TumblrLet's face it—shopping is an art and it takes great skill to be a successful shopper.
Some people have no clue what they're doing and you can always spot them. You know, that guy/gal who is looking around helplessly while standing next to the mall directory trying to search in vain for the west entrance to Macy's.
Then you have the pros, who know exactly what to do. Especially when it comes to Black Friday, which is right around the corner. If you're an avid and dedicated shopper, Black Friday is your version of 300 and the mall is your battleground!
Diane von Furstenberg has spent her years traveling around the world and shopping in the most exotic and fashionable places. Every item she owns is specifically chosen with purpose and she always looks fabulous. Perhaps we could all use a lesson from the iconic fashion designer!
These are 8 ways to be a successful shopper...
8. Know your surroundings
Going to a new mall or shopping center? Some of those places are huge and it can take forever to get from one end to the other.
In order to save yourself time and stress (as well as a lot of unnecessary walking), map out the stores you plan to hit along the way. You'll feel so much better when you walk through those big glass doors and know exactly where you're going!
7. Wear comfortable shoes
Sure, Isla Fisher looked fantastic wearing her heels in Confessions of a Shopaholic, but do you actually think she enjoyed it?
When you've been on your feet for six hours and you're carrying multiple shopping bags, you're going to rethink those Manolos and wish you'd gone for the Nikes instead.
6. Bring a friend
Sure, you enjoy their company, but there are plenty of other reasons why you should bring a friend shopping!
For one, they can hold your spot in line for you when you change your mind (as usual) and decide to run back to Aisle 3 to grab that blouse you talked yourself out of just a few minutes ago.
In addition, they're there to serve as your voice of reason and second opinion. Because they're your bestie, you can count on the fact that they're not going to lie and tell you that dress looks good when it in fact doesn't.
5. Arrive early for parking
Especially when it comes to Black Friday, you're going to want to get to your destination early. Why? Because the parking situation can either make or break your entire shopping day.
It's no fun at the end of the day when you have to trek several miles to the furthest end of the parking lot while toting around multiple baggies, not to mention that you hate the fact that you got stuck next to the person who never learned to park within the lines.
4. Befriend the sales people
No matter how weird or annoying that one lady behind the counter may be, you want to become her best friend (in a shopping sense).
If you get on the sales person's good side, they'll be able to help you out in more ways than you could imagine—from giving you extra goodies and freebies to checking in the back to see if they have that last item in stock.
3. Master shopping warfare
Don't be afraid to get aggressive when it comes to fighting for your fair share of elbow room at the store. Malls and other outlets tend to get extra crazy and competitive during Black Friday, so you should be willing to do what it takes to ensure that you get that last dress in your size.
And don't let indecisive lady in front of you waste everyone's time while she changes her mind at the counter.
2. Prepare with snacks
Yes, we know the golden rule: Don't eat while shopping, especially when you're trying on clothes.
But at the same time, it is necessary to snack on something here and there in order to keep your energy up so you can keep on shopping. Shopping is cardio, after all.
And no one wants to be around a grumpy shopper, because at that point it just stops being fun.
1. Know when to splurge...and when not to
There's nothing wrong with treating yourself to something fabulous, but you just want to make sure that you're sticking to your budget and not going too crazy.
It can be easy to get caught up in the moment and just grab every pretty colorful item off the shelves, but you're not gonna love yourself at the end of the month when you get that credit card bill...
Watch DVF's new show House of DVF to see the iconic designer transform potential Global Brand Ambassadors into princesses of fashion!
Tune-in to an all-new episode of House of DVF this Sunday at 10/9c on E!