There is no need to sacrifice style when you are shopping on a budget. The key is shopping smart to snag great deals and making it look like you spent a fortune.

1. Buy one get one free. Read the signs carefully. How many times have you passed by a store window and  was drawn into the store by the   “Buy one get one free” or “Buy one get one for Half price”.  Sound like a great deal but do read the fine print to understand what other conditions apply. Calculate the percentage you are actually saving. Buying a $100.00 plus a second one for half price at $50.00, saves you $50.00 or 25%. Consider whether the same item may have been sold elsewhere for Half price or whether is  really worth the price. Finally ask yourself if you really needed two items; if you don’t then you  really aren’t saving anything, are you?

2. End of season is a great bonanza for the savvy shopper.   As early as February, you can start seeing great sales on winter items. This is the time to stock up for next winter. You can’t go wrong with 75% off sales. The same goes for summer.  You can start scouring your favourite stores for great deals on summer dresses, pants, tops and accessories, to wear for the remainder of summer, on a winter holiday or stock up for next  summer. Some sales start as early as the end of June or check with your favourite sales clerk for hints. 

3. Exercise restraint when shopping for bargains. I know, I know, it is easier said than done.  But how many times have you brought home a car load of bargains and found out that you didn’t need, never wore, couldn’t  fit into much of what you bought. This is when your bargain hunting has produced negative returns. If you got a 50.00 item for $5.00, and you never wear it , don’t like it and can’t return it because it was a “final sale” then you are just throwing away good money.

4.  Just the basics. Remember this word when you are shopping. You can’t go wrong with a basic pair of slacks, a  skirt, or  a little black dress. The basics  will serve you well long after the heat of the sale frenzy is over.  Some styles are enduring and trendy from year to year and season to season. This year’s fashion trend may be gone next year so you are making a safe bet by sticking with the classics.

5.  Try it on. In  the heat of the moment, you could  neglect to take the time to try your purchases before you buy. I am guilty of this omission and I certainly paid the price. Yes it may be difficult to find a vacant dressing room or too much going on, or maybe you think at such a great price, who cares? Do care because  you are shopping at sales for a reason – to save money. Try shopping at less rushed or busy times of the day.

Savvy shopping is not only smart it is lots of fun. You can be look great and fashionable and feel better about being a responsible shopper.  Who doesn’t enjoy the thrill of a bargain hunt?