Planning Your Christmas Shopping To Be Stress Free

At this time of year, Christmas shopping has gone from being a thought for the future to something that is very much in the here and now. Unfortunately, buying gifts for all of your loved ones, and even ones you don’t, can be a stressful experience. So, let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can save yourself some problems this festive season and get shopping with comfort.

Deals

Everybody loves a bargain and your Christmas shopping should be full of them. Just because you are buying someone a present doesn’t mean you have to pay top dollar. Shopping around online for a little while or even taking a leisurely stroll around the shops will quickly give you an idea of the average price of the products you’re looking to buy this year. Alternatively, if you already know what you want to buy some people then get looking on comparison websites. They’ve done all the research for you, so you can sit at home with your favorite drink in hand knowing full well you’ve saved some cash while putting smiles on the faces of your friends and family.

Difficult People

We all have them in our groups, every year we wonder what on Earth can we get them this year? They are the people who have everything they could possibly want already, or even worse the people who are impossible to read. Sometimes you wonder why you’re bothering, but you persevere regardless. After all, it’s Christmas and you’re in the spirit of giving and bringing cheer.

So some options for you; first of all consider the tried and tested voucher. You don’t know what to buy these people, but they know what they want so give them the tools necessary to go and get their ideal present. If you’re clever about it, you might just be able to earn free gift cards online thus saving yourself the need to pay out. Alternatively, you can try something a little bit more festive and traditional like a candle or a scarf. Both things that they’re likely to use, both say you’ve thought about them, but you’re not expecting much in return. Simple yet satisfying for everyone involved.

Enjoy Yourself

Christmas comes but once a year and everyone is going through the same shopping pains as you. However, you don’t have to. Shopping is just one aspect of the holiday season, and it is one that can be enjoyed by making the most of festive markets and the other experiences that this time of year can bring. Just make sure that you aren’t allowing your anxiety over presents for others build up too much, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’ve worked all year so you deserve to enjoy this wonderful period just as much as anyone else.

Even that person who keeps walking in front of you on the high street.

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Shopping Heals All Wounds, Apart From The Ones It Causes

There’s a good reason they call shopping retail therapy. Nothing beats stocking up on a new wardrobe to sweep the cobwebs. Whether you’re recovering from a broken heart or trying to forget a stressful week, a good day of shopping can heal most wounds. By the time you’re done, you’ll feel giddy from all those bright shop lights and promises of a better life.

That said, shopping can cause wounds as well as healing them. It may seem strange, but a day of shopping can also lead to a whole host of issues. Some of these are physical, some emotional. But, whatever their root; shopping injuries can be dangerous if you don’t know to look out for them. One minute, you’re flying high on those skinny jeans you just bought, and the next you’re in a muddle.

To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, we’re going to look at ways you can avoid these three common shopping injuries.

The damage to your feet

Anyone’s feet ache after a day in town. If you aren’t careful, you’ll even end up with blisters galore. That should come as no surprise when you consider many shoppers are on their feet from first thing to closing time. It’s not the distance you travel, but more the sheer time scale which can hurt here. But, what can you do to avoid the sting? For one, remember this risk when you’re dressing. You might want to put on heels, but think again. Instead, opt for well worn and comfortable shoes. And, whatever you do, don’t put that new pair on until you’re at home and able to break them in!

The in-shop injuries

A shocking amount of us also suffer in-shop injuries each year. Sometimes, sharp displays result in nasty cuts. Uneven shop flooring also results in trips and falls. If you do receive an injury this way, you’d be within your rights to contact a personal injury and gain compensation from the shop in question. But, wouldn’t it be best to avoid this in the first place? The best way to do that is to pay attention. Often, injuries here are a result of us looking at the products and not much else. Instead, keep your eyes peeled. Look where you’re putting your feet and make sure you don’t lean on anything nasty. If you do spot something, it’s crucial you report it so no one else suffers.

The broken bank balance

Of course, we couldn’t not mention the injury to your bank balance. It’s all too easy to get carried away when you see beautiful things. Before you know, your balance is in the red, and you have no way of paying the debt anytime soon. The best way around this? Stick to a budget, of course. Instead of using your card, leave it at home. Simply take out your maximum budget in cash ahead of time and take that instead. Then, there’s no chance of putting your bank balance in intensive care.

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Style Tips For Those On A Shoestring Budget

You have gazed adoringly at the models wearing the latest fashions on the catwalk. You have browsed through the latest clothing magazines and websites. You have walked past the high-end boutiques on the high street. You have done all of these things, and there is one nagging thought running through your mind. I CAN’T AFFORD IT! With frustration, you return to your dated wardrobe collection and sigh. If only you had the money to replenish your tired old wardrobe with something different to the clothes that have now become your (unwanted) trademark. If only you had the money to reinvent your look, instead of wearing the same outfits day in and day out. If only…

Thankfully, it’s not impossible. You don’t need to rob a bank or start a new career in modeling just to give you the opportunity to jazz up your style. It’s possible to do it within your limited budget, and we are here to tell you how with our creative and thrifty ideas.

• You can find designer steals online, those hidden recesses of the internet where buying into the latest fashion doesn’t have to eat into your rent money. From flash sales to retail outlets who markdown popular brands, check out our tips here to treat yourself to something new today.

• Visit a professional tailor, those special people on your high street who can turn a cheap or used garment into something that more closely resembles the fashion you are looking for. Using pictures from your favorite magazine or website, give the tailor an idea of what it is you’re looking for, and with a few quick stitches here and there, you may just get something fashionable without having to pay out a small fortune to achieve that desired look.

