Glamouria - Master the Art of Smart Shopping By Hayat Ammouri

SHOP THE SALES LIKE A PRO: PRO STRATEGIES FOR CHIC SAVINGS

When I see the prices dropping on items I paid full price for, it does bother me! Especially that fashion and shopping are my specialty and have been for a long time! Shopping the sales require strategy and preparation. Here are some tips..

1. Before you shop, take a tour in your closet and make a list of items you need. I also usually have a note on my phone with a list of all items I want for the season or the year. 

2. Shopping the sales does not mean buying things just because they are cheaper. You can always ask yourself the questions: “Would I buy it if it was full price?”, “Am I really getting a good deal?”… Trust me if the answer is no you will regret it fast.

3. Sales season is the best time to shop for classics and must-haves. Splurge on investment pieces, such as coats, blazers, boots, a nice classical handbag, a pair of shoes, a belt… It’s also the time to buy the little things to update your look for the season, i.e the trendy little items that you know will go out of style quickly and you don’t want to spend much on.

4. Don’t wait until the sales day to shop. Look around a few days in advance. Spot the pieces you want. Know the original prices. Try them on to make sure the size is right. When the sales are here, compare prices online before you hit the mall. Different stores offer different discounts on same items. Go straight to find them, or better yet, order everything online if available. 

SHOPPING TIPS- If there is something that you really want and you’re worried it won’t make it to the sales, buy it but keep the tag and the receipt. You can ask for price adjustment when sales are on, or return it and buy the same item on sale. Make sure to know the stores’ return policy. Same if you buy something and then it goes on sale soon after; most department stores will adjust the price for you. Check their policies. If they say they can’t, return the full price item and buy it again on sale (buy the one on sale before you return the one you have to make sure you have get it). 

While I personally believe that if an item is meant to be yours it will be waiting for you, I also think that if there is one thing that your heart is saying yes to, don’t wait.. Just get it!