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The Astute Art of Buying
Illustration courtesy, the Lili Collection for Miss Celine.
Published: Volume 13, Issue 3, May-June, 2005
As far as designer shopping goes, try not to go for the obvious. Look for labels that are new and different. There is nothing worse than picking up a Prada dress and finding that five other people have the same one.

Shopping on holiday, is a bonus that the summer offers. Make this your best buying bout ever, and the smartest, with these easy tips from Sujata Assomull, who believes in doing her shopping homework, for best results

This summer, most of us will be travelling and at the top of many of our to-do lists will be shopping. There may be a retail explosion going on at our doorstep but, there is still nothing like shopping abroad. The fact is the choice is better – whether it’s Dubai, Paris, London, Milan or New York. The trick is to know which key items you should buy and what the must-haves for the season will be before you fly, so that you do not waste too much time. As always, fashion homework is key – flick through those magazines and log onto www.net-a-porter.com, to see what the latest and the very best is. Note that the sold out items are the really hot ones! No matter how much or how little you spend, you should always have a budget in mind – that will help you make realistic choices.

WHAT TO SHOP FOR

Once again, preparation is key. Figure out the items you need before you go on holiday. Classics such as black trousers and jeans should be a priority, because finding beautiful tops is easy back home but those classics can be tough. Also, bags and shoes should be on the top of the list – these can dress up any outfit. Let’s face it, which women can say they have enough bags or shoes! Recommended is Bottega Veneta – this classic brand has come out with some high fashion styles which look set to become the IT bags, this year.

Wedges are back, so pick up a pair of these. Add wedges to even a classic black dress and you will look like you’ve just jumped out of the pages of a fashion editorial. Try Christian Louboutin, (Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik are just too predictable). Chappals are a must for those of us who live in Mumbai, as it is hot all year around and Tod’s have some great leather thongs. Women from up north should remember to stock up on boots – it may be summer now but in a few months you will need those winter woollies and boots. For woollies, look out for cashmere – it is expensive but nothing beats it.
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