Most of us love to shop but there is an art and strategy to it. It is so disappointing to make shopping mistakes and it can be pretty costly in the long run. There are always numerous promotions and deals to take advantage of. (10% off is not a sale) However, it can be fairly easy to go over budget and get caught up with impulse buying especially during the big Seasonal Sales. The best way to avoid this is to have a strategy. I hope these few tips will help you.
KNOW WHAT YOU NEED AND SHOP WITH A LIST – Households usually spend between 3 to 10% of their income on clothes, the average being 6% for your entire family. If you have children, they have huge needs and wants, so it is important to use your budget wisely.
Know what you have in your closet and make a wardrobe plan. A shopping list is a great tool and stick to your list. This will avoid impulse buying, purchasing doubles and items that do not fit you nor your activities.
EACH ITEM SHOULD FIT YOUR STYLE, BODY TYPE AND LIFESTYLE – Dressing well is not about wearing the latest trend or wearing designer labels.
It is about :
- Knowing your body type and what fits you
- Finding your style to match your personality
- And fitting it to your lifestyle
Your wardrobe should take you wherever you need to go, at a moments notice. Does your wardrobe fulfill these expectations for you now?
MIX AND MATCH TO STRETCH YOUR WARDROBE – You should be able to wear each item bought at least 4 different ways. If there is a style you like and wear frequently, buy it in various colors and patterns. I love a Capsule Wardrobe. It is the most effective way to use your wardrobe for a maximum impact. Mixing and matching allows you to have a small wardrobe and a ton of options.
A LOW PRICE IS NOT A CRITERIA FOR PURCHASE, QUALITY AND FIT ARE – Always buy the best quality you can afford and buy several of your staple items. Use the sales period to replenish your basics. For example, your black pants, white blouse, tees, tanks and certain sweaters. Always try your items before purchase. You should love it and it should fit perfectly. If an item is too tight fitting, go up a size and have it altered for a perfect fit. It is important to have a good seamstress.
DO YOU HAVE A WISH LIST – Put on your wish list items you favor early in the season. You can revisit them during the sales. If they are no longer available, it was not meant to be!
BUY FOR ALL SEASONS – When shopping think of how you will transition your items into the next season. Staples with simple lines and basic colors will remain in style for several years. Trendier items will last two to three years in average. Make sure you are not buying an item that is on the way out.
Think of next season’s colors when shopping the current sales and how you can incorporate your new items into your wardrobe.
COST PER WEAR – Consider the cost per wear – If you purchase an item on sale at $50.00 and wear it once a year, the cost per wear will be $50.00. If you wear that same item 20 times with different options, the cost per wear will be $2.50. Do you see the value of a Capsule Wardrobe?
The goal is to always wear 100% of your wardrobe. Enjoy the seasonal sales and the hunt for great deals!
Let’s be clear 10% off is not a sale!
Be Fabulous!