I have been asked so many times, how do you manage to find certain sizes or items that are sold out? Or how do I always get the items I want? And I get this question almost on a daily basis, how are you so successful? I don’t have any magic tricks nor am I anything special but figured I would share with you what I do to find certain things. A lot of what I do in regards to my business/life, I apply to fashion. Here are the top 3 basic things:
Belt: Ann Taylor perfect patent skinny belt- size XS (similar here)
Dream: Start a dream board or write everything you want down. Do you want a Chanel purse, a new car or perhaps a house? Write it down! Better yet is to start a dream board. If you don’t know what a dream board is, it’s just a visual board of items or things you want. It’s worked for the car I wanted, the neighborhood I live in, the vacations I have taken, the Chanel purses and the list goes on and on. It’s amazing what happens when you can visualize it or when you write things down!! Try it! I even go as far as if I want a fashion item super bad, I make it my screen saver on all my computers and change it once I get the item. I know as dorky as it is, but it works like a charm for me! Here is a sample of one of mine. I have several. All you do is cut out things from old magazines and put them up so you can visualize them everyday. Great project for kids and families to do together.
Believe: You have to BELIEVE. You have to believe in yourself. You have to believe that you can do whatever you want. If you don’t believe in what you want or if you don’t believe in yourself, then you are never going achieve our goals. My whole life, I have always believed in myself and the things I want to achieve. If there is a fashion item I am looking for, I have to believe that I will hunt it down. I have always believed I would be successful in life no matter what I chose to do. And I always believe that I can track down an item even long after it’s been sold out. I will somehow find a way.
Achieve: You have to have determination and never giving up on your goals/dreams. If you want something, you should just go for it. A great example of this is my oldie post on the famous Theory Gratian Tweed skirt suit. It was months and months after this suit was completely sold out everywhere but I still managed to track down a size 0 in both the jacket and skirt. I didn’t get the 00 but it was miracle I even found either pieces. I was determined to get that suit regardless!
I think the most valuable lesson is to stay positive. The world is full of negative people, negative acts and I always make it a point to be a positive person. I make sure to be grateful for the air I breathe, my health, my family, my husband, friends, and the success that I have worked very hard for. If something gets me down, I give myself 15 seconds to be mad and then I get over it. My positivity and enthusiasm has gotten me to where I am today.
I don’t want to sound too preachy since this is a fashion blog, so on a lighter note, here are some ways I hunt down items for some of my favorite stores:
Ann Taylor/LOFT: If an item is sold out online or sold out in your size, you can call Ann Taylor online or call one of their local stores and have them do a style finder for you. This applies to the factory stores as well. If you have an AT/LOFT card, shipping should be free. Although there have been some discrepancies when an item is on sale so make sure to ask. Here is a sample tag and I have circled the actual item # and where to locate it on the tag. If the item is no longer in their system means that it has gone on FINAL clearance and a style finder is no longer an option. If this is the case, and you still are determined to find the item, you can call each store individually and ask for them to look on the clearance racks for you. Daunting- yes? Time Consuming- yes? Worth it- definitely. I’ve done this countless times and have been successful.
Banana Republic Factory: If you have the style # or tag, you can call any of the BR factory stores in the United States and ask for the SA to physically check the racks for your item in your size. This can be a daunting task and sometimes I wonder if the SA really indeed checks. But if you call during the weekday, the stores will be less busy and the SA will be more inclined to help you. Here is sample tag with the style # circled. The last 4 digits refers to whether or not its a PETITE size. BR factory does have the capability of checking for items that are not from their store inventory but you cannot place an order like AT/LOFT. You have to call each store individually to place the order. They charge $5 for shipping w/in the United States. I have circled what numbers to tell the SA and the last 4 digits (1000) means it’s a petite size.
Theory Outlet: Depending on the store and the SA you get, you may or may not have to give them the style #. Most Theory stores go by the name and fabric. Here is a sample tag as a reference:
The best times to call retail/factory stores is one hour after they open and one hour before the close. I have found that any other time, the stores are extremely busy and the SA will be less inclined to REALLY go check for your item or help you. Try to call on the weekdays verses the weekends. And do not attempt to call on any Holidays that they are open for business.
For any online purchases, the trick is to constantly check back for your item because most stores/sites update their inventory late in the evening/morning. One great trick is to save the page of the item you want and refresh as many times as you can. It’s worked for me on numerous occasions and you can even do it on your iPhone. I was able to score my Theory tweed suit while brushing my teeth and checking my iPhone at the same time (yes I am quite determined).
