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Shopaholics Unite
(by Sharon Mosley - February 23, 2009)
Even in a depressing economy, girls and guys still need to have some fun. We may not be spending as much as Isla Fisher -- aka Rebecca Bloomwood, the star of the new movie "Confessions of a Shopaholic," who would rather max out her credit cards than write her financial columns -- but we're still browsing the windows and hitting the shops hoping to find a real fashion bargain.
Olive & Bette's in Manhattan is the ultimate destination for many shopaholics. The funky stores are like shopping in your own closet, but better, filled with colorful clothes and eclectic accessories. Providing lots of inspiration for the "Shopaholics" movie, the stores supplied prop masters with everything from garment bags to shopping bags to use on the set. Stacey Pecor knows how to shop herself, making sure her four New York Olive & Bette's stores stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
Pecor provides tips on how to stay solvent and still shop 'til you drop:
-- Seek the advice of the sales associates. They know the latest product, the best fit, what works and what doesn't. Think of them as your own personal stylist.
-- Know what's in your closet so you can fill in the blanks. It's important to know what you need, so you don't buy something you already have.
-- Shop locally. Support the people who are members of your community because they're giving back to the same community in various ways.
-- Find out the policy of each store with respect to returns.
-- Shop emotionally. If you can't stop thinking about something, it's probably a good purchase.
-- Be courageous, take a chance and prepare to look different. With so much sameness, stand out.
-- Project confidence by putting something on that makes you feel good.
-- Invest in pieces that will last a long time both in terms of quality and style.
-- Shop "seasonless" fabrics, colors and shapes.
-- Purchase trendy accessories that can make a statement without breaking the bank. It's easy to update "the little black dress" with a statement necklace or pair of earrings.
-- Bonus tip: Skip the "It" bag and invest in a new pair of shoes.
Pecor shares her take on the top spring/summer trends for shopaholics:
-- A bucket of bangles.
-- "Highlighter colors": Orange, yellow, fuchsia and blue can be alone or serve as accents to sweaters, T-shirts and accessories.
-- Miniskirts: A fresh alternative to last year's summer dresses.
-- Bright patent leather sandals: Both high-heeled and low in any number of styles, including the gladiator, which remains strong.
-- A pair of patterned wellies and a good-looking umbrella: It's time to look chic in every situation.
-- A beach cover-up that's a real beach cover-up: Avoid something that doubles as a gym T-shirt.
-- A floppy straw or cowboy hat that not only looks stylish: It should also offer maximum protection from the sun.
-- Eco-friendly bags: There are too many great choices out there not to carry one when you go shopping.
-- Hair accessories: From barrettes to headbands to bows, hair accessories are a charming accent to any outfit.
-- Boyfriend jeans: Everyone needs a pair.
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