Smart
Shopping Tips
The
Budget Fashionista's Top Ten Budget Shopping Tips
by Kathryn Finney
Lots of people ask me for my top budget tips. Here are a few
from my Budget Shopping Arsenal...
1. Know what looks good on you. This is the essence of a true
fashionista. Just because it looks great in a magazine doesnt
mean it will look great on you. Be honest with yourself about
your body. It will save you time and money.
2. Get to know the names of sales associates. Sales associates
are a great source for information on upcoming sales. They might
even let you use their employee discount - as happened to me
once at The Gap.
3. Pay for everything with cash. This way, the satisfaction
of the purchase will last longer than your next credit-card
bill.
4. Head to the Outlets. Shopping at the outlets of your favorite
stores and designers can save you a bundle. Some of my favorites
are Off Fifth, the Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet; the St. John Knit
Outlet; the Donna Karan Outlet; and the Last Call Neiman Marcus
Outlet.
5. The 70/30 rule. Fashionistas with limited budgets should
follow the 70/30 rule: 70 percent classic pieces, 30 percent
trendy pieces. And go cheap on trendy items.You can purchase
such pieces at stores like H&M, Target , Zara, Bluefly,
Urban Outfitters, etc. Go designer on classic pieces like black
suits (Tahari), coats (Burberry, Max Mara), evening (Armani)
and purses (Coach, Longchamp).
6. Recycle fashion. Pay a visit to your mother and/or grandmother.
While youre there, offer to help clean out
their closets. Youll be amazed at the goodies youll
find. While visiting my grandma in Milwaukee, I discovered a
vintage Coach saddle bag, dating from around 1960, in mint condition
amid a box of old magazines. If you are unable to visit a relatives
closet, try having a clothing swap party with your friends.
Ask everyone to bring unwanted, high-quality clothing to exchange
for similar items from other party-goers.
7. Learn where and when to buy. July/August and late January/February
are the best times to hit the stores for deals. Write down the
names of your favorite stores, go to their Web sites, and register
to receive coupons, special invitations and notifications of
new products. Outlet stores are also great sources of designer
goods.
8. Write a List. Making a shopping list will help you stay focused
on the task at hand.
9. Locate the nearest thrift store. Thrift stores are great
for quality inexpensive coats.
10. Sign up for our newsletter at http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/bf/newsletter.php.
Get free fashion advice and up-to-date notification of the hottest
sales around the U.S. and Canada.
About the Author
Kathryn The Budget Fashionista Finney is the founder
and Chief Shopping Officer of TheBudgetFashionista.com (http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com),
a popular website that provides realistic fashion advice, shopping
tips and sale event information to budget conscious consumers.