Friday, May 25, 2012

Memorial Day 2012

Memorial Day weekend. To me Memorial Day symbolizes relaxing, pool and family. And since getting married, Band of Brothers marathons. To many it symbolizes travel, shopping and remembrance.

Despite our economic situation, there's an interesting article about how based on social media sentiments, in a survey conducted by IBM, there's more chatter this year than last year about not only traveling for Memorial Day but also shopping during the Memorial Day holiday. This is good news. Spending money is good news, generally speaking.

To encourage any and all shopping many retailers offer some amazing deals during Memorial Day weekend. The Spring and Summer collections have had time to circulate so you can find some great items on sale. Many offer coupons in addition to already reduced prices. Car dealerships are also known for having sales during Memorial Day weekend but it's probably a good idea under any and all circumstances to do your research before heading out to make a significant purchase like a car. Despite the holiday.

Remember, if you intend to do your shopping online be sure to go through Ebates! Make $$ while you spend $$!!!


Monday, May 21, 2012

Pin It

You may have heard of a little thing called Pinterest? If not, it now rivals Facebook as far as addictions go. I held off for a very long time, but a very dear friend suggested that I use it as another way to showcase how I can help people with their shopping and style; by "pining" clothing or accessories that I love and find attractive to my boards ... genius! And so, here I am, on Pinterest and completely addicted.

Pinterest, the way they describe it, is a virtual pin board -- if you find something beautiful on the web you can pin it to your board to share with others. Or you can browse through Pinterest to see other people's boards and either like an item they have on their boards, or repin an item to your board if you find it especially decadent. You can pin just about anything ... from DIY projects, to food, to items for the home, to SomeECards. The sky's the limit.

In the event you would like to follow me on Pinterest here's where you can make that happen: http://pinterest.com/anrudupa/. And to start pinning you need to install a pin it button on your computer.

Congratulations! You're now well on your way to not getting anything else done today!


Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Online Shopping - hayyyy

Online shopping can be a great time saver ... especially if you shop certain stores frequently and know your size otherwise online shopping can get frustrating quickly. Two of my favorite things are a.) shopping and b.) making money. Throw the word "online" in front of shopping and I'm hooked.  A great way to maximize your online shopping experience is through a little gem called Ebates.

Think of Ebates as a host of a party, and the attendees are every store you could ever imagine. Such as: Home Depot, Ann Taylor, Kate Spade, Nordstrom, Godiva, drug stores, shoe stores, kid stores, etc. Pretty amazing party right? It gets better ...

Anyone can shop this party. AND when you do shop through Ebates, you get cash back. After you sign-up, whenever you need to do any online shopping, go to Ebates click the store you want to shop's link and you're on your way to getting cash back for however much you spend at that store. Examples:

You're killing time, don't have anything in particular to shop for, so you go to Ebates and see a daily double for 13% cash back at Old Navy. With that kind of return on your total purchase, you'll find SOMEthing to purchase. 
You need shoes for Cousin Mary's wedding. You know you'll get cash back through Ebates so you go there, search "Women's Shoes" and are provided with a laundry list of stores and the cash back deals they provide on your total purchase. Cousin Mary's wedding just got a little sweeter for you too, didn't it?!?

Hey, the way I see it is this: If you're going to be spending money, why not make some money?

Monday, May 14, 2012

Budget

Staying within a customer's budget is key to a good customer service experience - especially given the economy. But you can still look great and stylish without breaking the bank. You can look great and stylish at any price!

Let's say your budget is $100 and you want a complete look - shoes and accessories:

Walmart!! So cute

Also in black ... 

Pair with this bangle ... 
Forever 21 Chevron bangle ... 

Or this one ...
Forever 21 Gold bangle ... 
http://bit.ly/ITXAYD

And finally these earrings (for either bracelet)
Last Call Neiman Marcus ... 


Goes to show you can have great style for under $100 ... and this look can get even less expensive. By relying on places with great coupon deals like Macy's you can find great earrings and bracelets for next to nothing. Also, don't discount stores like Target for great jewelry and inexpensive shoes. 

You can also find great shoes and clothes - though it's hit or miss and often requires a lot of time and patience - at places like TJ Maxx, Ross or Marshall's. 

Looking great shouldn't be frustrating and it should never cost a fortune.  


Thursday, May 10, 2012

What is a personal shopper?

Welcome to my new business venture and blog ... P.S. I got it covered.

Personal shoppers can run the gamut from Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist, to independent people, like me, who just enjoy shopping and helping others find the right look, dress, suit or gift. I have worked in retail and loved it, I had a large client following and was often the #1 sales person in the store ... and I was working part time. So, after much consideration and two kids and a husband later, I decided let's give it a go as an independent personal shopper. Here are some scenarios that will help you understand where I can assist you and your shopping needs:

Scenario 1: Just had a baby
If you have recently had a bundle of joy then, like me, you may find that your body decided to play musical chairs. READ: things aren't/don't look the way they did before. So, that may mean that a particular style of dress or pants looked great pre-pregnancy but now, post-pregnancy does not. This can be a very frustrating feeling. Here's how I can help: I'd be happy to meet with you to find out what you're looking for - a few key pieces? A new wardrobe? A couple of pants? Whatever I can do to help you feel and look great is my goal. It's amazing the difference a few key pieces can do for a closet :)

Scenario 2: Business Man
Many business men don't have the time to go shopping for clothes for work. And let's be honest, don't enjoy it or hate shopping all together. One of my areas of expertise is shopping for men. Whether it's a new suit or a few ties or a good selection of casual clothing options - I can help men with all of these requests. Men are a great and often overlooked clientell and are so appreciative of help with shopping. Please don't hesitate to pass along my information to any men you may know that may need my shopping expertise.

Scenario 3: Big Event
Maybe you have a fundraiser coming up and don't know where to start ... maybe it's a wedding or a black tie formal ... have no fear. I'd be happy to help you with all of these right down to your accessories and shoes. Some people are too busy to go shopping, some freak out because they don't know where to start and some just decide since they are too busy or too freaked out to not go. Let me help you find a look that will make you feel confident and excited for your evening out!

These scenarios are just a sample of the range of my expertise. Maybe you have a vacation coming up that you need help shopping for. Maybe you have children and find that you haven't been in a store in ages and need a wardrobe refresh. Maybe you're a bride and realize that with the wedding coming up you need help shopping for presents for your bridesmaids. I can assist with all of these and I'm excited to do it and it's what I love to do.

Give me a call - customer satisfaction is my goal and I'm ready and willing to help! Check this blog often for updates, promotions, and style advice! Remember, whatever it is, I got you covered!!