You love to shop, but you have limited funds. Welcome to the club. But you can have style on a budget, if you know how to shop smart and use sales to your advantage.
Everyone loves to get a good deal, but the best deals come to those who wait and watch. Emphasis on the watching.
If I find an item that I really want, I like to keep my eye on it. I’ll bookmark the item and check back when I get home from work. I also use Shop it to Me and Shop Style’s sale alert feature to keep an eye on the brands that I like most. It takes some work, but if you have a bit of time to commit to the process it can save you a lot of money.
I also try to have a plan for my wardrobe. If I see an outfit that I like in a magazine, I’ll tear it out and save it. Then when I go shopping, I’ll look for pieces that fit the aesthetic I’m trying to create but will also work with other pieces in more wardrobe. Because if there is one thing that all stylists agree on, it’s that you should shop for outfits not pieces!
I also like to stop into stores like Express, Forever 21, H&M and Zara regularly. Usually, I buy nothing. But sometimes, I find a great piece and great price. This is a great way to integrate trends into your wardrobe without spending a fortune thus, saving your money for the staples (suits, jeans, etc.).
Look for coupon deals on the web. Checkout codes for extra savings can be found with a simple Google search. Also if you have a favorite retailer, sign up for email alerts. They can be a bit tiresome, but occasionally they contain coupons and sale alerts.
Finally, if you have a habit of being rude to salespeople, you should stop. Not only because it makes you look like a wretched hag, but also because the sales girls know when the sales are happening. I have carefully cultivated relationships with women at Nordstrom, Zara, Luna Bethesda, and BCBG. These lovely ladies drop me a call when a sale is coming up, they also let me know if something that I am trying on will be cheaper in a few days. These women are like angels.
So let’s review.
Keep track of online sales using retail trackers like Shop It to Me and Shop Style. Shop with a focus on outfits, not individual pieces. Drop by reasonably priced stores regularly. And lastly cultivate relationships with the people at your favorite stores, a little kindness goes a long way. All of these tips will help you stay within your budget and weather these hard economic times.
