Shop off-season or end-of-season
Never pay for fashion items at full price ever again! A way to do this is by shopping for items during the end of the season or during off-season. Save money by choosing fashion staples that you will wear over and over again. Remember the point of off-season or end-of-season purchases is to buy things for next year so don’t purchase trends that you don’t see yourself wearing in the future.
If you love shopping for treasures then this tip is for you. Check out thrift stores and vintage stores for fun accessories and unique pieces. Ethnic stores are also great places for beautiful pieces that are a fraction of the price that you would pay in a fancy retail shop. Find cashmere and silk scarves from Tibetan shops, colorful jewelry from Indian shops, and silk pajamas in Chinatown.
Outlets, sample sales, warehouse sales and swap events
To save on contemporary fashion, get on the list for local samples sales and warehouse sales. If you don’t live in an area where sample sales are held often an alternative are outlets where fashions are marked down up to 70% off.
If those are not options, attend or hold a swap party. Ask your girlfriends to bring gently used clothing and accessories and make it a girl’s night by serving some wine and goodies. Two fun birds with one stone!
Research, research and more research
Before you buy anything, do a price comparison. Google is your best friend when it comes to searching for coupons and online discount codes. This is helpful especially when making an expensive purchase. Check online to see what other retailers are charging and check online auctions such as Ebay, Craigslist, designer discount sites or online private shopping events to see if you can get it for a cheaper price. The same thing goes when buying things online. Before buying clothes or accessories from a website, check the item out in-store to have a better idea on the quality and the fit. A lot of online vendors offer free returns if you are unsatisfied with you purchase so a good tip is to read the return policy before you make a purchase.
Be in the know…
Sign up for email newsletters, Twitter and Facebook from your favorite stores for exclusive sale updates, shopping events and discount codes and coupons. Check the receipt for the price adjustment policy.
Shop your own closet
Mix and match items for a new look and give your wardrobe a second life by altering existing pieces. Turn maxi skirts into mini skirts, shorten the hem of dresses or split it in half to create 2 new pieces or dye your clothes a different color.
Just ask…
Found an item that you love and don’t want to pony up the cash? Ask someone to buy it for you or request it as a birthday gift. For an expensive item ask for gift certificates from that particular store.
Take care of your clothes
Read and follow the care instructions. Only hand wash or dry clean items that you love so that they’ll last forever. If the color of your clothes starts to fade, look into dyeing. This is fantastic way to brighten up your blacks. To save money on dry cleaning bills, learn how to do your own repairs. Sew your own buttons and hem pants and skirts.
Some general fashion tips
Invest in quality items buy splurging on things that you will wear forever and save on trends. The usual rule of thumb is 60/40. 60% of your wardrobe should be classic and 40% should be trends. Learn what looks best on you and stick with it but don’t be afraid to experiment. One of the most fun things about shopping is trying and finding new looks to update your wardrobe. That being said it is important to not to follow every trend to avoid looking like a fashion victim. Pick the ones that you love and are comfortable with and have fun with it.
Do-it-yourself
If you’re crafty and love working with your hands, watch diy videos for making your own jewelry and sewing your own clothes. Love Tiffany’s, Harry Winston or Van Cleef & Arpels? Recreate a designer-inspired piece by creating your own jewelry inspired by your favorite designer. Instead of diamonds, use semi-precious gemstones or crystals for a fraction of the price.
