Remember the famous scene in Pretty Woman where the street walking protagonist is foiled by two snooty Beverly Hills sales associates. Julia Roberts’s famous movie character Vivian, left the store in tears: feeling worthless, and defeated.

Like all fairytale endings, this shopping heroine was able to transform her look from hooker chic to sophisticated lady and make those rude and snooty sales associates reminisce about their hasty first encounter with Richard Gere’s onscreen flame…and their missed opportunity at a juicy commission check.

If we could all be so lucky.

Most first-time designer boutique and department store virgins don’t know the secret code words, body language clues and proper attire needed to get beyond the velvet rope of high-class shopping. According to New York Magazine’s blog The Cut, high-end salespeople are now kissing up to middle-income shoppers; so a sales associate primer for first-time shoppers in fear of mean sales associates is needed.

As a former employee of Neiman Marcus–who has her favorite sales associates on speed dial–I can teach you several ways to shop like a Birkin-toting, Cartier tank-watch wearing, Ferragamo-loafer shod retail socialite. Read the rest of this entry »

Tips on Buying Last-Minute Secret Santa Christmas Gifts

If you are trying to deck the halls and shop for a last-minute Secret Santa gift, here are a few holiday hunting tips for shopping procrastinators and stressed-out gift givers.

Learn how to find Secret Santa gift ideas at the drugstore or in your home without re-gifting last year’s picture frame or breaking the bank. Read the rest of this entry »