Shopping Smart

Like all style bloggers (and millions of people around the world), I love to shop. While I do occasionally indulge in a big ticket item, my regular shopping habits are much more budget-minded. It is possible to look great without breaking the bank, and it is possible to shop a lot without going broke. Here are some of my tips for shopping smart:

• Make a list of key wish list items in your phone and refer to it when you’re on a shopping spree. This will help you stay focused and avoid buying (as many) frivilous items that you really don’t need.
• Go straight for the sale rack when you enter a store, and then explore the full-price items. I don’t know about you, but I get really excited when I go into a store I like. That rush can easily lead to picking up way too many items that you’re destined to fall in love with and buy. But, if you go to the sale rack first, you’ll likely have your hands full before you hit the new arrivals.
• Use sites like Rack It Up and Shop It To Me to track prices on coveted items and brands. If there’s something that you’re lusting over, but you just can’t justify the price tag, create a closet on Rack It Up and add the item. You’ll get an email alert as soon as the price goes down. If you’re a brand loyalist, I highly recommend signing up for Shop It To Me emails. You can choose the frequency and the brands you want to track, and they’ll send you all of the sale items available.
• Always check for coupon codes before making an online purchase. Even if it’s only 10% off, every dollar makes a difference. I use Retail Me Not, and I’m also signed up for Ebates, which gives you cash back on purchases from a wide variety of sites.
• Sign up for sale sites like Rue La La and Gilt. For designer devotees, these sites are a must. Each day, you’ll receive a list of sample sales you can shop. Items are available in small quantities for a limited time, so act fast!
• Shop outlets and factory stores. The idea that outlet inventory is nothing but ugly castoffs is a total myth. I’ve found some of my favorite pieces at outlet stores, and the outlet shopping experience is like no other. Certain brands like J.Crew Factory and Nordstrom Rack have a great online selection too.
• Join rewards programs and consider signing up for credit cards. A lot of stores have free rewards programs that allow you to accumulate points when you shop. This is a no-brainer. If you’re already spending money there, why not get rewarded? Similarly, if there’s a store (or group of stores) where you shop a lot, consider signing up for their credit card. There are benefits for frequent shoppers, and if you’re able to pay off your bills on time, it’s a great way to help build your credit.
• Keep an open mind. One of my shopping mottos is ‘you never know.’ Something may look cute on the hanger, but terrible on your body, or vice versa. You may fit into a different size than expected, or find that certain brands fit you better. Stores change their creative approach and their inventory all the time. Don’t write one off because you didn’t like them the last time. Push yourself outside your comfort zone and go into new stores, try on new brands, embrace the trends. Most importantly, have fun!