HOW TO REALLY SAVE MONEY AT THE END-OF-SEASON SALES

 

When the big department stores start their end-of-season sales early, you know that there are likely to be some great deals out there.

Since winter just started today, you could buy everything you need for a cold-weather wardrobe from items on sale.

BUT.

During end-of-season sales, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of what we're "saving" and forget to be mindful while shopping.

Finding a good deal is exciting, but remember: it's not a deal unless you love it! I really mean love.

How to buy clothes and accessories at the end-of-season sales

1. Know what you already have in your closet before you add to cart. I KNOW, you're wondering when that woman will stop going on and on about that. Simple answer: never. EVER. To always have something to wear, you need to know what you have in your closet. It's also important to know what to add to it. (Want to know how to edit your closet? Go to this blog post)

2. Make a list. I either use the Notes app or the Wunderlist app on my phone, or I use a piece of paper and a pen. Just make the list. It doesn't matter how. This list not only helps you fill in the holes in your closet, but it also keeps you focused on the task at hand so you don't get distracted by the clothes you already have or the ones with a lot of sequins (oops, maybe that's just me?).

3. Spend more of your shopping money on basics for your wardrobe. You might need some jeans. A blazer? A knit? Maybe it's getting a good pair of shoes for work. Don't buy the show ponies until you've spent most of the money on the necessities.

4. If you're going to shops in person, start your shopping day when the stores open. Not only will the shelves and racks be clean, but there won't be as many people trying to use the change rooms. Everything will just be less stressful. If you use your list well, you'll be home or out to lunch before anyone else has even started.

5. Wear clothes that fit well and are easy to put on and take off. Everything you might buy MUST be tried on first. Don't have time? Walk away. I wear a loose dress with no zippers and shoes that are easy to take off in the summer. I always choose nude underwear, too. That way, if you're trying on something sheer, you'll have a better idea of how it will look than if you went out in your black lace underwear.

6. If you're going to shop online for sales, measure yourself BEFORE you start clicking like crazy. Having your bust, waist, and hip sizes on hand will help you match up better with what you might want to buy. If you're a pro at shopping online, you've already signed up for email alerts from all your favourite stores. If you're still learning how to shop online, these emails are the best way to find out when sales or special deals are happening.

7. Make sure you know the rules for shopping and ordering when there are sales. Most stores don't let you return or exchange items that have been marked down.

8. Stay on track. Stay with your plan. First, check off what you need. Think carefully about what you want to buy.

9. Don't buy something new just because it's on sale. As we've already said, just because something is cheap doesn't mean you should buy it. Justify the purchase by saying that it goes with your current wardrobe, your lifestyle, and your wardrobe personality. If it checks all those boxes and saves you a few bucks, that's what we call WINNING, my friends.

So, tell me, have you been shopping yet? What did you nab? What do you still want to do?

Save 50% on Goddiva's autumn-winter edit.

We only have a few sizes left of some of our most popular items, while others are all gone. The remaining items have been marked down by 50%. When you buy something from my store, it has a wide range of effects. We do a happy dance, and so do all of our great suppliers. The sale ends Monday.