—Click it first. I'm not a big fan of buying clothes online, but I do like to use the Internet to check out what's available before I get to the actual store to do my own browsing and fitting. Also, stashing stuff in the "wish list" basket can be very exhilarating. I have also been known to order something in several sizes to see which one fits the best, if the store is not available in the area where I live. Online retailers who have generous return policies always get my business, and I also love "chatting" with an online fashion "therapist." Zappos has some of the best!

—Get personal. Perhaps my favorite way to uncover fabulous fashion finds is by visiting my favorite boutique. The owner has become one of my best friends and knows exactly what I like. She will always "hold" things a few days for me, and she has a great alteration service. The personal touch is the hallmark of these small stores. (They've even delivered an "emergency" cocktail dress to my house!) If you find a boutique you like, chances are you won't want to go anywhere else.

—Departmentalize. Large department stores can also be gold mines of fashion treasures, and many also offer helpful personal shopping services. But I love to do a lot of browsing on my own, since the selection of styles and designers usually give you a lot of ideas before you even try anything on. I love to buy special scarves for presents, and department stores are a treasure trove of accessories. Let's face it, there are always those "basics" that you have to pick up, and these stores are great places to stock up on new jeans and sweaters.

—Watch the windows. The holiday season is great for window shopping, whether it's on your favorite city street or in the local mall. I always get the holiday spirit fast when I take a stroll downtown and breathe in all the new ideas of those creative designers behind the glass curtains. I channel Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and get an instant lift. It also takes me back to my childhood days when the big department stores were filled with elaborate scenes of mechanical Santa's and elves in their snow-covered windows.

— Go for unique. There are lots of "untraditional" stores to add to your holiday retail research list. Think vintage and resale shops. I always check out these stores to find unusual gifts. Retro-inspired accessories are always great buys. One year, I gave all my friends interesting jeweled brooches I found at an out-of-the-way antique store. I've also found vintage purses, hats and fur wraps at incredible prices. A step back in time can be very therapeutic!