Gift Returns

I hope that everyone had safe and Happy Holidays! It was a lovely time for me but myself like many of you most likely received a gift that was...not what you expected. This occurs quite often around the Holidays; perhaps your mother thinks you are perpetually 5 years old, or a great aunt has it in her head that you need a cake platter every year, or perhaps your husband thinks that you are 2 sizes smaller then you actually are. Regardless of the reason or the gift somethings needs to be returned. I want to give you some time saving tips to make those Holiday Returns a little easier.

Tip #1: Make a detailed list of everything that needs to be returned and what store it is from. Some things are not going to be returnable but that's OK, they can be white elephant gifts for next year.

Tip #2: Find as many gift receipts as you can. If you are embarrassed you can always tell the gift giver that "its the wrong size" and explain that you are simply going to exchange it. (Yes, it is a little white lie, but it is worth getting rid of the "hoodie vest" you got.)

Tip #3: Don't just settle on the first thing that is "OK" in the store. Wait if you need to and get a gift card. After Christmas the stores are all cleared out of things and if you can't find something you love wait a week or two for the store to restock.

Tip #4: Find the return lines right a way. Most major retailers expect returns and have a special line just for returns. Find the line and be patient with the associates. Returns can be tricky for some retailers so be patient.

Tip #5: Be considerate when giving gifts yourself, always give the receiver a gift receipt to make their life easy and don't be offended if it is not their "cup of tea".

Merry Christmas Last Minute Shoppers

Merry Christmas to EVERYONE in Blogger World!!!! I am Sarah Hosman your favorite personal shopper!!!

So how many of you have waited too long now and need to do all your shopping today? If so here are some last minute sales and ideas to check out for all your loved ones.

For Women:

Ann Taylor Loft has a 70% off "After Christmas Sale" that starts today.

Macy's is having a huge sale on purses and handbags 25-60% off.

Pearls are an elegant and classy choice. Shane Co has over 40 choices of pearls under $100.

See's Candy is a perfect stocking stuffer.

For Men:
My uncle Rich called me the other night and informed me that Lowes was having a sale on tools.

Mens Express is having a great sale on all mens cloths. This is Mr. Hosman's favorite store for pants and shirts.

As women this one is lost on us, but every guy wants a gun....(shoulder shrug)....but if you are in Mesa, AZ check out Caswells Shooting Range for some ideas.

Socks, underwear, and other hygiene items are what Santa brings Mr. Hosman each year along with his favorite candy.

I hope that you find this helpful. Have a Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Perfect Party Dress

Hello Everyone!!! As we are now upon the Holiday Party Season the Perfect Party Dress is a real query. A few tips to help you as you go shopping: First, take your personal shopper, Sarah Hosman, with you :) (If you would like my assistance please feel free to check out my website or email me.) Second, carefully ponder the event it self, is it a work party for you or your spouse? Or is it a friend/family party? Or is it a charity event...each would have a different approach. And Finally, how much are you willing and able to spend?
OK now that we have that out of the way, let me make a few versatile suggestions:

This little number is from Ann Taylor Loft $79

Banana Republic $175


You may also want to try some Color this year. Black is classic but color makes a statement.
Anthropologie $248
This was the Dress I decided on as my pretty party dress! It is at Anthropologie for $228

Here are some more Casual options that would look great with some textured tights and snazzy boots.

This dress is at Ann Taylor for $119.

This cute dress is at Express for $62.

These are just few options, if you would like a Personal Holiday Styling Session with me then please contact me at perfectpintuck@gmail.com.

Offical Shopping Season is Upon Us!

Amide all the economic turmoil around us I have a feeling that for many of us it will be business as usual when it comes to shopping for Christmas gifts. Men I know you will have no clue what to get the ladies in your life. And Ladies I know there is always some one on your list that you have no idea what to get them. So I am going to provide a list of economically friendly ideas for the women in our lives.

Apron with Recipe cards: This is a perfect idea for those enjoy cooking or who have only been married a couple of years. (This apron shown also has matching pot holders and towels) Aprons at Anthrpologie are under $40. Blissful Living Studio has a class to make cute aprons as well. If you are in the Phoenix area check it out!

Sleepy Time: Cute pajamas are always fun to get at Christmas time. Ann Taylor Loft has several cute pajamas under $40. Another idea is to wrap up a premium lotion with the pajamas.

