Tips To Shop On A Budget

Hi Lovelies.  One of my New Years Resolutions was to shop smarter.  So, let’s talk about ways to be stylish on a budget.  Some of my favorite sites and tips to shop on a budget.  You don’t have to break the bank to be the stylish mom at drop off.

Plan

Don’t impulse shop.  Know what you want to buy.  I like to make lists of items that I want for each season.  Maybe I am replacing key wardrobe pieces, like jeans and jackets, or maybe I am filling in with this seasons hottest trends.  Whatever it is, I plan what items I want to add to my wardrobe.  I think this is key to staying within your shopping budget.  If you know what items you want you can shop around for the best price.  Instead of walking into one store and picking up whatever random items you find.

Shop Around

Whether you do your price matching online or you go to the mall, shop around.  Try to find the best deal for the items you want.  The great thing about planning your purchases, is you can use budget friendly sites like Zulily and Hautelook.  If I know my must have items for Spring, I can start shopping around, take my time and see if the items come up on a sale site.  If after a few weeks, I don’t see what I am looking for, I can shop the stores.  I personally like to online shop because it allows me to shop at night when my girls are asleep.  If it is something I need to try on, I will find it in a store near me and then go in.  I try to limit my in store time as much as possible.

Know Your Stores

  Finally, in order to be efficient at budget shopping, you need to know your stores.  You need to know where you can find certain styles and types of items.  For example,  I get all of my jeans from Nordstrom Rack.  They have budget friendly designer jeans that are created just for the Rack.  This allows me to get some of my favorite brands for a fraction of the price.  If  I want unique items I like Saks Off 5th.  They always have unique designer items for a decent price.  Banana Republic and Gap are great for your classic staples.  Little tip, if you are a rewards member they offer great sales and extra discounts.   As well as, a point system that you can earn money back for shopping.  Hautelook and Zulily are great all around places for any items, but you have to keep up.  Check your emails daily to see what sales they have starting.  Finally, Target, Forever 21 and H&M are all great place for the trendy seasonal items.

Quality Not Quantity

  It’s not about how many items you have in your closet.  It’s about buying items that will last and are made well.  When it comes to fast fashion or the trendy items in my closet, this isn’t as much of a concern.  However,  when I’m in the store, I always try things on, check the seams and the fabric.  I don’t want to wear the item once and have it fall apart.  So, always be sure the item is in excellent condition before you take it home.  This is especially important for places like Nordstrom Rack, Marshall’s, and TJ Maxx.  People are rolling through those racks so quick.  Things get damaged and messed up.  So, just be sure you are buying quality over quantity.

  If you follow these 4 easy tips you can save money and look great all year long.