How to shop correctly

Do you find yourself buying an Item and regretting it after a week? Or do you spend hours and hours in the store trying to figure out wether you should buy something or don't? Then this is the solution for you! In the following I am going to explain to you detailed how to shop correctly and how to avoid wrong choices.

First of all: You are not alone. Even I found myself in a shopping disaster in the past. In fact, most of us shopaholics did! I can speak from experience and help you, to avoid that. So if you make bad choices while shopping, here is my advice:

• Avoid emotional purchases. Try to figure out, why you want to buy the Item
• Ask yourself: What value does this Item add to your life?
• If you are shopping clothes, try to think of at least 3 outfits you can style with that Item
• If the Item is a staple (e.g a black blazer or white t-shirt that doesn't go out of style, is basic and is an essential piece for your wardrobe) and it is affordable as well as good quality (because you are going to use it a lot) it is most definetly a good purchase!
• Make research on the internet to find out if you can buy the item for cheaper
• Before you look at the price tag, ask yourself: what is the maximum amount of money that you are willing to spend on that Item?
• If you are buying something off of Vinted, Depop ect. make sure the Item fits you by taking the right measurements /asking the seller to do so. Also suggest a price about 10- 15% lower than you are willing to actually pay for the item, If the seller doesn't accept your request, propose your actual offer for the item.
• Make sure the Item you are buying has good quality and is going to last you a longer time
• Make a wishlist of the things you want to purchase
• Figure out if the Item actually suits you and your style
• If you want to buy a designer Item, consider a timeless piece, it is going to hold (or maybe even increase) its value
• Make sure the Item is actually useful. For example aim for a bag that has space for all the things you need.
• Take good care of the Item
• Sell or return the Item if you don't like it
• Are you actually 100% in love with the item? or does it fit ALL your expectations?
• Is it a one time chance? If not, make sure you spend at least 3 days without buying the item. If you still want it as badly as you wanted it before, you can consider buying it.
• If you only need the Item for a certain occasion, think of renting or lending it
• How often can you wear the Item? Times you wear/ use it (per year) divided by the price of the Item= price for each time you wear the item
• Make sure YOU feel good with your decision, and you really need the Item. Try the item on in the store and take a picture. If you really feel confident and beautiful by wearing it, you should buy it or at least remember what specific feature of the Item makes you feel that way about it. That is going to help you with your choice considering other items.
• Have you wanted the Item for a long time already? or often thought: I wish I had this item right now so i could crea´te this outfit with it! If so, you can buy it
• Ask for advice. Do you tend to be afraid of doing so? Most people are really nice and helpful
• Is the item comfortable/ the right size? (e.g shoes) Don't buy something that doesn't look flattering
• Make a pinterest board and look for inspo, you can figure out your style, how you can style items, which Items are most important for your style and you can even find out where to buy them.
• Don't buy into trends (or if you are personally just going through a phase)
• do you already have enough of items like this? If you are buying decor, take a picture to see if it really fits in your room. Is it going to be too much if you add it?
• Sell your old Items!!! You need space and organisation to keep up with everything
• Quality over Quantity
• Would you buy the item if it wasn't on sale or that cheap? If the answer is definetly no, skip the item, you should not look at the price tag first
• Make sure the Item is fairly and ecologically produced
• Read other costumers reviews
• If you are going shopping, create a list of the things you want to buy and do not buy anything apart from that list, if it isn't super important. That way you learn how to control yourself while shopping and reduce impulsive purchaces
• Speaking of which, stop buying something just because....
• You can set a limited budget for your shopping trip. Of course you can take SOME emergancy money but don't go over the top
• Take your time and buy the item only because YOU like it

That is how to shop correctly! If you use my advice, I am sure you are going to turn into a professional shopper and avoid any wrong choices! Subscribe to alltimefashion Blog for more and read my latest Blogpost Upper class style guide . For inspiration, take a look at my Instagram and Pinterest and don't be afraid to reach out to me!

xx, Aylin