How to Shop Like a Pro: The Hive Edition
In my seven years of wardrobe styling I have noticed a common theme amongst women and shopping. There is an intimidation factor that sets in the second we walk into a boutique and find ourselves alone with the woman behind the cash wrap. As someone who does this day in and day out, I started tracking my own habits as I checked out boutiques in towns less familiar in hopes of shedding light on how to walk into a store with purpose, self-assurance and excitement!
There’s no better place to share how to shop like a pro than in our beloved town of Alexandria, so I thought I’d kick off a little series in which I give you very specific ways to shop at each of our local boutiques. Let’s begin with The Hive and throughout the year I will continue to bounce around all of the wonderful fashion establishments in Old Town.
Tip #1: *Stylist Tip* Get to know yourself!
Before you walk into any boutique or store, know your body type and style. For example "v-necks work great for me" or "straight leg jeans are my favorite". You can also say things like "I like a polished look with a little edge" or "I gravitate towards feminine styles".
The more you know about your preferences the better. Plus this will give you all of the confidence you need when you’re in the fitting room.
Tip #2: Do your research
Instead of walking into a boutique on a whim, check the website to get a feel for the brands they carry and styles that you’re into. Develop a quick mental plan before you walk in so you feel prepared.
Don’t forget to follow them on instagram because they offer weekly “Lives” where they walk through their inventory on a very high level!
Tip #3 - Become friends with the staff
This is a BIG one. Get on a first name basis with the in-store stylists at The Hive. You can almost always find either Annette, Shannon or Madeline in the store. Once they get to know you, you’ll start getting emails and texts from them listing off new arrivals or amazing pieces they think you’ll look great in.
They know the inventory inside and out, so my favorite way to utilize their brain power is to have them break down their denim inventory for me. For example I’ll walk in and ask, “Do you guys have any cropped, white, high-rise, wide-leg jeans in a size 29?” and one of them will quickly shuffle over to the many piles of white denim and return with a few options. Then they will walk through the various denim stretches, sizing and wearability. Talk about a time-saver.
You can also walk in and share events, vacations or everyday needs you have coming up and they will diligently put specific items in a fitting room for you to try on.
Tip #4: The Lookbook
Every season you will find a Lookbook on the cash wrap. It’s filled with incoming pieces for the upcoming season. You can flip through and write your name below any of the items and they will notify you the second it arrives in store. You’ll be ahead of all the trends in no time!
Tip #5: Convenient Purchasing
If you really want an item and can’t get into the store they offer free local shipping on orders over $250 and free local pickup. If you’re in a pinch, they are always happy to run stuff out to your car – just call and let them know. If you’re in Arlington or D.C. and can’t get into the store, but need something ASAP they offer overnight shipping. They even have an Instagram shop, and do a great job of tagging items on all of their posts, so you can purchase what you see directly on Instagram!
Tip #6: *Stylist Tip* Intentional Shopping
This is one of the most important tips I can offer you, especially if you don’t have time to do any of the tips listed above. Keep track of your wardrobe inventory so you know what you have and what you need. That way whenever you walk into any boutique or store you will feel like a prepared and confident shopper!
SEE ALSO: Taking the High-Low Road When Dressing
