October 15, 2008

- 9 Ways to Save On Your Wardrobe Now!

Sign up for email blasts from your favorite stores
As annoying as these mass emails can be, they can actually save you tons! Most major department stories and now many boutiques have an opt-in button on their website where you can sign-up to receive notifications about special sales and discount opportunities.

Google Discount Codes:
If you like to buy your clothes online, you can save money by Googling 'Discount Codes (the stores you like)'. There are hundreds of websites offering current discount codes that you input at the end of your check-out to save on your purchases.

Know the sales cycle:
Buying clothes at the end of the season can really save you money as long as you are OK with having last year's clothes next year. If you focus on buying classic pieces you can really find value in doing this. For example, J.Crew is notorious for putting their cashmere sweaters on sale after the holidays. They'll bring the same cashmere sweater out next year (perhaps in different colors) and sell it again at full price. If your smart and buy at the end of the season, you'll essentially have the same sweater at savings of 40% or more!

Mix & match pricey pieces with cheaper pieces:
Wearing Burberry from head to toe is neither chic nor necessary. It lacks creativity and can be presumed flashy. It's much more stylish to pair your faux fur vest from H&M with a great pair of leather Cole Hahn Boots. The luxury boots will make your H&M vest look more high-end.

Decide on a color story:
A color story is basically a series of colors that can relate to each other. If you buy clothing colors that can mix and match you can create more outfits with less pieces.

Buy Basics in neutral colors:
'Basics' are the foundation for all outfits. They are essential, classic pieces that never go out of style so they will last much longer in your wardrobe. Buying basics in a neutral color adds to the classic element. For instance, starting with a basic black pencil skirt you can create several outfits by pairing more statement pieces on the top such as a printed blouse, cropped leather blazer, or a suit jacket. All three are completely different looks for different occasions.

Purchase trendy memorable pieces at discount stores:
You'll save yourself hundreds of dollars in the long run by buying those pieces that will be out of style next year at a discount store such as Forever XXI, Ross, H&M, Nordstrom Rack, etc. Pieces that are 'memorable' you will tend to wear less often compared to basics, which can be worn several times within the same week.

Buy quality over quantity:
The biggest downfall for bargain shoppers is buying things just to have more. If you have a closet full of nothing to wear, you have probably fallen victim to this often. You clothing will last longer if it is made of excellent materials and sewn with perfection.

Love everything you buy:
No matter how cheap something is, if you don't love it, it's not worth a penny! Keep yourself from buying things just because they are on sale. If you love it AND it's on sale - those are true bargains!