Discovering Janet Wood's Shopping Tips

I ran into a list of shopping hints and tips from Janet Wood of the "Fashion Fit Formula," and I thought you might like to hear about it-- it's a perfect choice for those of us who are looking for a bargain (and right now, who isn't looking for a little savings?).

Here goes! The first thing I discovered is a description of retail-store planning techniques to get us to invest more cash in garments. I have never heard of this particular method, so I was intrigued with the sneakiness of the whole deal. Here's what Wood had to say:

"Many times the higher end stores bring in sale clothing that is not up to the quality that of their non-sale items. According to Janet, 'they are loss-leaders. Clothing sold at almost no profit to attract buyers into the location where they will then see the high profit clothing.'"

What happens next? "The sale garment isn’t as nice as their other merchandise but its cost while lower, isn’t that much lower. Just a few steps away is a rack with obviously better quality clothing and while the price is higher, it’s not that much higher. The buyer rationalizes for just $30 to $40 more, I can get this out fit and it looks so much more expensive."

Now I must ask: do you do this? Maybe it's just me, but if I'm shopping at a mediocre department store tobegin with, I will probably choose items on the appearance rather than the quality, unless of course I'm actually looking for work pieces. Then again, if I am sourcing work pieces, why would I be looking at the sale rack in the first place? Wouldn't I be looking fpr investment pieces in the first place? *Mind is boggled*

Here's a good combination of quality and value-- Old Navy! Pictured: Side-Tie Tank, Linen-Blend Vest, Cotton Twill Vests

Speaking of dressier/fancier pieces, Wood also shed some light on what we should be spending money on, saying that "unless your lifestyle revolves around dressing in evening clothing and going out frequently, only purchase dressy clothes when necessary. It’s important to think about cost per wearing. If you blow your budget on a “must have outfit” that you only wear once – it was very expensive indeed."

Now that's advice we can both agree on!