Ebay and AlterationsNeeded’s forum are also great options for finding petite/non petite items. I have scored a BB Dakota blazer to match my skirt from a fellow petite from AN’s marketplace.
Obviously if all else fails, you may have to just go to every location of that specific store but that can be very time consuming and gas is expensive.
Also, you have to be super nice and sweet to the SA you are dealing with otherwise they will not want to help you. Make sure to throw some compliments their way and tell them how much you appreciate their help. Everyone loves compliments and everyone needs to be acknowledged and praised:)
Annie, thanks for sharing your tips on how to be successful!
I agree with all of those 100%. Being positive is the most important I think. It's the one thing can help us through the rough spots on the way to where we're going.
Example: Just yesterday I was determined to find the nude pumps that I had waited sooo long for. I had to got to 4 different stores to find them but I did not give up and there they where at the last store! A pair of gorgeous, nude, round-toe, 5 inch heels in a 5 1/2 (for cheap!). Of course, I made sure I could walk in them before purchasing. XP They make me feel so tall lol or should I say "normal". I'm just about 5'3" in them!
This is very cute! You're so funny! I love how you believe in yourself and all theexcellent advice you have given. I love all those Chanel shopping bags too!!! And I really like that dream board idea!
Sometimes I get discouraged with things that happen in life, but there is this wonderful quote from Mother Teresa that I wrote in the front of my Gratitude journal (Oprah's idea) It goes " I do not pray for success, I ask for faithfulness." It really keeps me grounded and I know that everything will be ok. 🙂
Annie, you are the most determined girl I have ever met! lol. I laughed when I saw the title of this post, because I thought you were going to write about how to flirt with your husband so you get what you want. 🙂 The Chanel box presentation is impressive. You won't believe it but I think I matched every single purse of yours to the right box. lol. Thanks for sharing, Annie.
Love..love..love this post. Cute pictures of you. It is wonderful that you share your tips as how to make your dreams come true. I storngly believe in a power of dream and hope. It is so important to turn a dream into a reality because you don't want to feel regret that you never try. Great post Annie.
The picture of you with the Chanel purse boxes…way over the top…seems too materialistic? That said, you clearly have determination and drive, which are great qualities to possess.
@Anonymous the pictures were meant to be silly and funny – not to show that I'm materialistic. I work very hard for everything that I have and am proud of my achievements. This post was not about material things- it was mainly to help inspire others and also to help ladies find sizes and sold out items:)
@Anonymous hi there! Thank you so much! I own my own business so I spend a lot of time motivating my staff 🙂 I really appreciate your comment because some have mistaken this post to be pretentious or materialistic which was NOT what this post was about- so I'm glad u like it:-)
I have never thought it that way, so thanks for sharing your inputs & tips. It would be a good project this summer. I *love* those Chanel boxes & shopping bags! 🙂
This is an awesome post, Annie! After reading a bunch of blogs from the Alterations Needed community I've felt really discouraged because I don't own Chanel bags or anything really fancy like that. Your post made me realize that I just need to stay positive and work hard to get the things that I want. But first! I need to decide what it is that I want.. Hehe, so thank you!
Annie, I have heard this advice a lot before and I LOVE that you follow it and it works for you! And I'm not really talking about the material things, but about have a dream, vision and belief in yourself. Very inspirational!
This is such a fantastic post – thank you for writing it and I totally agree on being organized and having a list of items – as well as endlessly searching for sale items. I have found so many great items seasons and seasons later after they came out!
great tips, Annie! visualizing your goal is definitely key to making yourself achieve it. i love your dream board and it's definitely a boost of inspiration for achieving my own goals too!
I totally agree with your tips, Annie! Great post! As long as you work hard and believe you can do it, you CAN and WILL do it. I'm about the same when it comes to the dream board. I just make a list and my "visual" place is my Tumblr. : )
What a great article! Sometimes, we as women second guess ourselves or rethink things only to not make the progress we had envisioned. You should always go with your first instinct!
I love goofy pictures! And you're right about staying positive and accomplishing anything you can envision. Hi Annie!! You're looking gorgeous as ever.
Great tips Annie! If you want something, you have to go for it. I'm never too attached to clothes so I don't hunt that hard for clothes…you are a trooper! lol. =)
Oh Annie, you are a fantastic specimen! I love it!! I've been thinking of doing an inspiration board for so long, but didn't want to put it up. I'm going to find a gorgeous frame like yours and make my own board. Thanks for all your amazing tips, you are fabulous.
I know this is a fashion blog (not just a petite fashion blog), but your advice is helpful even outside of fashion. Your words are very true, and I too believe we live in a negative world and need some sort of positive influence. Annie, you are certainly sunshine to the blogosphere and all who view your material. So keep up the great work and great job providing your advice.