New Look with Mary Kay: Contact a Mary Kay Consultant (if you are in the Phoenix area you can contact me, Sarah Hosman, directly at www.marykay.com/shosman1) and set up a color consultation for your loved one. You buy a gift certificate for the amount of Mary Kay you want to get her and it comes with a free pampering session which includes a facial, color makeover, and satin pampering. This is a wonderful way to treat her to something extra special.

Monogram related products have made a come back. Combining some cute monogram items from Anthropologie is another great idea. If you are crafty you can embroider monogram handkerchiefs. Michael's also sells large wooden letters that you can decorate and paint to fit that persons personality.

These are just a few tips and thoughts. If you would like me to handle all your difficult shopping I would be happy to. Simply, check out my website http://www.perfectpintuck.com/ and give me a call!

Clean Out that Closet

Closets are often where people hide things: skeletons, forbidden loves, terrible birthday gifts we can't return. You name it, its in your closet...I want to tackle the issue of cleaning out your closet. As I enter a clients closet I often find some common issues that are holding a wardrobe back.

I am Sarah Hosman and I am a personal shopper in Arizona. Please feel free to contact me for your own style session. You can check out my website for service details, http://www.perfectpintuck.blogspot.com/

To begin the cleansing process I suggest taking one of your days off and pulling EVERYTHING you own out for a fashion show. This fashion show is going to help you determine a number of things.

Before you do this though we must get serious about a few things: First, your cloths do not define you! I know most of you are thinking this is an odd thing for a personal shopper to say but I am telling you the truth! You make you! It is your radiant personality that people love and I can help you express that through the medium of clothing but it is not who you are. Second, cloths work for you and not the other way around. If something does not fit or work for your body it is not because there is something wrong with you but rather the cloths. You are perfect just the way you are. Third, be honest with yourself, not everything in your closet is good quality, if its not working its time to give it up. I need you to remember these rules as you conduct your fashion show with yourself.

Piles: Give Away, Menders, Seasonal, Garden/Cleaning Cloths, and Toss/Burn

Give Away: These are items that just don't fit you anymore but are still in decent condition. During your fashion show if cloths are tugging and pulling or you can't get them on it is time for them to go. I don't care if you used to be a size 4, if you are not a size 4 now it has to go! Dress the size you are not the size you want to become.

Menders: These are items that are missing a button or the hem has fallen out. they are not bad they just need some TLC. The only thing with the menders pile is that you need to promise it will be mended in the next week. If it not going to get mended then it needs to go in the give away pile. Also don't forget about your shoes, they can be mended if a heal is worn down or the sole is wearing. they can be mended.

Seasonal: We all have seasonal cloths and certain things will get put away until next season. The thing with seasonal items we can sometimes get sick of them or worn out if that is the case then please put them in the give away pile as well.

Garden/Cleaning Cloths: these are cloths that you have spilt bleach on or worn a small hole in but they are suitable for wearing around the house for chores. But be warned that you are only allowed 2 cleaning outfits and maybe 1 Camping outfit. Unless you go camping a great deal you need not keep these items around.

Toss/Burn: We all have items that are not suitable for any human to wear. Pit stains in white blouses, warn out crotches in pants, frayed ends of jeans, faded items and so on. These items need to be tossed and burned. They are not appropriate any longer for human viewing. You are better then worn out items.

This is your lesson on cleaning out your closet, once your closet is clean you are ready to make a shopping list of essential items that you need. If you want an objective opinion on your closet again just email me! I will be happy to assist you. perfectpintuck@gmail.com

Body Type Percription done FOR FREE

Reachel Bagley is a fabulous personal shopper in the Mesa area and she teaches classes at the Blissful Living Studio in Mesa. She has authorized me to give away three FREE passes to her classes. She has one today, November 8th at 3:30pm and three FREE passes for Tuesday, November, 11th. I am happy to give these six passes to the first six people who call me today. You can get my phone number from http://www.perfectpintuck.com/

Thanks! I hope to see you there.

The whole package!

