• Noisette
• The Saks Fifth Avenue Club

Shopping Like a Pro

Celebrities always seem to have what everyone else wants before anyone else can get the thing. Why? Because they have their finger on the magic shopping button: They can have boutiques closed at a moment's notice just so they can shop in privacy; they can score free designer gowns; they even get handbags named after them and borrow invaluable jewels for an event.

You, on the other hand, can't even get the saleswoman to bring you another size. Why should starlets and socialites have all the fun? With a little know-how, you too can enjoy the royal treatment at your favorite stores by following these savvy shopper insider tips.

Savvy Shopper Tip #1: Get in the Loop

Almost all boutiques and department stores have e-mail or catalog mailing lists - sign up! According to Stephanie Deleau, owner of the popular Brooklyn, NY, women's boutique Noisette, "The e-mail list is very helpful - you are the first to know about sales or new merchandise. And if you go to a sample sale, leave your e-mail address so you'll know about the next one."

At worst, you'll have an in-box full of store offers; at best, you'll be the first to hear about sales, new designer items, and trunk shows.

Savvy Shopper Tip #2: Network

Don't underestimate the value of making friends with the owners and sales associates of the stores you frequent most. By doing this, Deleau says, you'll be much more likely to hear about what merchandise is coming in and when (ideal if you're trying to get your hands on a highly coveted item that's likely to sell out). "A couple of my clients have specific needs or like specific brands, so I call them as soon as I receive them [the new merchandise]," says Deleau, who keeps regular clients in mind when she's placing orders in Paris for the French designer labels her store carries.

Savvy Shopper Tip #3: Attend Trunk Shows

The good news: You can afford to splurge on that hot new handbag du jour. The bad news: Every fashionista in the world wants it too. For those who are really passionate about being the first to buy something from a particular designer's new collection - and have the money to do so - the trunk show is paramount. Most high-end stores host these exclusive previews of a designer's latest collection, many with the designer in attendance. They're free to attend and usually just require an appointment as space can fill up quickly.

The perk of attending a trunk show is the chance of not only previewing a collection but of also placing orders before the clothing is even in the store.

Savvy Shopper Tip #4: Get Professional Help

So what if you don't have a celebrity stylist on speed-dial? Many stores will offer personal shopping services for free. For extra shopping TLC, consider a program such as The Saks Fifth Avenue Club, which offers thorough, hands-on wardrobe and beauty consultations, gratis. If you participate in the Club, you'll be given your own private dressing room - and a consultant will scour the racks and bring the best clothing and accessories to you, so you'll never have to set foot on the store floor if you don't want to. What's more, they'll give you lunch and if you need to stay in touch with your office they'll provide internet access free of charge. If you can't make it to the store during normal store hours, they can accommodate before or after hours shopping. They can also bring Saks to you by bringing clothing and a fitter to your home. Saks personal shopper Tracy Gaillard in New York takes pride in dressing her clients from head to toe, "from lingerie to cosmetic makeover to jewelry," she says. "People kind of get in a clothing rut, they reach for the same things - things that might not be best for their lifestyle. [But with a personal shopper], you have someone who can expand your sense of style."

Now all you need is the savvy secret to how to fit all this great stuff into your closet.

 

Posted on September 18, 2006