• Don’t overlook thrift stores, as you may find something that looks good at dirt-cheap prices. Don’t worry about the slightly-used look either, as any damages can easily be rectified. A dry cleaner will deal with any stains, the tailor can repair loose stitching, and you may be able to replace such things as zips and buttons (read more here for some useful advice) yourself. Before long, you will have something that will look brand new to the people you are trying to impress, even though you know it isn’t. Cheeky!

• Set up a clothes swap evening with your friends (especially if you have any rich mates), and model each other’s outfits before swapping them with each other. It doesn’t have to be a permanent swap, either, as you could continually exchange clothes with each other during the year so you all have something different to wear at the extravagant soirees that are part of your social calendar.

• Clean out your tired wardrobe, and sell anything that you no longer intend on wearing. These fashion apps feature daily-curated showrooms where you can not only sell your outfits but where you can also pick up a few new garments as well. After all, you’re not the only person in town trying to change up your style and fashion.

• Accessorize your look, rather than always going for a brand new outfit to keep you in line with current fashion trends. A signature ribbon in your hair can complement an existing item of clothing, as can a bold new handbag, a pair of cool sunglasses, or a statement necklace. These accessories can bring life to boring old garments, without you having to break the bank to refresh your tired wardrobe. Check out these ideas for other ways you can accessorize previously dull and worn outfits, glamming up your style on your limited budget.

• Don’t follow fashion, as you can guarantee there will be a brand new look before the year is out. Instead, form your own signature style, buying those clothes that are stylish, but not necessarily part of the latest trend. It doesn’t matter what other people think; as long as you like the way the clothing looks and feels, that counts more than the snobbish perception of others. Who knows, you may become a trendsetter yourself, mixing and matching a look that soon becomes the talk of the town.

• Don’t be lured into buying something you are rarely going to wear. Even those designer items on sale are pointless if you are only going to wear them once and then never touch them again. As we mentioned above, don’t be a follower of fashion, especially if it’s for the sake of keeping up with trends rather than actually liking them. Always buy outfits you know you are going to make use of, and you will save yourself money by curbing that temptation to buy something in line with what everybody else is currently wearing.

• Head to the men’s department at your local clothing store. In this gender-neutral age, you will be able to pick something up cheaply because of one simple fact: men (in general) are less inclined to shop for clothes on a regular basis, so stores will lure them in with more affordable clothing. Head over to Stylecaster for an idea of what to buy, giving yourself a completely new look, as well as picking up a few tips for dressing the man in your life as well.

• Sign up for a rewards program at your favorite online or high-street store. Provided you bless them with your custom at some point during your membership, they will regularly offer you discounts on other items for sale, by emailing or texting you with news of their special offers. Be sure to sign up for their email distribution list anyway, as even if there is no reward program available, you will still be kept up to date with the latest offers and sales as they happen.

As you can see, it is possible to dress stylishly regardless of budget, whether you care about fashion or couldn’t give two hoots about the latest trends. Be yourself, enjoy what you wear, and continue saving money when you’re looking to refresh your look. Let us know if you have any further tips for our readers. Thanks for reading!

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Luxury Garage Sale Grand Opening Soiree - Atlanta Pop Up

Popping up for one month this April 15 through May 15, 2018, coveted Chicago-based upscale consignment brand, Luxury Garage Sale, is inviting fashion-loving Atlantans the opportunity to shop a curated collection of high-end designer consignment including top-selling brands like Hermès, Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton along with boutique overstock at up to 90% off retail prices.  The pop-up shop will be located in the heart of bustling Inman Park - providing shoppers a true boutique ‘luxe for less’ experience featuring stand-out designer clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories for women, one-on-one styling, full service consignment services, and more.  Their team of style experts also makes personal house-calls to help consignors vet their pieces and appraise them for those looking to consign new or lightly used luxury items.  

Join us as we celebrate the official grand opening of the Luxury Garage Sale Atlanta pop-up shop in Inman Park this Wednesday, April 25th from 7 to 9 p.m. Sip champagne, bites from The Brasserie and Neighborhood Café at PARISH, a selection of Wild Heaven craft beer and more.   

Benefiting Doggies on the Catwalk, for this evening only, 10% of proceeds will go towards the acclaimed 501c 3 founded by E. Vincent Martinez. Special guests and Doggies on the Catwalk models Vickie Kirbo of Kirb Your Style  & Ashley Stamoulis of SUTHINGIRL will also be in attendance and ready to host you!    

RSVP to rsvp@carenwestpr.com and we will make sure you’re on the list!

Luxury Garage Sale’s Atlanta pop-up, is located at The Shops at Highland Steel (240 N. Highland Avenue, Atlanta, Ga.) right by Pure Barre and across the street from Char.  

Get ready to shop ’til you drop! 

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INDIA HICKS: Well-crafted gifts, Beauty & Accessories

India Hicks is a spirited lifestyle brand carrying a must-have of leather bags and totes, jewelry, scarves, candles and so much more. India Hicks Ambassador Shaye Strager is taking to the 'catwalk' on May 6 for the 10th annual Doggies on the Catwalk and is generously donating 20% of all India Hicks sales through this link: https://www.indiahicks.com/event/doggies-on-the-catwalk/shopping

Go shopping, live fabulously! You'll love the brand. Sale ends on 4/30.

*Support Shaye at Doggies on the Catwalk HERE!

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