1. A good rule of thumb when you come across a potential buy is to think of at least three other pieces from your own closet with which you can wear it. Modern women are looking for special individual pieces that are easily mixed with other things in their wardrobe. In this way, you can make up a 'new' suit for any occasion without having to actually buy one! However, do pay attention to wear and tear. When it comes to suits, the pants may last longer than the jacket, but a suit can also be split up or revamped by replacing one of the items.

2. Say 50 Hail Prada's if the thought of buying a fake designer item ever crosses your mind. Do not buy counterfeits, you will never feel good about it and thus, will never look good!

3. Check the return policy. In the event that the colour appears wrong after purchase, likewise for skincare products that cause breakouts or allergic reactions.

4. Try buying from the airport if you're travelling

5. Pick up something from your travels. Whenever

I travel I always try to buy local things like clothing and accessories. I also love to scour flea markets. Give me a flea market and my trip is complete!

6. To avoid beauty hard sells tell the counter assistant what you specifically need for this visit so she doesn't recommend you items you're not interested in. Provide as much information as possible to the makeup artist assisting you such as your colour preferences, the textures and formulas you like, and even the specific look you desire. By doing so, it will help the makeup artist focus on the right products to recommend you.

7. Stylist's clicks: Besides surfing the best fashion and beauty blogs for inspiration.

8. Don't scrimp on all-time favourite basics. They can be very snappy, crisp, sexy, and mixed in so many ways. You can dress them up with a full skirt or down with jeans. You can wear jewels - gold, silver, pearls, and diamonds - or no jewels. Anything you wear with them looks good

9. When buying expensive bags - or any bag for that matter - ask for the story [Behind it]. For example, did the designer of the bag work for a major fashion house? If so, then there is a good chance that her or his present line is made in the same factory [as the major label]

10. If you're shopping to lift your spirits, start your day on the right note. A feel-good makeover may curb your need to impulse-splurge. It's definitely an ego-booster. Your confidence level increases tremendously and some women actually seem to walk straighter and 'brighter' after a makeover session.

11. Are you prepared to do what it takes to look after precious-skin accessories, for example, those made of exotic python, stingray and ostrich leathers? If not, opt for a less high -maintenance option.

12. Always look for wear ability and versatility. Invest in everyday bags like those at Tod's and Hogan, bags that can put your entire life in. Collect as many beautiful pieces as you can afford because they're timeless. And Tod's shoes, they are value-for-money, considering how much weight your feet carry each day.

13. If you're in the market for the very latest in haute horology, head down to stores after the Basel watch fair in June. To spot a bargain, to consider previously released models. With new models being introduced annually, watch models that have been launched earlier might offer greater value. While they might not feature the latest in dial or strap colours, watch styles and designs do not change as often as other fashion items and solid values can be found in less current, yet relevant offerings.

14. Not all bras are created equal and the one you choose depends on the outfit you're wearing. When occasion dressing, Triumph recommends bringing your gown or outfit to the fitting itself to see how your lingerie looks under your evening wear. Knowing and understanding the customer's lifestyle and the way she dresses helps us recommend the right lingerie for her. A bra that fits well would make any woman feel sexy.

15. Save on pants. Think in terms of dinner-table dressing. No one sees your bottom when you're seated at a table, behind a desk, or even when you're having a tete-a-tete at a crowded party. So why empty out your wallet on something that gets so little attention? Spend on your top instead. If that's exquisite, it'll frame your face and keep all eyes on you.

16. If you are 10kg heavier than you normally are, go for women designers, because they cut clothes in a way that makes them forgiving.

17. If the shoe fits, wear - and buy - it! When shopping for shoes, don't go for a pair that's too tight or small because it's not entirely true that they would stretch over time and use. It would mean a period of torture before they get more comfortable and not many women are willing to endure the pain it takes for that to happen. The fit should be just right. So if the shoe just doesn't fit, or if your size is not available, face it - it's not meant to be yours, no matter how much you love it

18. Quality counts. There's nothing more irritating than items that wear out before you grow tired of them.

19. Start with wardrobe essentials. Build on staples such as great underwear (try

La Perla or Calvin Klein), great denim jeans (18th Amendment at Bread & Butter) and that classic LBD (hello, Chanel). Shopping motto has always been to maintain a wardrobe distribution of 70 per cent basics or classics, and 30 per cent trendy items. Its fine to splurge on a well-made item with a timeless design as it's definitely going to serve you well in the years ahead. But as for trendier items, it's alright to compromise a little on the quality and keep them affordable since us all know that trends rarely survive long enough to justify a multi-digit price tag.

20. A bargain has nothing to do with price. A bargain is the item everyone will wear often and for a long time. It's not about price. It's about cost per wear. The only way you can spot a bargain is by knowing how much it is originally worth. But a bargain is not a bargain; no matter how cheap it is, if you never wear it!

21. Looking to maximise your spending dollar when decorating your home? So what's the golden rule when it comes to choosing great quality pieces? Well designed pieces (a large proportion of which will become iconic) always follow the axiom that 'form follows function'.

22. Choose your shoes, bags and clothes based on the nature of your work, the frequency of usage, the functions you'll be attending and the climate in which you'll be wearing it in/

23. Keep your credit card on file at trusted stores so you can avoid the wait at the cash register. That way, you can get your shopping done in a flash - or better yet, make purchases over the phone.

24. You know it's a steal when you're paying for your item at about 60 to 70 per cent off.

25. Jumping the queue for that hot wait list bag - can it be done? "Of course,"

Just be extra friendly with the sales manager and be a big buyer! Build a relationship with an insider at your favourite store. He or she will hold hot items for you and call you when popular pieces arrive. And remember to treat them well in return. Send a beautifully crafted thank-you note to your trusted sales assistant and seal your

VIP-customer status!