By Emily Lewis
Although we may wish it, most of the general population can’t spend thousands of dollars on a single top like the Kardashians can. Follow these 10 easy steps to be an efficient and fashionable shopper on a limited budget.
Although we may wish it, most of the general population can’t spend thousands of dollars on a single top like the Kardashians can. Follow these 10 easy steps to be an efficient and fashionable shopper on a limited budget.
1. Know Your Personal Style
Don’t buy something you know that you know you probably won’t wear. When it comes to shopping, keep an open mind to classic pieces that can be dolled up with accessories, and be honest with yourself when picking out clothes that look good on you--this will help you save time and money in the long run.
2. Learn When and Where to Buy
July/August and late January/February are the best times to hit the stores for deals. The top sales usually happen between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and after Christmas. Another thing to be aware of is a store’s markdown schedule. Some stores, such as Target, have specific days where they put certain items on clearance for that day.
3. Download Apps
Most stores have mobile apps available to download on your cell phone. You could potentially save a lot of money on deals and discounts that rewards users are the first to know about.
4. Outlet Malls
Shopping at the outlets of your favorite stores and designers can save you a bundle. These are places where companies can get rid of factory seconds or outdated merchandise at sale prices.
5. Recycle Fashion
Offer to help clean out a friend’s or relative's closet. This is a win-win situation--you get to spend time bonding with a friend, and you will get to pick through unwanted clothes! You might be amazed at the goodies you find. If you are unable to visit a relative’s closet, hold a clothing swap party with your friends. Ask everyone to bring high-quality clothing to exchange for similar items from other party-goers.
6. Keep an Inventory
Know what clothes you already have in your closet. That way you don’t waste your money buying similar pieces or clothes that don’t match anything you own.
7. Thrift Shopping
Thrift stores to add a bit of originality to your wardrobe. You can usually find really quirky vintage jewelry for a fraction of the cost. Other times, if you’re lucky, you can find brand name clothing that people wanted to get rid of.
8. Sell Your Old Clothes
Online sites like ebay or poshmark, allow users to sell their old items to a large marketplace of people. Reselling your old clothing is one of the easiest ways to make money, fast. You can use the money you make off of your old clothes to buy new clothes!
9. Avoid the Debit and Credit Cards
Leave the debit and credit cards at home. Most people view paying for purchases with plastic cards as not spending “real” money. Paying with cash gives you an instant visual indication of how much you’re actually spending. Plus, spending cash is a great way to avoid identity theft.
10. Practice the CPW (Cost per Wear)
Think about how many times you are actually going to wear it. If you are only going to wear that cocktail dress or suit once, buying an $3,000 outfit isn’t practical. Chances are it’s going to live in the back of your closet collecting dust, becoming outdated, and it may not even fit you again. If the outfit is a must have on the top of your priority list, sell it immediately after the occasion. Clothes don’t depreciate much like other things might, but it still loses value when the cut or fabric is no longer in style.
Good luck in your shopping endeavors!
Don’t buy something you know that you know you probably won’t wear. When it comes to shopping, keep an open mind to classic pieces that can be dolled up with accessories, and be honest with yourself when picking out clothes that look good on you--this will help you save time and money in the long run.
2. Learn When and Where to Buy
July/August and late January/February are the best times to hit the stores for deals. The top sales usually happen between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and after Christmas. Another thing to be aware of is a store’s markdown schedule. Some stores, such as Target, have specific days where they put certain items on clearance for that day.
3. Download Apps
Most stores have mobile apps available to download on your cell phone. You could potentially save a lot of money on deals and discounts that rewards users are the first to know about.
4. Outlet Malls
Shopping at the outlets of your favorite stores and designers can save you a bundle. These are places where companies can get rid of factory seconds or outdated merchandise at sale prices.
5. Recycle Fashion
Offer to help clean out a friend’s or relative's closet. This is a win-win situation--you get to spend time bonding with a friend, and you will get to pick through unwanted clothes! You might be amazed at the goodies you find. If you are unable to visit a relative’s closet, hold a clothing swap party with your friends. Ask everyone to bring high-quality clothing to exchange for similar items from other party-goers.
6. Keep an Inventory
Know what clothes you already have in your closet. That way you don’t waste your money buying similar pieces or clothes that don’t match anything you own.
7. Thrift Shopping
Thrift stores to add a bit of originality to your wardrobe. You can usually find really quirky vintage jewelry for a fraction of the cost. Other times, if you’re lucky, you can find brand name clothing that people wanted to get rid of.
8. Sell Your Old Clothes
Online sites like ebay or poshmark, allow users to sell their old items to a large marketplace of people. Reselling your old clothing is one of the easiest ways to make money, fast. You can use the money you make off of your old clothes to buy new clothes!
9. Avoid the Debit and Credit Cards
Leave the debit and credit cards at home. Most people view paying for purchases with plastic cards as not spending “real” money. Paying with cash gives you an instant visual indication of how much you’re actually spending. Plus, spending cash is a great way to avoid identity theft.
10. Practice the CPW (Cost per Wear)
Think about how many times you are actually going to wear it. If you are only going to wear that cocktail dress or suit once, buying an $3,000 outfit isn’t practical. Chances are it’s going to live in the back of your closet collecting dust, becoming outdated, and it may not even fit you again. If the outfit is a must have on the top of your priority list, sell it immediately after the occasion. Clothes don’t depreciate much like other things might, but it still loses value when the cut or fabric is no longer in style.
Good luck in your shopping endeavors!
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