After 23 years of living, here's what I got...

1. Get a great white tank: No matter what season, what occasion, even what decade we're in...there will always be the need for a classic white tank top. My absolute favorite brand for tank tops is Theory. They have great spandexy/stretchy ones that come in racer back, thin straps, crew neck, etc. These spandex ones are great because they always appear to be fresh and clean cut, even if you haven't washed them in a while ;) The only downside is that sometimes they roll up which is the number one most annoying thing in the world. TIP-to avoid this, tuck it into not just your pants, but your underwear as well...it might be a little weird but totally worth it! The other Theory that I recommend purchasing is the classic long tank that has about 1 inch straps. It's long so it never rises up and will never show the gross "crack in the back".

Okay, tip time. Because Theory is obscenely overpriced, always purchase them at the Theory Outlet store (there is one at Woodberry Commons in NY) or at the Theory Sample Sales (check out Clothingline.com to see when/where they are). This will cut the price by about 50%. Some of you may think that even after 50% off, the price is still too much but they're worth, BUT the quality of the shirts mixed with the frequency in which you wear them...come on, you'll definitely get your money's worth!

2. Online Sample Sales: If you've been living under a rock for the last year you probably haven't been invited to these "exclusive" sample sale websites. Here's how they work, at the beginning of the week you receive an email telling you which designers will be on sale in the upcoming days, then you frantically sit and wait for them to begin :) My personal favorite is Gilt Groupe, http://www.gilt.com/. Not only do they have the best brands (Marc by Marc Jacobs, Hunter Boots, Rich & Skinny, Chanel, and yes they even had Christian Louboutin!!) but they give you a $25 gift certificate when someone that you "invited" to the site, makes their first purchase!! Other sites are http://www.hautelook.com/ and http://www.ruelala.com/. The only downside to hautelook is A. they take FOREVER to ship and B. their gift cards are only $10 when your friend makes their first purchase....I know, I know, stop being greedy, $10 is nicer than nothing.

Tip time: Pay attention to the emails that alert you of the upcoming sales. Find the brands you want and anticipate what they may have on sale. I recommend going to a store and trying things on so you're aware of your size. I insist on doing this not because of the return policies these sites have (b/c they do allow returns but for store credit only), but more because the SECOND you sign onto the sale page you need to quickly revert back to 4th grade and use the Mavis Beacon computer skills you were taught! Items go very quickly and are often either "sold out" or "on hold". So, if you are ready with what you want and the size you want it in you should be able to snag that bargain! See...those painful computer lab skills do come in handy :)

3. The do's and don'ts of shopping:
Don't shop when you're tired. Don't shop when you're full or hungry. Don't shop when you're grossly pale or haven't shaved your legs since last summer. Don't shop when you're having an "ugly" day or week (come on, they often last longer than a day) and preferably not during your lady week either!

Do shop when you're tan, shaven and manicured-that's how you'll look when you're wearing the clothes so stop forcing yourself to "imagine what you'll look like". Do shop once you've digested and deflated from your last meal. Do bring along your best shopping partner, but only if you like their style...it's too tiresome thinking of excuses every time they suggest you "try this on". And, do consider bringing some heels to try dresses on with...standing on your tippy toes just doesn't lengthen the body like you want.