Here's How You Can Be a Better Shopper

"I don’t waste time looking at 100 options!”

SANEA SHAIKH, 27

Model

Cosmo: What is your shopping philosophy?
Sanea Shaikh: “I’m usually very decisive of what I want, so I don’t waste time looking at 100 options. If I like something, I pick it up right away!”

C: Which shopping websites should we be checking daily for good deals?
SS: “I’d say ASOS and Netaporter.com. Closer home, Perniaspopupshop.com
is fabulous!”

C: What are your top three tips to being a better shopper?
SS: “One, always know what you want before you go shopping. That way, you won’t end up buying something you don’t need. Two, aim to get a good deal on the pieces and don’t follow trends blindly. Three, if you see something that’s not trendy, but will make a strong statement in your wardrobe, go for it!”

C: What’s the one thing shoppers should be on the look out for?
SS: “Sales, sales, sales!”
C: As a buyer, what do you look for in clothes?
SS: “I always pick comfort over anything else. I buy pieces that suit my body type, and make a statement.”

 

“We love going to flea markets for vintage accessories!”

Mitali Sagar, 25, and Summiyya Patni, 25

Partners, Misu Image Consultants

Cosmo: Where do you like shopping the most?

Mitali & Sumaiya: “Tiny, obsolete boutiques in various cities round the globe are the best. You find the most amazing one-of-a-kind pieces there. We also love going to flea markets for vintage accessories.”

C: What’ is your top tip to being a better shopper?

M&S: “Spend on staple pieces that add versatility to your wardrobe more than you do on seasonal stuff that will go out of fashion quickly.”

C: What’s the one thing shoppers should be on the lookout for?
M&S: “Pieces that can be used to create multiple looks!”

C: What are big trends for S/S’14 that shoppers should aim to buy?

M&S: “Wide leg trousers, something in a skater silhouette (think a skirt or dress!), tea-length skirts, and a shift blouse.”

“Become ‘sale smart’ and stick to staple pieces!”

Aanchal Sukhija, 20

Fashion Blogger and Co-Owner,

DelhiStyleBlog.com

Cosmo: Which shopping websites should we be checking daily for good deals?
Aanchal Sukhija: “I have quite a few—bonadrag.com for an eclectic mix of products. Totokaelo.com for the love of minimalism. Keep.com—consider this site a shopping go-to. And Fab.com for its punk designs.”

C: What’s the trick to smart shopping during sales?

AS: “Become sale smart—don’t let the low price tag on the product tempt you! Stick to staple pieces and basics...that way, you won’t go wrong. Learn to distinguish a promotion from a clearance, and a two- for-one from a buy-one-get-one-half-off.”

C: What’s the one thing shoppers should be on the lookout for?
AS: “Statement and craft pieces! Instead of going mass, look for things that give your identity a different look.”

“Keep a eye out for good bargains!”

Aparna Badlani, 36

Owner, ATOSA

Cosmo: Where do you like shopping the most?
Aparna Badlani: “It’s a mix of thrift shops, designer brands, high-street labels and flea markets.”

C: What pieces do you look for when thrift/flea shopping?
AB: “Interesting accessories. A lot of my accessories are from flea markets from across the world. You always end up finding good pieces there!”

C: Which shopping websites should we be checking daily for good deals?

AB: “I’m not big on online shopper, but I regularly visit ASOS, Netaporter.com and Koovs.com.”

C: What are your top three tips to being a better shopper?

AB: “Focus on what you have gone to buy—it’s so easy to get distracted and lose your way. Keep an eye out for good bargains, and, if possible, carry your shoes and accessories to match your clothes and vice versa, to save time!”

C: As a buyer for Atosa, what do you look for in clothes?
ab: “The style and finish of the product. Plus, the price of the product...whether it’s worth the money I’m paying for it or not.”

C: What’s the one thing shoppers should be on the lookout for?

AB: “New products, labels, and designers. They come in with a fresh approach and perspective. And good bargains! Doing a bit of research always helps.”

C: What is your shopping philosophy?
ab: “I usually know what I want the minute I see it. I don’t ever sit and think or mull over buying something. If I can afford it, it’s bought in a jiffy!”