This one goes out to all my voluptuous ladies out there! I know the struggles that many of you face because they are similar to all women's if it just finding and dressing your body correctly and finding the best stores for you. First, let me refer all readers back to the basic body types. All body types hold true regardless of size so it is important to remember that because you need to first address your problem areas so make sure you know your body type.
For a body type analysis please refer to my website http://www.perfectpintuck.com/ and contact me. I am Sarah Hosman, personal shopper and stylist in the Phoenix area.
Back to the topic at hand. I am not going to classify anyone as a "plus size" but rather simply give you some suggestions and tips on great stores that I have found for a full figured woman.

Rule #1: Keep proportion in mind make sure you are keeping your accessories and prints in proportion with your height and size. Petite women should avoid a large hand back as it will dwarf them in size and make them appear larger. Those with greater stature and presence should avoid small dainty brackets and belts as they will look proportionally smaller.

Rule #2: Buy cloths that have shape to them and accentuate your positive attributes. No Moomoo's or shapeless tees!
Do:


(this fashionable top came from http://www.alight.com/ for sizes 14-30)
Don't:
Rule #3: Don't close out any clothing type even if it is difficult. Don't count out pants, skirts or dresses just because they are difficult to fit. Look for pants, skirts and dresses that are figure flattering and don't cover your whole body to make you look like a big pillar with no curves.

Do:




(These fabulous dresses are from www.avenue.com sizes 14-30)
Don't:

Rule #4: Don't forget you are a sexy amazing woman so look for lingerie that makes you feel that way. Also look for underpinnings that will "lock and load" everything.

These are my 4 key rules for plus sizes to follow. I certainly understand that plus sizes have a difficult time finding great looks but everyone of every size deserves to look and feel amazing. Please contact me if you need personalized service. perfectpintuck@gmail.com

For the Mama's!

Maternity fashion is a huge concern. I know many of you out there are mommy’s and even expecting so I wanted to help you find the best fashions possible! Mothers need to be aware of the amazing resources available to them. First here are some fashion do’s and don’ts :



Do:

• Choose clothing that you can mix and match so you don’t get tired of wearing the same thing.



• Plan on buying cloths for the different stages of pregnancy. You will find that you change shape and size and you will gain more weight.




• Buy a great looking pair of low-heeled, fashionable shoes in a neutral tone. Your center of gravity shifts during pregnancy, so you want to be safe and comfortable while looking your best.
• Splurge on one or two key party outfits. This is your chance to treat yourself to something special that fits your own personality, taste, and style.

• Find supportive and comfortable underpinnings. Make sure you are also fitted for a new bra and nursing bra.

Don’t:

• Don't always buy according to size. Focus on fit. There are many variables, ranging from designers’ cuts to how women carry, that will determine what works best for you. The only way to know is to try on a variety of items.
• Don't buy plus sizes if you’re not. These clothes are cut larger all over. Fitted maternity clothes, like a little black dress, can make you look more sophisticated, attractive, and sexy.
• Don't wear your husband’s clothes all the time. He may look sexy in them, but you may not get the same results.
• Don't wear bold patterns and colors if you are heavyset or long tops if you are petite. They are not as flattering as other choices.
• Don't try to squeeze into your clothes for too long; they just make you look heavier and uncomfortable.
• Don't hide your belly; pregnancy is a time to celebrate your growing abdomen and to show off your new figure.

Mimi Maternity has a wonderful line of “Secret Fit Belly” skirts, pants and shorts that hug the belly during all stages of pregnancy and even after, the band is a light breathable fabric that does not give the tell tale sights of maternity pants. These pants are a GREAT investment in any maternity wardrobe.

Great Face Race

Great Face Race

October is Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness month
On October 18th I would like to invite you to join me for a “Great Face Race” to help a cause.
You will be pampered and I will donate a dollar in your name to the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation as well as a dollar to the Nie Recovery Fund.

I have a personal goal to facial 100 women that day! That will be $100 to Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation and $100 to Nie Recovery just for getting pampered!!! (Additional funds will be donated based on purchases made that day.)
I will need your help! In addition to showing up just to get an MK pampering I need you to bring a friend or two with you! Please call me by October 11th to book your time.

Please feel free to also email me at perfectpintuck@gmail.com

Are you projecting the real you???

