Smart Shopper

We all want to be fashionable and have the latest trends, but at what expense? We often think we can’t look good and feel great without breaking the bank. How many times do you stantd in your closet full of clothes and think “I have nothing to wear”. Today I’m sharing some tips and tricks on ways to stay fashionable on a budget.

The first thing you need to recognize is, what type of shopper are you. Are you someone looking for classic, timeless pieces or are you looking to purchase trendy, “it” pieces of the season. If you’re someone who’s looking for high quality pieces that will withstand the test of time, you may want to invest in designer pieces. If you’re someone who knows you’ll be donating pieces in a few months because you no longer enjoy those pieces, you may want to shop at less expensive stores.

The next step is to evaluate what you already have in your collection. People tend to re-purchase the same thing over and over again and quickly accumulate similar pieces. We also tend to hold onto items we know we are never going to wear again or items that we rarely use. Take the time to assess your clothes and focus on items you love, want and need. Find items that fit your vision of what you want your wardrobe to be and build from there.

Sell, trade or toss items you no longer enjoy or no longer fit. You’d be surprised on what you can sell and how quickly you can make a few extra bucks. With this money, you can now shop quilt-free and pick out new items you’ll wear. If you’re looking to stretch your dollar and really make the most out of your wardrobe, shop for classic pieces. Trends come and go, but a timeless white blouse, form-fitting jeans, a perfect little black dress will last a lifetime. Sometimes a smaller closest filled with quality pieces will make more sense than a huge closet filled of ill-fitting, old, cheaper quality items.

My final suggestion is to set a monthly or yearly allowance. This will help control your spending habits and allow you to focus on items you actually want. Set a realistic spending goal that you can live with. Another tip is to shop with cash. This will ensure you stay within your budget. There’s something satisfying about paying in cash. It also gives you that extra few seconds to re-think your purchase and to make sure your making a wise and smart decision. Don’t forget to check out big chain retailors, they often have mega sales where you can score some amazing deals.

Can we just take a minute to talk about this fab dress that I picked up from Sears Canada shop-in-shop department. Do we love it? 

What I Wore- Dress- c/o Sears Canada- Metallic Bomber Jacket- Zara, Purse- Valentino, Booties- c/o Hush Puppies