You’ve been waiting for your next pay check to come so you can go on that shopping spree. You’ve had your eye on a pair of shoes for a month; there was an adorable sweater and a beautiful dress in the window. And when you walk out of the store with that full bag you feel on top of the world.
But when you look at your bank account you realize you spent more than you had intended. Here are ten tips to keep your wardrobe updated while keeping your wallet full!
1. Sort through your closet
We’re all guilty of forgetting what we own. You go shopping and buy a black tank top only to find you already had two black tank tops already stuffed in the back of your dresser drawer. And try on the clothes you haven’t worn in awhile. Sometimes you forget how good they look and they’ll feel brand new.
2. Make a list
If you see a look that you like in a magazine or a girl walking down the street, write down the items you don’t own. When the budget allows a shopping spree you’ll know just what to get. Sticking to the list may involve a bit of willpower, but don’t forget the power of birthdays and holidays. Keep adding to the list until your next birthday and holiday and your patience will be rewarded. If you didn’t get what you wanted? You most likely got a gift card or money to put towards it.
3. Sign up for email coupons
Having your inbox full of emails may be annoying, but if you sign up for emails from the places you actually shop at it will be worth your while. You’ll receive notifications of sales and thirty percent off coupons on a good day. Be careful not to rush out every time you receive a good email because despite the percent off and sales you’ll find yourself spending more.
4. Skip the fads
Leopard print jeggings may be the all the rage right now, but think of how often you’d wear an item before purchasing it. An occasional fashion splurge is okay (a cobalt blue trench coat anyone?) as long as you see yourself wearing the same item for multiple seasons to come.
5. Go for solids
Classic colors like black, white and gray never go out of style. Reds, blues, browns and greens can be layered together to create many options. Use accessories to change your outfit from day to night. If solids bore you look for details like ruffles or rouching or a clever cut like a boatneck neckline. Classic colors are just that: classic.
6. Beware of bags
We love bags. We love to match them to our shoes. But also get bored of using the same on after awhile. To fix this problem simply rotate your favorite bags throughout the year to feel like new. If only we could all be Kim Kardasian and afford the best bags in an available colors . . . If you just have to have a new bag, put a low price limit on each bag you buy since you won’t be using it for a long period of time.
7. Think about it
There’s a sort of high feeling you get when watching the cashier ring up your purchases. To avoid the guilt feeling once you walk in your front door, ask yourself “Do I really need that?” The ruffled neon yellow blouse may trigger a fashion revolution for you, but will it pay itself off? Another question to ask yourself: Is the item bound to show up in a Vogue spread? If the answer is yes then it’s not practical enough for real life.
8. Get ideas
There’s no harm in looking. As long as you have the strength to avoid pressing the “put in cart” button feel free to go online and look at what your favorite stores have to offer. Most offer pictures of models wearing full outfits. If you like an ensemble you often find that you have all of the items to put it together. Ms. Matching and Ms. Mixing are our best friends.
9. Time your shopping sprees
Don’t only wait for regular sales and discounts, but after the season is over, the store wants to get rid of their items to make room for the upcoming season. Buying clothes out of season can be tricky, but the prices will make it worth your while.
10. Have a party
Yes, have a party! Get your girlfriends together for a clothes swapping party! Save money, spend time with your friends and eat good food. You’ve seen her wearing the prettiest shirt you’ve ever seen…
So you go, girl! You can love to shop; it’s okay! Just take these tips and your bank account will thank you.
Do you have any shopping tips you’d like to share? Meet us in the comments section!
Image by slgckgc
! John wrote two articles for the book: "Budgeting for Groceries" and "How Grocery Stores Work."
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
nice article! good ideas…one more cool thing you can do is go to a good vintage store, take in your old clothes that are still in good condition, and get money for cash or trade for them. Usually you get more value for trade so then whatever you make from your old clothes you can buy new clothes for…without spending anything
good way to downsize as well since you probably will take in more than you buy…I like buffalo exchange in LA not sure what a similar store would be elsewhere
We have a buffalo exchange where we live . . . my wife loves it! She finds all kinds of great deals there, and saves money by trading in old clothes.