Private Label Shopping

Are you tired of going through the malls looking for the right outfit for a special occasion? Are you fed up with salespeople telling you how beautiful something is on you only to take it home and your family hates it on you? Are you tired of shopping boutiques that cater to smaller sizes? Are you ready for some good old-fashioned customer service?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions then private label shopping is for you. PLS has been catching on over the years. I personally didn't experience it until 2004 with the Juliana Collection. Other PLS companies include Doncaster, Carlisle, Worth, Cabi, and the new Jana Kos Style Partners.

When shopping with private labels, you are invited into someone's home or boutique for a shopping experience unlike malls or boutiques. You are either one on one or with a small group of like minded women. In most cases, the wardrobe consultant is trained on what would look best for your particular body type and over time comes to know your personal style. PLS will carry two or four collections per year. Fall is shown in June, July, and August. Winter is shown in September, October, and November. Spring is shown in January, February, and March. Summer is shown in April and May. Your consultant will have on file previous purchases for you to build on what is already in your closet.

I love PLS because it is relaxed, comfortable, and fun. I used to shop with a PLS company just because the consultant was so much fun to be around. I looked forward to my visits with her and knew she was always being honest with me on what did or did not look good on me. Unlike traditional stores, most consultants are very concerned with how you look in their private label clothing because it is a reflection on them. If you look good - it makes them look good.

Some consultants will pay for your alterations, deliver to your door, have giveaways, and will always work your appointments around your schedule. The only catch is that you have to order your clothing and wait for it to arrive which isn't a problem - who wants to wear their fall purchases in July? This isn't for the impulse shopper - it's for smart shoppers who want to make smart purchases. As I always say - it's about having less clothing in your closet, but more outfits to wear. With PLS, you can accomplish just that.

Happy Shopping,

Chris

House Guest Etiquette

Many years ago, several of my family members decided to take a road trip to visit relatives in Odessa, Texas. These Texans always roll out the red carpet for us and this trip was no exception. With the struggles many have had with the economy, I have heard of several families visiting relatives and making it their summer vacation just as we did several years ago.  For those of you who will be house guests this summer, here are a few things to think about when staying at someone else's home. 

1. Keep in mind that this is not a hotel.  Bring your own toiletries. 
2. Not everyone loves your pet like you do.  Don't even ask if you can bring Spot.  Find a nice kennel for him. 
3. Don't show up unannounced. If you are going to be earlier or later than your scheduled arrival time,  phone ahead.  Your hosts could be out shopping or cleaning.  
4. This is not the time to take a long hot shower.  Be considerate and keep showers short, turn off lights when you leave the room, turn off television and other electronics.
5. Depending on how long you are staying, bring a gift.  The longer the stay, the more personal the present.  You could always send something after you return home.
6. Treat your hosts to dinner.  Either take them out or offer to purchase the groceries and cook the meal in the home.  When my family went to visit our relatives in Texas, I cooked a “Derby” meal for my cousins.  Another night they treated us to their version of Tortilla Soup.  To this day, I am asked for the soup recipe every time I serve it at a dinner party.
7. Pick up after yourself.  It would be nice for you to help sweep floors, wash dishes, make your bed every morning, etc.
8. Be “financially sensitive.”  Don’t expect the host to pay for all dinners, movies, or any expenses on an outing. 
9. Pack everything you will need, don’t borrow things. 
10. Keep the hosts informed of your daily plans.  If you won’t be back for dinner, tell them in advance.
11. When getting ready to head back home, ask the hosts if you should strip the bed or leave it unmade.  If you strip the bed, fold the sheets and blankets and place them at the foot of the bed.
12. Don’t forget to invite your hosts to stay at your home in the future.  

My family has not only stayed with the Texans, but with my aunt and uncle in California, a friend in Walnut Creek, friends in Maryland, Mississippi, and New York.  Vacationing with family and friends is a wonderful way to reconnect, see the sights with the locals, save on hotel expenses, and share your vacation with others.  

Safe Travels, 

Chris