Hey Frugalistas! So... many people ask me how I stumble on such great deals. It's no great secret- I just know how to work a sale and after following my four easy steps, so will you! This is what works for me, so feel free to put your own spin on these steps. Follow the essentials and I'm sure you'll be walking out of any sale happy and under-budget!
MAKE A PLAN
I'm not talking about making a list of what you want to buy (because then you know you will never find it!), just be prepared. Take a look around your closet and dresser to re-fresh your memory of what you already have so you can add to your wardrobe. Borrow a magazine from a friend so you know what the latest trends and styles are so you can update your closet with a "now" piece. Put together a game plan of what stores you want to hit up and in what order. I usually go to the furthest spot first and work my way back. Lastly, I know we all love to shop with girlfriends, but usually I come across my best finds solo. Sometimes you just need some peace and clarity without dealing with a friend's issues. Bring your ipod instead and make a mellow "shopping" playlist so you have some stimulation while hitting the racks.
DRESS THE PART
Wear make-up. Yes, I said it, wear some make-up. You're going to be looking at yourself all day in dressing room mirrors so why not look your best? Plus, sales associates are naturally drawn to people who are put together. They will be your guide when getting another size to finding your item in another store/location. You'll want to wear quick on/off items like a shirt dress and flats to make dressing room trips easier. Don't pile on accessories or perfume for this shopping trip- it will just cause you added stress. Wear the right underwear! If you're shopping for a special occasion, bring the bra you plan on wearing to avoid any fit/strap surprises later on. I am also a BIG fan on thongs as they show no panty-lines and can be worn with virtually any outfit. Lastly, carry a roomy purse. This allow you to carry a bottle of water, a snack, and all your essentials while shopping (even throw your Spanx in there!). Make sure it's something not too heavy but comfortable on your shoulder.
WHEN YOU GET THERE
Now comes the moment of truth. You've arrived at the store. Your head is clear, your body is hydrated, your mind ready to find some great bargains... so next are some rules while actually shopping. Keep an open mind when it comes to sizes. Every designer/store/brand/whatever has its own rules on what is a four compared to a six. If you have to go a size bigger, so what! As long as it fits nicely and looks good (and what doesn't!) don't be so nit-picky about the size. When trying on clothes, bring the next size up and then next size down into the dressing room with you. This will save you time and energy running around the store in your socks trying to find another size. Once in the dressing room, take your time. Walk around in the clothes, sit down, stand up- take them for a test drive. If you can't walk comfortably or do you business in what you're wearing, it's not worth it. Lastly, take a whirl. Make sure what you have on looks good from all angles, not just the front. God made us with curves, ladies, let's not forget them!
WHEN YOU GET HOME
Invoke what I call the 24 hour rule: Don't remove your tags for 24 hours after you've purchased the product. That way, if you wake up the next morning not loving it- you can return it with no hassle. Most importantly, save those receipts! I like to put them in an envelope and label it with the date, and reminders about what I bought so I can find a receipt if something needs to be exchanged or returned. On that note, keep your eyes peeled for further reductions. Most stores will refund you the difference if an item you purchased goes on a deeper sale after you've purchased the item. If you see this within two weeks of your purchase, take your receipt back to the store and kindly ask for a price adjustment. Usually, stores are very accommodating when it comes to this.
Lastly Frugalistas, enjoy your purchases! If you don't LOVE them, take them back! Life is too short to walk around it something that doesn't make you feel fabulous
MAKE A PLAN
I'm not talking about making a list of what you want to buy (because then you know you will never find it!), just be prepared. Take a look around your closet and dresser to re-fresh your memory of what you already have so you can add to your wardrobe. Borrow a magazine from a friend so you know what the latest trends and styles are so you can update your closet with a "now" piece. Put together a game plan of what stores you want to hit up and in what order. I usually go to the furthest spot first and work my way back. Lastly, I know we all love to shop with girlfriends, but usually I come across my best finds solo. Sometimes you just need some peace and clarity without dealing with a friend's issues. Bring your ipod instead and make a mellow "shopping" playlist so you have some stimulation while hitting the racks.
DRESS THE PART
Wear make-up. Yes, I said it, wear some make-up. You're going to be looking at yourself all day in dressing room mirrors so why not look your best? Plus, sales associates are naturally drawn to people who are put together. They will be your guide when getting another size to finding your item in another store/location. You'll want to wear quick on/off items like a shirt dress and flats to make dressing room trips easier. Don't pile on accessories or perfume for this shopping trip- it will just cause you added stress. Wear the right underwear! If you're shopping for a special occasion, bring the bra you plan on wearing to avoid any fit/strap surprises later on. I am also a BIG fan on thongs as they show no panty-lines and can be worn with virtually any outfit. Lastly, carry a roomy purse. This allow you to carry a bottle of water, a snack, and all your essentials while shopping (even throw your Spanx in there!). Make sure it's something not too heavy but comfortable on your shoulder.
WHEN YOU GET THERE
Now comes the moment of truth. You've arrived at the store. Your head is clear, your body is hydrated, your mind ready to find some great bargains... so next are some rules while actually shopping. Keep an open mind when it comes to sizes. Every designer/store/brand/whatever has its own rules on what is a four compared to a six. If you have to go a size bigger, so what! As long as it fits nicely and looks good (and what doesn't!) don't be so nit-picky about the size. When trying on clothes, bring the next size up and then next size down into the dressing room with you. This will save you time and energy running around the store in your socks trying to find another size. Once in the dressing room, take your time. Walk around in the clothes, sit down, stand up- take them for a test drive. If you can't walk comfortably or do you business in what you're wearing, it's not worth it. Lastly, take a whirl. Make sure what you have on looks good from all angles, not just the front. God made us with curves, ladies, let's not forget them!
WHEN YOU GET HOME
Invoke what I call the 24 hour rule: Don't remove your tags for 24 hours after you've purchased the product. That way, if you wake up the next morning not loving it- you can return it with no hassle. Most importantly, save those receipts! I like to put them in an envelope and label it with the date, and reminders about what I bought so I can find a receipt if something needs to be exchanged or returned. On that note, keep your eyes peeled for further reductions. Most stores will refund you the difference if an item you purchased goes on a deeper sale after you've purchased the item. If you see this within two weeks of your purchase, take your receipt back to the store and kindly ask for a price adjustment. Usually, stores are very accommodating when it comes to this.
Lastly Frugalistas, enjoy your purchases! If you don't LOVE them, take them back! Life is too short to walk around it something that doesn't make you feel fabulous
I'll make sure to study this little gameplan before my big makeover outing...I can't wait!
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