Currently, I have restarted Real Housewives of Atlanta...from the beginning. I am obsessed with Nene Leakes memes and all I can think about is “WTF are they wearing??” I have to remember it was 2008 and that’s what was considered “in” at that time. Periodically, I might see a bag, heel or dress that I could easily bring back to 2020 because everything always comes full circle whether we like it or not. Humbly, I can own up to the fact that I thought Apple Bottom jeans and boots with the fur were top-notch fashion myself. RHOA and KUWTK made me realize that no matter how much money I have in my life, chances are I will never blow that type of cash on clothes. Don’t ask me about shoes or bags... but clothes? I’ll keep my money.
I will admit, I have a shopping addiction and I am 100% ok with that. I also had to accept early on in my life that I was poor and I was going to be a broke college student as well. I worked 6 jobs simultaneously while in undergrad to support myself and there is nothing worse than being stressed out, overworked, while looking run-down in return. Though I was far from being rich I was committed to being fashion forward and was going to figure out a way to finesse. Well one of my six jobs while in undergrad was working in retail at the local mall (you know, one of the stores with a moose or bird on it that in reality was overpriced but we all bought it in middle school because it was in). While working in retail was challenging due to my shopping problem it also propelled my shopping strategy to new heights. I started to comprehend the marketing, promotions, and the logic behind sales and I will let you know something right now: it is all in the benefit of the retailer. However you can always make it work for you. Note: Oftentimes items are put on sale to A) attract buyers or B) get rid of items that are not selling well. Know the difference. I am now going to give you tips on buying out of season, specifically online to enhance your closet for next year while decreasing your pocket spend.
11 Rules to Getting the Bang for your Buck- Shopping Online and Out of Season!
1. Raid your own closet pre-shop: Shopping out of season is a strategic art therefore you will need to take this walk with purpose. Target essential items or ones that would complement your current wardrobe. I often find myself buying items out of comfort of knowing it was on sale. Don’t be like me.
2. Challenge yourself: Throughout the year I screenshot items that I feel that I need. When it goes on sale I then reevaluate the following points:
- Is this item event-specific?
- Can I only wear it once?
- Is this item trending currently?
- Can I pair this item to match at least 5 separate outfits from my current closet?
- Can I wear this at work?
3. Set a budget: Even if I am shopping in Goodwill, I set a budget and for the most part I stick to it. Typically, I set a budget 25% less than what I am looking to spend to account for taxes, shipping, and that one item I cannot part with.
4. Sort properly: Typically winter items go on sale before winter is even over. So late February you will see that coat you wanted but didn't want to spend $120 on it in November. When shopping online, go to the sale section of the site and click (price highest to lowest). Now I know people are thinking this is bassackwards but getting the bang for your buck also means quality. Shopping lowest to highest price tag often will result in lesser quality products that the retailer is trying to get rid of. This could be due to people having little interest in the items or limited size options but I have often found that if you read the reviews it's not what it was cracked up to be.
5. READ REVIEWS: You are not a smart shopper if you are not reading reviews. Pay attention to model details and the number of views. Majority of the time it will tell you what size the model is wearing. Base your sizing off of the review details. Oh and high reviews typically can argue that the item is trash or treasure.
6. Give Reviews: The perk to giving reviews is not only to give back to your fashion community but also a lot of online shops want you to review to increase sale prices and they reward you for the reviews. Usually, companies will set up a point system or send a % of discount after your review. Always be honest!
7. Find the Coupon Sis: I never enter my paypal info until I have done the following:
Check the homepage of the site for promo codes
Searched my personal email for coupons or discounts for loyalty programs
Double-crossed the internet for comparable coupons (Retailmenot is my best friend)
Make sure you do not go with the first coupon you see! There are multiple discounts out there. Key in all codes to check for your best discount. The various types of promos are typically monetary, percentage, and shipping discounts.
8. Cart-purging: My not-so-favorite part of retail therapy is at the end when it comes to pay and I have to ask myself “do I really need it?” Fill your cart up with anything you see that you want. Check periodically that the items are matching to the guidelines you set for yourself prior to shopping so you don't get overwhelmed. When you have completed your shopping, start deleting items that are least favored.
(Tip: sometimes “no” just means “not yet”. If you believe you will be a return shopper save the item for later).
Habits to Avoid:
9. Limit items that are event-specific or cannot be worn at work: We typically spend 40+ hours a week at work. We may attend 1-2 happy hours, a brunch, dinner, and church that week. Even with other events on your calendar during the week, the ability to utilize a non-work item is limited. Maximize your closet to fit all needs. If your cart has more than 50% of items that you would not be able to finesse to work, re-think your cart.
10. Dismiss final sale items that are IN season: If it's mid-winter and a winter item is the final sale -- they don't want you to return because everyone else has. Final sale is reserved for undergarments, swim, and out-of-season wear. Bypass it when possible.
11. Dodge purchasing trends: Understand that what you are purchasing now will not be debuted potentially until 6-9 months later.Try not to buy items that are trending in the moment. You want to get the most out of your items. Personal opinion: steer clear of prints that are “in” right now. I highly suggest purchasing solid color pieces that can be considered timeless.
- O
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