About three years ago I published this original post about tips and tricks I've learned to make shopping easier while saving money. A lot has happened in the past three years and my shopping ways have changed and evolved (as have I,) so I thought it was the perfect time to update this post.
FYI: New info is in this bright pink font that you're reading!
Anytime I feel frustrated or sad or even happy and excited, I turn to retail therapy, which means I shop
a lot a crazy lot.
First and foremost I have to disclose that I'm not a bargain shopper. I rarely do sales and although I've tried numerous times I never find anything that I truly love at stores like TJ Maxx, Ross or Marshalls. I applaud those who can and wish I had the patience to go through racks and racks of clothing. But what really gets me is those checkout lines. Is an hour of my time really worth me paying $15 for a basic top?
Basically what I'm saying is if it weren't for my impetuous shopping habits, impatience and my Type A personality, I'd totally go bargain shopping at these stores with my besties. I'm also visually driven, which means I instantly gravitate towards pretty things and those stores are usually a hot mess!
But just because I can't bargain shop like some doesn't mean I don't like to save money like everyone cause I do!
The following are my
tips, tricks and some helpful websites that can help you shop your favorite brands and save you time and money.
Shopping in person:
Tip # 1: Pre-shop online before shopping in person
When you're shopping for something specific such as a birthday outfit the first thing I do is go online to my favorite stores' sites and start building the outfit I want. This helps reduce the time spent at a store and you're also avoiding any unnecessary browsing or window shopping. The less time you spend at the mall or at a single store the less you'll be tempted to buy things you don't really need.
Tip # 2: Sign up and Save
The next tip can be time consuming and result in a lot of daily emails, but it's really worth it. Sign up via email to the stores you shop the most. Most retailers will provide you a one time coupon code just for signing up to newsletters, which means you save money. If you want to avoid email spam you can also opt to "like" or "follow" your favorite brands on Facebook or Twitter. By keeping up with your favorite merchants, you'll be the first one to know about sales, special events and promotions and new arrivals!
You can also setup a new email account just to do this and you can control how often you check it instead of being constantly bombarded by emails like yours truly.
Tip # 3: Sleep on it
As previously mentioned, I'm an impulsive shopper. I buy pretty things because they're just pretty. Sometimes I don't ever wear these pretty things or wear them once and then discard them. This has led me to create my number one rule of shopping: if you don't absolutely love it don't
DON'T buy it.
I've even some up with a simple and may I add very successful test to judge what you should really buy and what can stay in the store. If something catches your eye proceed in the following manner:
- Don't buy anything as soon as you see it.
- Go home and see if you think about it.
- If after 3 days, you have totally forgotten the object of your desire, then you really didn't need it. But if you can't get it out of your mind or dreams after 3 days then buy with caution (it's passed the GTG approval test.)
Tip # 4: Skim on Trends, Invest in Staple Items
Trends come and go, so don't spend big bucks on a neon tote that you might not be using for too long. Instead, invest your money in timeless pieces like an amazing handbag, a classic
LBD, a necklace strand of genuine pearls or a designer pair of Mary Jane heels.These items never go out of style and you can mix them with your trendier, less expensive pieces to create your very own signature style. I always shop at
H&M or
Zara because they carry the latest trendy pieces at awesome prices.
Tip # 5: Don't shop to pass time
Limit the times you frequent the mall or stores. I found out we spend the most money when we say we're just looking. Yeah, looking to spend money we shouldn't! Don't use shopping as an excuse to fill up your free time because it will cost you.
Tip # 6:
Before checking out, ask about sales or promotions
Before you checkout anywhere, ask the cashier if there are any sales or discounts available, you'll be surprised how many times you'll get a yes and you are able to save a little something!
Shopping Online:
I used to hate shopping online because going to the mall was so much fun, but as I find myself working more and more, I have less free time and discovered that online shopping can be just as fun.
And the best part about online shopping? Coming home to a new toy! Almost nothing can beat the feeling of knowing there's a package waiting for you at home.
DYK? Most e-commerce sites don't charge taxes!
Tip # 1: Narrow choices by size and style
The first thing I do when I'm online browsing I narrow down the availability of items to my size and style. This helps you shop for what's available for you. I hate falling in love with things that aren't available in my size. Don't you?
Tip # 2: Research before shopping
If you know you're going to be shopping online soon do your research first:
- Go through your emails to see if there any sales or discounts that you can use.
- Visit sites: retailmenot.com or coupons.com to see if there are any valid promo codes you can use.
- Also ask your friends, family and co workers if they have any savings passes or codes they're not going to use soon so you can take advantage of savings before they expire.
- Make sure that you have signed up for the site's newsletters! (Remember a lot of retailers will offer you a 10% to 25% one time code for your first purchase after signing up.)
Tip # 3: Educate yourself on return policies before buying
One of the most important things you can do before checking out on any site is reading up on the return policies. Being able to return something for little or no cost to you is huge especially when it comes to shopping online. Sometimes things such as shoes can run smaller or bigger than you expect them to and if you're unable to return something you just purchased online can it will surely ruin what can be a really fun experience.
Tip # 4: Sign up for flash sale sites
Become a member (for free!) of flash sale sites. These are the sites I trust to purchase authentic designer brands for up to 40% off! Some of my favorites sites are:
Tip # 5: Why buy when you can rent?
Need a black tie dress that you're only going to wear once? Want to try out a designer handbag before investing in it? Well sites like
Rent the Runway and
Bag Borrow or Steal allow you to rent an item for a fraction of its original cost which you can send back once you're done!
Tip # 6: Keep an eye out for sales
I love to shop at department stores. Some fashionistas will argue that shopping at department stores is so passe, but it's where I feel most comfortable shopping knowing that I can return or exchange items at anytime, earn rewards for shopping and get price adjustments.
Department stores offer sales, so keep a watchful eye out on items recently purchased because most places will offer you a price adjustment within 14 days of the original purchase. Some stores like Nordstrom or Bloomies will do the price adjustment over the phone without you having to drive to them.
I absolutely love shopping (seriously have you seen my IG account) but saving money now that I'm an "adult" is something very important to me. I hope these small but very useful tips help you stay looking fab, while keeping your wallet fat.
And as usual don't forget to keep up with me:
"In many women's lives, shopping is a hobby and a must for some. When we're up, we shop. When we're down, we shop even more." Unknown.
