LIFE AND STYLE TODAY WITH NINA SHAY

Shopping Strategies to Live By

How To Build a Winter Wardrobe

Have you ever wondered how some women manage to look perfectly turned out no matter how much or how little they spend on their clothes? Yes, good taste is a part of it, but so is knowing how to go about buying.

Fashion insiders know there's a time to pounce and time to wait. When looking for fall clothes, you should make a point to shop in August and September for staple pieces to help build your wardrobe and be prepared to pay full price, it's worth the investment for key pieces and to ensure you get your size.

For everything else conisder delaying your purchase. Retailers start marking down fall merchandise around late November. If there's a trendy item you like that you're seeing in all the stores, chances are you can still get a great selection after Thanksgiving into Mid-December-sometimes for as much as 50% off.

Outlet stores and consignment shops also start markdowns in November. By January, many stores will offer savings of up to 60%. Lastly, known when to splurge. Experts agree for staples pieces such as jeans, shoes and handbags, you should buy the best quality you can afford.

Just knowing what to buy can make the difference between a fashionista's dream closet and a what-not-to-wear boudoir.

Happy Shopping

Looooooved the massage and facial at the Four Seasons. I don't have the correct name of the product line but not to worry-they weren't the best part of the treatment. Katherine, the mild mannered french esthetician is who I want to keep in touch with. Her hands were that of an angel; perfect, light and uplifting. Of course I asked if she would be interested in sharing some skin care advice and in her lovely accent she responded "surely".

So stay tuned!

You know there is something to be said for a person who has their head on straight. Unfortunately, if it were said, I probably wouldn't hear it because mine sometimes doesn't seem to be attached to my body. Funny story: Yesterday I called to make an appointment at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown (D.C.) for a facial, massage, mani and ped. Feeling deserving of a little pampering, I thought I'd treat myself to a day at the spa. The Ritz Carlton also came to mind. This This morning once I realized my babysitter (the best mother-in-law in the world) might not be available this afternoon, I called to cancel. Without hesitation I called the Ritz and when I was told they did not have an appointment for me, I began to wonder what was wrong with them. The young lady on the other end of the phone offered to check the other Ritz Hotels nearby. When I realized my mistake, I felt too embarassed to say anything. When my cell phone dropped the call, I felt relieved that I wouldn't have to admit to it but a few minutes later, to my surprise, my phone rang. It was the Spa at the Ritz. The same young lady informed me that she called the Four Seasons and they had me down for 12:30 today and I should expect a call from them shortly to change my appointment.

How about that? You know there's something to say about good customer service too, even if it's not your customer (WE LOVE IT). Well I'm off and running to be refreshed. However, I'm a little disappointed that I had to cancel my manicure and pedicure because the Four Seasons doesn't have spa chairs. I don't know about you but ever since the spa chairs became popular I can't imagine a pedicure without them?

I'll give you my Four Seasons spa rating when I return. Enjoy your day!