I read that the cash registers are busy ringing away during this Great Singapore Sale. Retail sales have gone up; people are happily shopping for stuff. Note that I say “stuff” because more often than not, your great bargains are going to end up in the “stuff” category i.e I don’t know what possessed me to by this awful dress, I have not worn this skirt I got at 50% off during last year’s sale, I don’t know how to match this top, so I haven’t worn it yet etc…Sounds familiar? Don’t feel guilty, it’s normal shopper behaviour syndrome! But before you rush out to grab another discounted “stuff”, check “yes” or “no” on the following:

• Have you weed out your wardrobe to see what are the missing pieces you need to complete your wardrobe for now?
• Do you have a clear idea what suits you and your shape or are you just buying for the sake of fashion and discounts?
• Are you going back to the same store to get the same stuff every time you go shopping?
• Are you buying quantity or quality?
• Can your new purchases go with the other clothes in your wardrobe?

Hiring a personal shopper will take the above load off you. An expert shopper will be able to advise you on value-for-money buys, what suits your shape and skintone, what styles will spark your personality and help you to put together a complete look from head to toe. Here are some expert shopping tips from me:

• Invest in basic pieces and suits from well established brands e.g. Calvin Klein, Ted Baker, Armani and departmental stalls like Robinsons.
• Add 2 or 3 latest trends to update your current wardrobe e.g. flare pants, long skirts or pleated dress.
• Spend on a good leather bag that will take you from Mondays to Fridays.
• Buy 2 pairs of high quality leather shoes; a mid heel and flats.
• Opt for a gorgeous evening dress in a colour other than black!

For information on our personalised shopping services, please visit us at http://www.image-harmony.com/personalised-shopping.html. We are currently having a promotion for our shopping service. Click on the flyer above.

1. Rolled up cropped jeans – A stylish alternative to bermudas and sweat pants. You can roll the hem up or down! Roll it down and wear a trench jacket over it for a dress down Friday and roll it up for the weekends. Cropped jeans will flatter women with shorter legs. I love mine from Guess!
2. Nautical top – Stripes never go out of style and versatile enough to match with solid colours and other prints. I wear my multi coloured striped blouse I got from Zara with a floral kimono-styled pants.
3. Flats – Great for summer and our local climate. Flats can go with everything (except office attire, of course!) and you can show off your beautifully manicured feet:-) EVery woman needs a great looking pair of flats and I got my stylish black and camel Spartan flats from Riccino. They make great comfortable shoes!
4. Bright coloured bag – A handbag in a bright colour instantly updates your look. Pick one in your favourite hue. I found my Liz Claiborne orange clutch when I was in Manila last year. I didn’t know the label carries such cool handbags. Goes well with jeans or an evening dress.
5. Green stone earrings – Jade earrings are very trendy now. Once regarded as jewellery that only grannies wear, designers have now modernised the traditional gem and you can see Hollywood celebrities like Angelina Joilie, Eva Mendes and Beyonce sporting jade earrings. You don’t have to get a real piece of jade; there are many affordable options available in the market.
6. Nude eyeshadow – I have to talk about makeup! I just love my neutral colored eyeshadow “Powdery Nut” from the Makeup Store. It is perfect for brightening up my eyes on days when I don’t feel like putting on full eye makeup.

What’s your favourite must-have for this season?