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After 27 years in business, Lindi's Boutique, in Plaza Palomino, will close its doors by the end of this year. We sat down with store owner Lindi Laws, a longtime fixture on the Tucson fashion scene who also teaches fashion and style classes at Canyon Ranch resort, and asked her to share some of her style know-how as she prepares to retire. She offered the following helpful hints:

1. Try before you buy. You never know what looks good until you try it on. "If only I had a dollar for every time a (satisfied) customer told me, 'I would have never tried this on if you hadn't told me to,'" Laws says.

2. Ignore sizes. Because sizes can vary so widely between garments and designers, you should always try on more than one size and not be discouraged by numbers.

3. Listen to the pros. Sales staff, especially in smaller shops, can often help lead lost shoppers in the right direction.

4. Pay attention to colors. If you like a color but it doesn't complement your complexion or hair color, don't wear it around your face. Try it on a skirt instead.

5. Don't talk yourself into it. If you don't like something at the store, you won't like it when you get it home.

6. Buy items, not outfits. It's easier to focus on buying special pieces one at a time.

7. Get it tailored. Professional tailoring is a cheap and easy fix for common fit problems like gapping waistbands.

8. Be cautious with trends. Just because something's "in" doesn't mean it's right for you. Be honest with yourself about what flatters you. Laws says she sometimes looks to TV newscasters for fashion inspiration because they tend to wear more conservative or toned-down versions of current trends.

1. Great-fitting jeans.

2. A decent wrap or shawl.

3. A good denim jacket. It never goes out of style, Laws says.

4. Basic solid black and white tanks that can be worn alone or under other tops or jackets.

5. Statement clothes. Everyone needs a few unique, eye-catching pieces to make them stand out, Laws says.

1. Oversize clothes. The most common mistake women make is wearing clothes that are too large for them, Laws says. While they may think they are hiding their "trouble spots" under the bagginess, more-fitted clothes are actually much more figure-flattering, she says.

2. Overused clothes. Laws encourages going though the closet and getting rid of old items you don't wear anymore to make room for new pieces. She says to plan on replacing whites and blacks every year, as they become dingy or faded.

1. Scarves, in all shapes, sizes and colors.

2. Chunky jewelry.

3. Shiny patent leather or metallic accessories, such as sassy handbags.

A good foundation is essential to a good wardrobe, so Laws suggests getting a professional bra fitting and investing in quality undergarments. Other "secret" products that can help your clothes look better include:

1. Spanx. This popular brand makes a variety of undergarments and hosiery designed to slim and shape in all the right places.

2. Invisibelt (www. invisibelt.com). This thin, clear, plastic belt effectively keeps your pants in place without a bulky buckle showing through your shirt.

3. Dimmers. Silicone nipple covers can help you avoid an embarrassing situation.

4. Double-stick tape. Every woman should have this in her closet for managing slinky dresses, gapping blouses or quick-fix hem jobs, Laws says.