I'm extremely particular (some might say downright fanatical) about having a solid, functional, yet super fabulous wardrobe. Nothing bothers me more than an unorganized closet full of useless, unworn or unflattering pieces. Well, other things might bother me more, but you get the idea.
While shopping to create and add to this perfectly curated wardrobe might be a casual pastime to some, to me, it's serious business. (Probably because as a stylist, it's quite literally my business.) And everyone knows that when it comes to business, you need a plan.
So unless I'm just browsing, when I shop for myself or with a client, I always have a plan. And so should you. (Unless of course you'd like to waste countless hours or your hard earned dollars. If that's the case, off you go.)
Shopping with a plan always starts before you leave the house, mainly in your closet. That's where you want to take stock of your wardrobe to see what you have and what you're missing.
Note what you have plenty of so that you don't buy any more and jot down which items need coordinating pieces to turn them into outfits. If you find that your wardrobe has gaps that you need to fill, add those to the list as well. These are the items you'll be looking for when you shop.
Once your list is complete, decide on your budget. Determine what you think each item is worth or what you'd be willing to spend. Keep this amount in mind when you shop so that you don't end up spending more than you should.
If you don't think you'll be able to purchase all the items on your list, prioritize and shop accordingly. Just keep the others in mind too. We all know that just because you shop for something, doesn't mean you'll find it. You might actually have more luck finding those lower priority pieces.
If you plan to shop for an item to coordinate with an existing piece, bring it along. It's so much easier to find a match when it's with you. You'll also be able try the items on together to see if they're right for each other. You know -- see if they have good chemistry.
Make sure to also bring along the appropriate undergarments for whatever it is you'll be shopping for. It'll give you a truer indication of how things look with all your bits and pieces in their proper place.
If you're not sure which stores to hit to find what you need, do some online pre-shopping prior to leaving the house. If you find something online that you like, call ahead to see if the location closest to you has your size and even one size up and down just in case. Map out your route so that you can hit the shops in the most efficient way and pick the best time of day to visit the area.
Now if you're not a shopper or don't like to shop (which always shocks me but is apparently quite common), try to make the experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. Dress in comfortable clothes and shoes that are easy to take off and put back on, wear your hair in a way that won't get ruined or bother you after multiple clothing changes and stay hydrated and fed.
Shopping can be exhausting work -- even for someone who shops for a living. If you're thirsty, hungry, tired or uncomfortable, you'll either leave early without having achieved your goal, buy the wrong thing, or end up really, really, super cranky. Take it from me -- no one likes a cranky shopper.
Fall Fashion 2015: HuffPost Canada Style Contributor Picks
Long Waistcoat(01 of52)
Open Image ModalMenswear-Inspired Blazer(02 of52)
Open Image ModalCamo Clutch(03 of52)
Open Image ModalPoncho(04 of52)
Open Image ModalLeather Jacket(05 of52)
Open Image ModalDuster Coat(06 of52)
Open Image ModalPlaid Shirt(07 of52)
Open Image ModalCape(08 of52)
Open Image ModalStatement Jewelry(09 of52)
Open Image ModalWine/Burgundy Hues(10 of52)
Open Image Modal1. Duster Coat(11 of52)
Open Image ModalThe perfect chic topper, the duster coat was seen on at Marni (pictured), Chloe, Chanel and Margiela, to name a few. Throw it overtop of a slip dress (another fall 2015 must-have) or a pair of trousers for an added touch of sophistication. (credit:Catwalking via Getty Images)
SHOP: Duster Coat(12 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Duster Coat(13 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Duster Coat(14 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Duster Coat(15 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Duster Coat(16 of52)
Open Image Modal2. Fringe(17 of52)
Open Image ModalThe fringe trend is still going strong, with virtually every designer including frayed fabrics in their collections. Those more daring can opt for a fringed cape or jacket a la Pucci (pictured), while a fringed bag is perfect for those wanting to try out the trend. (credit:Venturelli via Getty Images)
SHOP: Fringe(18 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Fringe(19 of52)
Open Image ModalLe Chateau Suede Fringe Asymmetrical Jacket, $169.95 (credit:Le Chateau)
SHOP: Fringe(20 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Fringe(21 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Fringe(22 of52)
Open Image Modal3. Slip Dress(23 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Slip Dress(24 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Slip Dress(25 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Slip Dress(26 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Slip Dress(27 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Slip Dress(28 of52)
Open Image Modal4. Pantsuit(29 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Pantsuit(30 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Pantsuit(31 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Pantsuit(32 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Pantsuit(33 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Pantsuit(34 of52)
Open Image Modal5. Short, Blocked Heels(35 of52)
Open Image ModalEffortlessly chic and much more sensible than a pair of stilettos, the block heel was seen at Chanel, Miu Miu, Comme des Garcons and Stella McCartney. (credit:Victor VIRGILE via Getty Images)
SHOP: Short, Blocked Heels(36 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Short, Blocked Heels(37 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Short, Blocked Heels(38 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Short, Blocked Heels(39 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Short, Blocked Heels(40 of52)
Open Image Modal6. Ribbed Knits(41 of52)
Open Image ModalCozy knits are nothing new for fall/winter -- in fact, they are a staple. However, knits of the ribbed variety were popular on the runways, with Fay (pictured), Diesel Black Gold and Charlotte Ronson putting them on display. (credit:Catwalking via Getty Images)
SHOP: Ribbed Knits(42 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Ribbed Knits(43 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Ribbed Knits(44 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Ribbed Knits(45 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Ribbed Knits(46 of52)
Open Image Modal7. Not-Your-Average White Blouse(47 of52)
Open Image ModalThe white blouse got a makeover, with statement versions hitting the Michael Kors, Rodarte and Oscar de la Renta runways. Think ruffled elements, waiter-inspired bow ties and frilled collars (though not all at once). (credit:Catwalking via Getty Images)
SHOP: Not-Your-Average White Blouse(48 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Not-Your-Average White Blouse(49 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Not-Your-Average White Blouse(50 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Not-Your-Average White Blouse(51 of52)
Open Image ModalSHOP: Not-Your-Average White Blouse(52 of52)
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