Sujata Assomull on how to power-shop like a society head-turner

If there is one thing that our society divas have honed to perfection, it's their shopping skills, an almost full-time occupation. Get it wrong and you become a fashion fool and this is one thing Malabar Hill memsahibs and Delhi divas are not.

The women even plan their holidays around shopping. They know when the new collections are out in Milan, Paris and New York and so book their vacations accordingly. Looking good is no easy business and requires hard work. Research is key - reading all you can on style, observing others and making notes on how they get it right and wrong. It's all about having an eye for detail when you shop. This being the season for festivity and merry-making, it is that time of the year when every woman want to look her best - something that our Malabar Hill memsahibs know better than anyone else does. For those who find shopping a task (and there are plenty of us out there) here are some rules of how to power-shop like a society queen bee:

Always look for limited edition pieces: Buying a designer label is never enough especially when it comes to accessories. Designer bags and shoes have become far too common for the real fashionista, which is why most labels have come out with limited editions. Current favourites are the Louis Vuitton Theda Bag and Bottega Veneta limited edition bags. Also, look for shops that have special collections - for instance, JP Tod's, on Milan's Via Della Spiga, has a special Milan only collection. Homework is key so you research before you buy. When shopping at home, remember things are no different. When walking into a Tarun Tahilani or Abu-Sandeep boutique, inquire how many pieces are made of each item. Do not think bridal salons are only for brides. Anyone can go to a bridal salon and order a made to measure outfit.

Dress up always: Even your casual and lounging around outfits should have a dressed up look - the trick is to make it look natural yet stylish. Which is why there is nothing wrong with T-shirts and tracksuits - as long as they are not run of the mill. Go for velvet Juicy Couture tracks or Max Mara silk drawstrings. If you are shopping closer to home then it has to be Monisha Jaising - she does tee and racer back tops but add just the right amount of embellishment so her clothes flaunt a look of luxury but, their casual cuts ensure you don't look over done! If drawstrings and shell are what you like, then head to Abraham and Thakore - if it's good enough for Brown's London, it has to be the best!

It either has to be really old or really new: It is all about extremes - either you wear something from this season's collection or it must be at least twenty years old. Wearing a vintage piece proves that you come from old money and nothing quite spells class like this. And if you really want to prove you have complete style know-how, mix your vintage piece with something that comes from this season's must-have list. (You never want to wear anything that's last season - people will either think you bought it at a sale or it's a hand-me-down). Mix and match with elan. It's about being your own stylist when you go shopping.

The bling bling babe: Baubles are a must. When you leave home for any soiree, a statement piece is an essential, not optional accessory. Be it a cocktail ring, danglers or solitaires, something you wear should make heads turn. If your ring or necklace is the conversation piece of the night then you know you have been officially declared a society diva.

It's all in the details: You need to look after the smallest of details. Which means from the shape of your shoes to the colour of your nail polish. Shopping must be well planned - and has to be treated almost like a job interview. It has to be carefully prepared and done with a clear head. Make a list of what you are going to wear every night, what your look is going to be and book those salon appointments!