Editors, stylists and influencers (or those friends you always refer to as ‘the fashionable ones’ in your group) are, undoubtedly, excellent shoppers. They always seem to have the best bargains, nab those hard to find items, and inevitably are always asked "Where did you get it?” But when you dig deep, these women know what they’re doing, and are rife with shopping strategies and insider knowledge. Here, three of ELLE.com’s editors—all master shoppers—share their best secrets.
The In-Store Enthusiast
Nikki Ogunnaike, Fashion Features Director
“Shopping is more than just looking for clothes for me, it’s an experience! I love to go to a department store that has a bar or restaurant, like Saks, grab a quick bite, a cocktail, and then hit the racks and get to buying! I usually start with the brands I love and am familiar with and then ask the sales associates what's new. A mix of my own knowledge and what the sales team knows usually results in some wonderful new items to take home, making me one happy shopper."
The Takeaway: Make a day of it by heading to a destination store that offers a satisfying experience, like Saks Fifth Avenue's flagship in NYC. A combination of both contemporary and designer clothes, and knowledgeable sales associates (who serve as stylists) make it easy to browse the store and find hidden gems. Bookend your shopping trip with a stop at the club (the Saks Fifth Avenue Club offers complimentary beauty makeovers and facials) for a day that's as much about pampering as purchasing.
Calvin Klein dress, $1,600, saksfifthavenue.com; Off-White shirt, $910, saksfifthavenue.com; Loewe top, $790, saksfifthavenue.com; Sacai pants, $930, saksfifthavenue.com
The Try-Before-You-Buy Shopper
Justine Carreon, Market Editor
“I'm a digital editor, so shopping online should be my go-to, and in a way, it is. I prefer to find the items I want online, but I need to see them (and try them!) IRL. After calling the store to make sure what I've seen on their site is actually in stock, I'll pop by, make sure the material is what I had in mind, and try it on to confirm the fit is on point. It's a whole ordeal, but it ensures I get what I want in the swiftest manner. I'll also peruse the store, because things like sunglasses need to be tried on dozens at a time."
The Takeaway:
If your online purchases tend to fit weirdly when they arrive at your door, hit the site of a department store that has a location near you. Saks Fifth Avenue allows you to buy or check-out online, and then opt for in-store pickup. You can hit the dressing room to try things on (like this Monse sweater, which looks upside down but is actually off-the-shoulder) before you bring your haul home.
Calvin Klein sunglasses, $450, saksfifthavenue.com; Monse sweater, $850, saksfifthavenue.com; Prada pants, $1,700, saksfifthavenue.com; Manolo Blahnik shoes, $645, saksfifthavenue.com
The Online Afficianado
Leah Melby Clinton, Director of Branded Editorial Strategy
"My shopping approach is split fairly evenly between online and in-person. I am big into shopping sales on the web and I filter, filter, filter: I plug in nearly every option available to me, including my shoe and clothing sizes, brands I am interested in, and categories. Without, there can be 50 pages of results and I’m terrified of losing stamina and missing a super steal on page 49. Items where fit really can be a make-or-break factor are the ones I’m more likely to devote an in-person trip for. It’s important to find out if a shoe is comfortable or pinches, for example. Outerwear and, oddly, pants are also things I like to go into a store and shop in-person. Size can differ so much and there’s no way of telling if a pair of trousers will fit right or flatter my body shape.”
The Takeaway:
Department stores' sites offer an unbeatable selection, with Saks, for instance, carrying more than 100 designers. In addition to using the filters to hone in on the items you want most, curated online sections can tip you off to what's relevant. Saks' 'The It List' for example highlights the season's tops designers and 'Shops' focuses on occasions you're always looking for help with (like weddings, vacations, and The Advance, which highlights cutting edge designers to discover). They make shopping the site feel boutiquey and brilliantly edited.
Cinq à Sept Top, $295, saksfifthavenue.com; Gucci bag, $1,980, saksfifthavenue.com; Gianvito Rossi shoes, $695, saksfifthavenue.com; Johanna Ortiz dress, $1,150, saksfifthavenue.com