And just to say again… you are so silly and cute in your pictures! 🙂
@Susanne awe yay! I don't think it's nerdy at all to visualize ur dreams- I have many dream boards and do one every year because I need to update it when I achieve my goals:-) thanks so much for reading!:)
@Irene (http://couture-petite.com) hi Irene! Oh please don't be discouraged or feel the pressure of buying or owning a Chanel. But if u really want one- write it down or cut out a picture and post it up and u shall get one:)
@Elaine A (TOBeautyReviews) hi Elaine! Thanks so much for understanding that this post was NOT about material things and that its about reaching for what u want:) ur the best!
@Anonymous you totally made my night! Thank u so much! Oh I'm so glad u r doing a dream board- and u have to put it up!!! Thank u so much for ur support- makes me so happy! U r so sweet!! <3
Annie, thanks for sharing your tips on how to be successful!
I agree with all of those 100%. Being positive is the most important I think. It's the one thing can help us through the rough spots on the way to where we're going.
Example: Just yesterday I was determined to find the nude pumps that I had waited sooo long for. I had to got to 4 different stores to find them but I did not give up and there they where at the last store! A pair of gorgeous, nude, round-toe, 5 inch heels in a 5 1/2 (for cheap!). Of course, I made sure I could walk in them before purchasing. XP They make me feel so tall lol or should I say "normal". I'm just about 5'3" in them!
This is great advice!! Keep up the hard work! you are very inspiring!
You are so cute and silly in these pictures! 🙂 Good advice for petites (as you normally provide), though.
johnbmarine.blogspot.com
This is very cute! You're so funny! I love how you believe in yourself and all theexcellent advice you have given. I love all those Chanel shopping bags too!!! And I really like that dream board idea!
Sometimes I get discouraged with things that happen in life, but there is this wonderful quote from Mother Teresa that I wrote in the front of my Gratitude journal (Oprah's idea) It goes " I do not pray for success, I ask for faithfulness." It really keeps me grounded and I know that everything will be ok. 🙂
This is awesome! I love the photos and its great advice. I use pinterest.com for my dream boards. Great ideas, Annie! Thank you.
Oh my goodness Annie – you are sooo cute in these pics! Just adorable 🙂
Great tips – thanks for posting!
great tips! thanks for sharing them with us! 😀
<3, Mimi
http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
Annie, you are the most determined girl I have ever met! lol. I laughed when I saw the title of this post, because I thought you were going to write about how to flirt with your husband so you get what you want. 🙂
The Chanel box presentation is impressive. You won't believe it but I think I matched every single purse of yours to the right box. lol.
Thanks for sharing, Annie.
Love..love..love this post. Cute pictures of you. It is wonderful that you share your tips as how to make your dreams come true. I storngly believe in a power of dream and hope. It is so important to turn a dream into a reality because you don't want to feel regret that you never try. Great post Annie.
The picture of you with the Chanel purse boxes…way over the top…seems too materialistic? That said, you clearly have determination and drive, which are great qualities to possess.
@Anonymous the pictures were meant to be silly and funny – not to show that I'm materialistic. I work very hard for everything that I have and am proud of my achievements. This post was not about material things- it was mainly to help inspire others and also to help ladies find sizes and sold out items:)
What an awesome post, Annie! May i ask what do you do for living? Perhaps a life coach? I love your attitude. Thanks!
@Anonymous hi there! Thank you so much! I own my own business so I spend a lot of time motivating my staff 🙂 I really appreciate your comment because some have mistaken this post to be pretentious or materialistic which was NOT what this post was about- so I'm glad u like it:-)
Love these adorable pictures! I'm much like you when it comes to hunting down items I want!
I have never thought it that way, so thanks for sharing your inputs & tips. It would be a good project this summer.
I *love* those Chanel boxes & shopping bags! 🙂
Hey,
thank you for that special post! I always thought it's a little bit too nerdy to make a dream board, but now I changed my mind. Thanks!
This is an awesome post, Annie! After reading a bunch of blogs from the Alterations Needed community I've felt really discouraged because I don't own Chanel bags or anything really fancy like that. Your post made me realize that I just need to stay positive and work hard to get the things that I want. But first! I need to decide what it is that I want.. Hehe, so thank you!
Annie, I have heard this advice a lot before and I LOVE that you follow it and it works for you! And I'm not really talking about the material things, but about have a dream, vision and belief in yourself. Very inspirational!