Epictetus said, "Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly." Today's world is filled with mixed messages about who we are and should be as women. I think sometimes that we forget what an incredible creation master piece the woman is. I am of Christan Faith and as such believe that woman was the culmination of Gods work and once completed He said that the work was done. Ladies regardless of faith or back ground there is no denying the miracle that is woman, with her tenderness to nurture and care while being strong and thoughtful the curves of her body and the sweetness with in her eyes, she is a master piece. I say this because as I stated before we are constantly bombarded with mixed messages as to whom and what we should look like. Let us start at the beginning, Know Who You Are! How you choose to adorn yourself is direct reflection of your inner most thoughts and feelings of yourself. Now I am not meaning to take you on an existential journey into yourself and world in which you live but rather diagnose what our fashion says about us.

"But its comfortable." If I had a dollar for every time I have heard this phrase. I am a big believer that comfort is KING. Comfort does not equal sloppy. Unkempt ways such as wrinkles, stains, holes, smelly shoes, unkempt hair, no make up and worse of all sweats outside of the gym are all signs that we have given up. Neatness in our dress and appearance, whether and expensive lavish wardrobe or a modest humble wardrobe, conveys a feeling of sobriety and control in ones life. Sloppiness in dress and appears convey a feeling of inner chaos and turmoil. Know who you are!

"If I get rid of this I will not be me!" I usually hear this one as I am recommending that women shed the skin of their former selves to become the butterfly of tomorrow. Ladies, a piece of clothing my have been your signature piece in high school but that is not who you are today. In high school you knew nothing about life and love but, now you have experiences and wisdom that define you as supremely more interesting. Explore that lovely lady and dress her accordingly! the other word of wisdom is to be age appropriate in your dress and trends. When a we dress out of our age bracket we are saying that we are uncomfortable embrasing and accepting the age and experieance we have. I have seen this delema go both ways. Remember it is ok to look your age and still be Perfectly Beautiful.

Costume Trap! Ladies you may be a "wacky and wild woman" but if your cloths constantly look that way you may be victim of looking like a costume. Costume wardrobe says that you are trying to hide from who you really are. It can also convey a lack of sincerity or honesty because you are hiding behind your "costume". Are you wearing your cloths or are your cloths wearing you?

Examining "who you are" is not meant to morph you into anything you are not but rather an opportunity for you to consider who you are and who you want to project to the world.

For a complete closet analysis of your wardrobe and how to take it to the next level check out http://www.perfectpintuck.com/ and how to contact me for a personal styling session.

Signature Style

Edith Sitwell said "Why not be one's self? That is the whole secret of a successful appearance . If one is a Greyhound, why try to look like a Pekinese?" Looking for a signatures style is so important and like Edith said what is wrong with looking like you? Important Sarah rule #1 is YOU ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE, IF CLOTHS DON'T LOOK GOOD THEN THEY HAVE THE PROBLEM NOT YOU. This is critical because as women we give ourselves so much negative talk and it is ALL wrong. You are perfect! Now lets work from that so that square to help you find a personal style.

I am Sarah Hosman, Personal Shopper and Stylist based out of Phoenix, Arizona. My goal is to help you find a unique and classic look that makes you feel as perfect as you are. You can check out my website http://www.perfectpintuck.com/ to book a personal styling session with me. Now on our signature styles.

Classic Practical, Romantic, Sexy Sirens, Masculine/Feminine, Rocker, and Risk Takers. I am going to give you signature pieces and celebrities who fall into each category.


Classic Practical: Classic silhouettes and pieces like straight trousers, perfectly tailored shirts, elegant pencil skirts, and cardigans. Favorite Store might be Ann Taylor

Romantic: This look is extremely inspired by romantic literate and period films. It includes lace and ruffles in all their glory. Favorite Store might be Anthropolgie

Sexy Sirens: These lovely ladies are all about the seduction of a single look. Plunging necklines and low back dresses. Favorite Store might be Bebe

Masculine/Feminine: These ladies are not drawn to an overly done up look. They are all about function and streamline. Favorite Stores might be Banana Republic

Rocker: This girl is wild and full of life. She is not afraid to try an alternative look and trend. This is a trendy look and needs be age appropriate. Favorite stores might include pieces from many stores or might enjoy designers like Jeffrey Sebelia winner of Project Runway Season 3.

Risk Takers: These Ladies like to choose one or two trendy items that make them feel unique and special. A large hat, an elaborate scarf, signature jewelry, and wild shoes. Sex and city was the playground for the risk taker. Sarah Jessica Parker was a fashionista risk taker. Favorite stores might include the Bitten line by Sarah Jessica Parker.