Everyone is having a sale right now. It is a great time to buy, but if it seems a bit overwhelming to you, you're not alone.
Here are a few tips:
1.) Take inventory of what you already have before heading out the door. Make a shopping list of what you need and want. Decide on a budget, what you want to spend. Bring along any store coupons you have received. Know which brands/designers fit you best.
2.) Begin by looking for a specific item and/or color as yes, a sale rack can be overwhelming at first glance. You may find a gem along the way, but keep your eye on the prize-what is on your shopping list.
3.) NEVER buy anything on sale that you would not pay full price for. Don’t be tempted by a bargain price if it's the wrong size, the wrong color, or a cut that doesn't work for you.
And a few tricks:
-Don't look at the price tags; look at the rack as if it is all at full price. Choose and try on what you love, think if you have anything at home to go with it, (do you have the right top for those pants? What about shoes?). Then look at the price and see if it is affordable. You may be sad if it is too expensive for you, but at least you won’t end up with a closet full of mistakes, which is much more expensive in the long run!
-You may need to scan the entire rack when looking for your size, especially in large department stores. Harried sale shoppers (and harried sale employees) often put clothes back in the wrong section. And speaking of, remember to take your time, as rush decisions often end up as mistakes, relegated to the back of your closet forevermore.
-If you find something you love but it is not in your size, ask the sales associate to check their computer to see if another store has it available. If they don’t, consider how much it will cost to have alterations. You may end up spending more on alterations than it would have been at full price in your size.
-Get on the mailing lists of your favorite stores so that they can notify you in advance about any sales or promotions. Get to know a specific salesperson a store, as they will be able to keep an eye out for you on new merchandise and on those pieces you have been waiting to go on sale. Almost everything goes on sale at some point, though there are times that waiting for things to go on sale may not be your best bet. If you want an entire outfit in a specific size, chances are that by the time it goes on sale they may not have all the pieces available.
-Finally, be prepared: Wear comfy shoes and easy on/off clothing for quick try ons; Don't bring your children-it’s very hard to concentrate with little cuties around; If you need back up bring a trusty friend along.
Now go out there and shop til you drop!
