10 Things to Remember When Shopping:
Especially when you are ‘Sale Shopping’…
1. Do your research.
‘Research tip’ browse online before you go. This way you can compare prices and since most of the stores nowadays have online stores or at least lookbooks of their collection, you’ll learn which stores are going to be worth your visit and which ones aren’t.
2. Make a wishlist.
Nothing can be more distracting than mountains of clothing and those crazy colored sale signs. Therefor it’s a must to create a list of all things you need and things you really want. If you see something in the store that you didn’t put on the list, it’s not an option to take it home with you. Remember to keep next season in mind when making this list, try to get pieces that will either match the trends next season or pieces that are timeless.
3. Set a budget.
It’s best to set a budget for three different types of pieces. Set a price limit for items that are actual essentials (basics that you ‘really’ need), one for items that you have to have and an ultimate price limit, for that one single designer piece that forces you to eat bread and drink water for a whole month. Once you’ve reached your ultimate price limit, it’s time to go home.
4. Prepare.
Wear the right clothing during sale shopping. Something comfy, something that is easy to take off and put back on again. You don’t want to be in those changing rooms, getting frustrated about the super tight jeans you’re wearing, just because you can’t get them off. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect shirt to match with a particular pair of pants, wear those pants.
5. Be an early bird.
When sale starts, get up and be the first in front of your favorite stores. This way you’ll snatch the best items, before someone else does.
6. When in doubt, don’t buy.
If you wouldn’t consider an item at full price, don’t even bother to get it in sale.
7. If it doesn’t fit, don’t buy.
Always try it on. I have all kinds of sizes in my closet. From a European 40 to an American size 2. When an item is labeled as L, it doesn’t mean it fits that way. If an item doesn’t fit you right, don’t bother to take it home with you. The fact that it isn’t right for you, doesn’t change once you get home.
8. Check for holes and such.
Especially during the sale period, there’s a lot of items to be found in stores with wholes, missing buttons, etc. Do an extra check – it’s best to check when trying on – before you run off to the cash register.
9. Go for basics and lovers.
It’s best to buy your basics during sale. This way, you can afford a basic that is a little more expensive. Basics stay the same every single season and it’s better to invest in a basic that is made of better quality than to have to buy them again every half a year.
10. Break one of the above rules.
Rules are made to be broken, right? (via: afterdrk)
