7 Life Saving Tips on Shopping Black Friday and Beyond

Here are some shopping tips from FGI Member Mayna Sgaramella!
As a Wardrobe Consultant, I do a lot of personal shopping with my clients. But many people will be fighting the crowds on their own this holiday season. So here are some much needed tips on how to shop smart during the rush:

1. Know what you want. Ah, the key to all things in life. Well, you'd be surprised at how many people don't shop with a list during the holidays. Even with a list, things can get confusing. So, cozy up with some hot tea and spend a good hour looking up gifts in store catalogs, online, and in magazines. This will inspire you to create a list for all those on your list and it will give you ideas for yourself!

2. Research sales. Days before you plan to shop (like today), go online, look at advertisements in the paper, and call the store. Many associates are willing put items aside for you if you know what you want and call before the day of the sale. Ask if they do pre-sales where you buy the item over the phone at the sale price and just pick it up the day of the sale. You can even ask for the store manager and get his/her tips on shopping in their store.

3. Shop with a list. Don't just write down what you're getting, but also write down where you're going to buy it, the phone number of the store, and the store's special hours of operation (ask me about creating a spreadsheet of local stores tailored to your shopping needs). Treat it like efficient grocery shopping or running errands; start with the store where you can get the most checked off your list (a department store for example), and map out your route in regards to traffic or rush hour.

4. Keep a map of the mall with you before you shop in order to plan out parking, elevators (if you have kids in strollers), and restaurants (because you will get hungry). Use valet parking if it is available. It will be worth the money rather than waiting in traffic.

5. Set a time limit. Give yourself a couple hours in one large store, then hit a couple smaller shops and take a break. Keep a few snacks in your purse and drape it around your body for more hands free movement, but leave your coat in the car.

6. Start early and wear comfortable shoes. There are few ways to avoid long lines during this time of year, but go with a partner who will stand in line while you shop or hire a professional shopper who will shop for you. Try to beat the crowds by shopping during slow times, usually around store opening, late afternoon, or dinner time.

7. Be Flexible. Sometimes, that perfect gift you had in mind for your friend is just not available or is sold out. If you can keep the intention and meaning behind the gift, it will be easier to let go of the material aspect of it and you'll save yourself some unnecessary stress. Remember to shop online if you get in a jam. More info on online shopping and tips for saving money during the holidays in December's Newsletter!

Good luck! Fashionably Yours, Mayna Sgaramella of Closet Fly, LLC

Cashmere Wrappings Trunk show for FGI & Friends ~ December 10th

'Cashmere Wrappings' trunk show for Fashion Group International & friends.

Wednesday December 10th, 4-8PM @ Patricia Nugent Textiles Studio 2153 8th Avenue West, Seattle, WA.

RSVP via email so we can plan wine service accordingly! ...and please bring a friend.

CHEERS TO YOU....it's CASHMERE SEASON!

Betsy Balch ~ CASHMERE Wrappings ~ 206.719.7339
betsy@cashmerewrappings.com
www.cashmerewrappings.com

December 4th Networking Event

The Fashion Group International and Urban Fashion Network would love to invite you to Clutch (1212 4th Avenue), Seattle's only handbag boutique for a fantastic networking event.

We will be hearing from Clutch owner, Kimberly Arrington, and she will also be extending a 20% discount for the evening.

Champagne, wine, and desserts will be provided.

This event is complimentary for all FGI and UFN members, but guests/non-members will need to pay $35.00 for entry.

The evite can be viewed here! Please RSVP via the Evite.

November Networking Event

Tonight was our November networking event which was hosted by Pat Nugent at her business Patricia Nugent Textiles in Queen Anne.

We had a really nice turnout of about 30 members and guests. Thanks to all of you who came, we look forward to seeing you all again real soon!!

The details of the event were:

Come for an evening of Networking and A Trend Report by Pat Nugent. Pat's archive of Vintage and Antique textiles, hand painted original designs and wallpapers date from 1790 to 1970. It is from these designs that Pat will select examples to illustrate textile design trends for 2009 and 2010. She will cover trends for women's, men's and children's apparel and home textile design. With the belief that "Beauty comes from all Ages" we will see designs that are over one hundred years old yet apply to the trends we will be wearing next year!

Patricia Nugent Textile is located in a Cottage, the first house south of West McGraw Street on the west side of 8th Avenue West. This event is complimentary for all members, but guests/non-members need to pay $35.00 for entry.

I snapped several pictures so those of you who couldn't make it could check it out as well. Here they are!

Our next event will be December 4th at Clutch in downtown Seattle. Watch your inbox for the evite! Make sure to add seattlefgi@gmail.com to your address book so our emails don't end up in your spam box. :)

If you would be interested in hosting a networking event at your business just let us know!!

See you soon!