The Budget Fashionista's Top Ten Budget Shopping Tips
by
Kathryn
Finney
zone3
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 doesn’t 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
you’re there, offer to “help” clean out their closets. You’ll be amazed at
the goodies you’ll 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
relative’s 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.
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