on a food processor, and walk out. What just happened? Their phone just looked up that processor and told the shopper where they can get it within a three-minute walk. Welcome to the terrifying new world of retail and declining brand loyalty.
Do you have lots of clothing in your closet but feel you have nothing to wear? Most of my clients answer "yes" to this question. Each and everyone one of us from CEOs to stay at home parents have been faced with this dilemma. How many times have you gotten a new outfit, haircut, or makeover and can feel a shift in how you carry yourself as a result? In order to make sure we have a positive impact on ourselves it's important we take time to build our wardrobe appropriately.
We've all seen those parents in the checkout lines, bribing toddlers with disposable toys for a moment of silent reprieve. Admittedly, we've both made friends with a florist to make up for missed birthdays and forgotten anniversaries. Each of us harbours a bit of consumer guilt. You buy things, you give things. For an instant, all is forgiven. But there is meaning beyond the material. Here's how you can shop without the high.
I had it all planned. I was going to make so much money selling my clothes. Like anyone else, I maintain that my collection of clothes is damn near priceless. I schlepped my bag to the nearest Kind Exchange with hopes of finally starting that 'Waterfront Condo (a.k.a. the New Pair of Shoes) Fund'. Finally she gave me the number I had been waiting to hear: "$11.56." What?!
It may be over 30 degrees outside, but my mind has already turned to fall fashion. It's one of my favourite fashion seasons. Truth be told, I've already started making purchases. The early bird catches the worm after all! From leather, to lace and all the fun fall styles in between -- here's what is on my radar (and wish list!!)