5 Tips to Successfully Shop the Sales

Hi everybody! I figured since we’re in full blown sales season right about now, you’re probably itching to go shopping. And maybe you’re also feeling just a little overwhelmed by all the offers you’re seeing at your favorite retailers. Which is why I wanted to share 5 tips to successfully shop the sales! So you end up with stuff you love, and have some money left over in your wallet.

Investment pieces first

Look for 1-2 really good quality items that you wouldn’t consider splurging on otherwise. Quality clothing and accessories will always be worth the investment, because they will last longer and will have you looking better every time you don them. And I think we all know what it’s like to fall for an exquisite piece that haunts you with dreams of a long time love affair, and with the promise of a gazillion wonderful outfit combinations.

So if you do have such an item in mind, but the price has been putting you off, the sales season is the perfect time to make it official and go grab it! You know you love it, and you’ve probably already pictured it paired with multiple pieces you already own. So you know it won’t just be another garment that lies untouched in your closet. If you’re lucky enough to still find it in your size by the time sales roll around, then don’t hesitate to buy it! Because this follows one of the main “rules” of shopping the sales, which constitutes my second point.

Don’t get fooled by the red tags

Don’t buy something just because it’s on sale! This is one tip I always follow when it comes to sales. It can be so easy to convince yourself that you do need that 10th black dress or another pair of flats to top off the mound of shoes you already have, and you don’t even need to feel bad because they’re on sale, right? Right? Well, wrong!

Money spent on stuff you don’t need, don’t like and will probably never use is just money down the drain. And don’t even get me started on the whole “Well it was on sale, so I actually saved money by buying it” thing. It’s as simple as this: would you have bought it even at full price?

If the answer is yes, then congratulations, you’re the proud owner of a new item that will bring you happiness and will earn its spot in your home. If the answer is no, then walk away, because you know what? The perfect piece is out there waiting for you. And when you do see it, you will have spent your budget on something completely unremarkable just because it was there.

Try on new trends

Consider the sales as a period to get your cheap style thrills on. Before you start throwing stones, hear me out here! I’m always saying how important it is to secure your style basics, your investment pieces, your wardrobe staples. But the siren song of a wildly fun and completely useless trendy item will still get to you every now and again. Which is why sales are the perfect time to give in to that desire and go ahead and buy the latest outrageous pair of furry mules or a fully sequined blazer.

And you know why? Because those pieces will bring new life to your perfectly polished investment items. They will make them look current and modern. When the tide changes, you can of course donate or sell these garments- please don’t just throw out good clothes because you’re bored of them! But you won’t have to feel bad then, because you didn’t spend a fortune on these items.

Think of it this way: If a classic, buttery soft leather tote is your main course, then that crazy pair of studded heels is your dessert. And you need both to stay sane and happy.

Give it another day

And to make sure you don’t go overboard with any of these items, I have another great tip that applies not only to sales, but to shopping in general. If you’re not sure whether to buy an item, leave it in the store for another day. Maybe you have 10 cocktail dresses in your closet and aren’t sure if you should add another one. But then you see it, and it’s perfect! So you fall in love with it. I totally get it, but leave in the store overnight. If you still feel the same in the morning, go ahead and buy it.

That’s exactly what I did when it came to this gorgeous dress from Closet London! I unboxed it together with you in my latest Haul & Try On Youtube video, in case anyone missed it. I fell in love with the ethereal, impressionist-like print and with the feminine flared shape. So I just knew I had to have it, of course.

Not wanting to blow my shopping budget though, I waited patiently for a day. And the next morning I was even more convinced that I wanted it. Which is also when luckily enough, it went on sale! I ended up adding a second dress without feeling guilty, because it was discounted and drop dead gorgeous. Also in the video, so go check it out if you haven’t yet!

Look beyond just clothes

Finally, don’t limit yourself to just fashion items! A lot of home decor stores, book stockists, and even pharmacies are having sales, so don’t forget to pay them a visit. Lots of beauty stores are also participating in the sales season! So now is your chance to try out a new product, or a cult favorite that you wouldn’t otherwise spend the money on.

Which is what I did with this Givenchy Noir Couture Waterproof mascara. It lengthens, curls, volumizes, and has active ingredients that care for your lashes. And what can I say, it’s a dream!

Also, don’t forget to look up discounts at your favorite local spas and beauty salons! I’ve noticed that a lot of them started doling out offers around sales time. Now’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a haircut and scalp massage. Or to book that long-awaited mani-pedi or rejuvenating massage. So invite your bestie to a spa-day and enjoy yourself!

The point is, around this time, don’t just hurry up and spend your hard earned cash without checking if there is a sale going on first. And don’t forget to come back and tell me in the Comments section what great stuff you bought for yourself, for your home or for a loved one.

P.S.: If you haven’t by now, make sure you join The Style Club to receive your free personal style printables and get the most stylish updates directly in your Inbox!