This is such a fantastic post – thank you for writing it and I totally agree on being organized and having a list of items – as well as endlessly searching for sale items. I have found so many great items seasons and seasons later after they came out!
great tips, Annie! visualizing your goal is definitely key to making yourself achieve it. i love your dream board and it's definitely a boost of inspiration for achieving my own goals too!
cute & little
hi annie!
Lovely post. 🙂 What a refreshing change of pace. Do you have a fashion business?
Also, do you ever shop at Limited/Express stores? I haven't seen any petites do a full-on review of their items.
I totally agree with your tips, Annie! Great post! As long as you work hard and believe you can do it, you CAN and WILL do it. I'm about the same when it comes to the dream board. I just make a list and my "visual" place is my Tumblr. : )
Oh and a suggestion! If your comments are on approval, then you should turn off word verification since you'll be seeing them first anyway : )
What a great article! Sometimes, we as women second guess ourselves or rethink things only to not make the progress we had envisioned. You should always go with your first instinct!
You're a hardworking girl and you deserve anything you wished for! 🙂
I love goofy pictures! And you're right about staying positive and accomplishing anything you can envision. Hi Annie!! You're looking gorgeous as ever.
this is so cute annie! hehe i like your fun pictures. i'm going to try a dream board too! awesome decor, two birds with one stone
pandaphilia fashion
I love this post Annie, I agree with you but i'm still trying to put it in practice. You're a very sweet person and I'm happy for your success!
Great tips Annie! If you want something, you have to go for it. I'm never too attached to clothes so I don't hunt that hard for clothes…you are a trooper! lol. =)
Oh Annie, you are a fantastic specimen! I love it!! I've been thinking of doing an inspiration board for so long, but didn't want to put it up. I'm going to find a gorgeous frame like yours and make my own board. Thanks for all your amazing tips, you are fabulous.
@Jackie thank you Jackie! And yay for ur shoe find! I just love when that happens:)
@alittlepetite awe thank u so much! 🙂
@John B. Marine thank you! I figured I'd show my silly side for once:)
I know this is a fashion blog (not just a petite fashion blog), but your advice is helpful even outside of fashion. Your words are very true, and I too believe we live in a negative world and need some sort of positive influence. Annie, you are certainly sunshine to the blogosphere and all who view your material. So keep up the great work and great job providing your advice.
And just to say again… you are so silly and cute in your pictures! 🙂
johnbmarine.blogspot.com
@Erica I love that quoits! And I hope u do a dream board:) it's really helped me!
@Saigon oh I'll have to check out that site…u have me curious:)
@SewPetiteGal thank u SPG!! I really appreciate ur comments and support <3
@Mimi thank u Mimi:)
@Vicky LOL! That is too funny u matched up all my boxes:) and u r so right- I am relentless:D
@Nelah thanks Nelah!! I am a total dreamer and ur right- living with regret is not fun so just go after what u want!!!
@Tara yay for another fashion hunter…hehehe:)
@Lydia hehehe I really hope u do a dream board this summer- it's quite fun:) thanks so much for ur comment!
@Susanne awe yay! I don't think it's nerdy at all to visualize ur dreams- I have many dream boards and do one every year because I need to update it when I achieve my goals:-) thanks so much for reading!:)
@Irene (http://couture-petite.com) hi Irene! Oh please don't be discouraged or feel the pressure of buying or owning a Chanel. But if u really want one- write it down or cut out a picture and post it up and u shall get one:)
@Elaine A (TOBeautyReviews) hi Elaine! Thanks so much for understanding that this post was NOT about material things and that its about reaching for what u want:) ur the best!
@Katherine hi there! Thanks so much and I love finding things seasons after- it's so awesome!
@anna hi Anna!! No I don't have a fashion business altho that sure would be fun!! I have tried shopping at Express/Limited but haven't had any luck:(
@The Little Dust Princess thanks so Jessy for the suggestion and I think that's great that u use tumblr as ur way- great idea:-)
@B.Inspired thanks so much! I appreciate u reading:)
@tinymum awe thank u so so much! U r so sweet!!
@Aubrey yay Aubrey! Ur back!!! Thanks so much for ur support- means a lot to me:)
@Angie awe thanks Angie! And yup- 2 birds with one stone- I hang mine up in my home office 🙂
@theresa omg u r so kind- thank u so much! I really appreciate it! 🙂
@Stylepint lol thanks Jess! I am obsessed with clothes so I MUST hunt down my items:)
@Anonymous you totally made my night! Thank u so much! Oh I'm so glad u r doing a dream board- and u have to put it up!!! Thank u so much for ur support- makes me so happy! U r so sweet!! <3
You're phenomenal. Thanks so much for posting this!