Shopping is one of my favorite activities on this planet. I love to get dressed up for any occasion, and I can never have too many cute dresses, shoes, tops, etc. However, being a full-time student leaves my wallet pretty light for the most part. Luckily I’ve spent countless hours trying to master the art of bargain shopping, and I think I’m getting pretty good at it. Today I’m going to share with you a few pieces of advice and tips I’ve picked up throughout the years.
Shop Smart– I don’t care who you are, I guarantee you’re not too cool for discount stores. Ross, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls are life savers. I’ve gotten countless beautiful designer items for a fraction of the original price.
Check Thrift Stores– Make frequent trips to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. As the old saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I’ve found so many cute additions to my wardrobe at thrift stores, some in a condition almost good as new! And the best part? Items are just a few dollars.
Coupons Coupons Coupons– Take advantage of coupons! If your favorite stores have email lists, sign up for them and check the emails. I know most of it looks like junk mail, but many retail emails have 15%, 20%, or even 30% coupons! Rewards cards are also a great way to save money by earning points every time you shop.
Be on the Lookout– Be on a constant lookout for sales. Email lists definitely help with this, but also check your favorite online shopping websites regularly. The first section I hit in store or on websites is the sale section, there’s generally tons of cute stuff if you look hard enough.
Shop out of Season– This tip might sound odd, but buy your winter clothes in the summer. Your fall clothes in the spring. Out of season clothes are almost always on clearance, costing less than half of what they would cost in season. My advice? Buy a cute winter wardrobe this summer on clearance, and tuck it away in your closet. Come winter time you’ll have a fresh new selection of clothes and a happy bank account!
Accessorize– Buy some inexpensive jewelry, scarves, and hats. Ross and Claire’s are my favorite stores for cheap accessories. You’d be surprised how many ways you can change up basic clothing items with a bright necklace, or a fashionable scarf. The right accessories can make an old, overworn outfit look brand new!
Looking stylish and sophisticated doesn’t have to break the bank. To recap, take advantage of sales and coupons, and never pay full price for a clothing item if you can help it. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference being mindful makes when shopping on a budget. Don’t be in a rush to purchase too many items at once either, buy what is on sale, and wait for what is not on sale to go on sale. You’ll build up quite the collection of cute new clothes in no time.
Happy Shopping!
Money Saving Tip: When going out shopping, put yourself on a realistic budget and stick to that budget no matter what. If it doesn’t fit the budget, it can wait. Trust me you’ll thank yourself later.
Shedding Light 