Why is it that the desire/need to shop is always at its greatest when you can least afford it? The simple fact is LIFE GOES ON, even when our wallets can't keep up. The economy may have come to a veritable stand-still, but our lives are still moving on. No matter how cinched our budgets become, we still need new items of clothing from time to time.
How to Smartly Shop During an Economic Downturn:
1. Go back to basics. Concentrate on acquiring the key pieces at the foundation of every great wardrobe. The classics, like a good coat, hand bag and shoes are important anchors to putting stylish looks together.
2. Make a list and stick to it. Determine the gaps in your wardrobe before you set out to shop. Only buy what’s on the list. It’s that simple.
3. Choose pieces appropriate for multiple occasions. Before buying, ask yourself, “Where am I wearing this? Can I wear it for more than one purpose?" For example, a sassy cardigan can be worn to the office and also on a weekend getaway to Napa.
4. Go easy on the trends. Hop off the trend wagon, for now at least. Set a goal to invest only in classics and incorporate a few trendy accessories to keep looks current, like scarves, leggings, tights, bangles.
5. Embrace quality over quantity. Opt for well-made clothing in high-quality fabrics to ensure your pieces have the bandwidth to last more than one season. This is especially true with your basics that go with everything. Spending more money on one item may seem counter-intuitive to being on a budget. Americans are into "throw-away" fashion, with stores like H&M and Forever 21 feeding the budgeter's urge to spend. The point here is to get items that will stand the test of time not only in style, but also regular washings. Save the $15 shirts for trendier pieces, not your wardrobe staples (see #4).
6. Know when to shop the sales. Department stores like Macy's are constantly putting out printed coupons. When using coupons, be sure to read the fine print and find out whether or not the items you are wanting to purchase are actually a part of that sale (which happens more often that you would think). Know that the MSRP of a BCBG shirt will be the same at the boutique store, as it is in the department store down the street. Because of that MSRP, that BCBG shirt will be the same price at Nordstrom as it is at Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus. Know when your favorite brand is going on sale at your local department stores- you may find the items cheaper than if you went to the boutique.
Get onto your favorite brand's mailing list for updates on sales. Like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter for the most up-to-date information on discounts and specials in-store and online.
Make sense? Do you have any tips of your own?
