7 Ways To Be A Smart Shopaholic
I know, I know. There isn't really a "smart" way to be a shopaholic. But hey, if you can't beat em', join em'. But at least join them with a few skills to keep the spending under control.
I love shopping as much as the next person, but being a college student and saving money can kind of cramp a person’s ability to spend their paycheck in clothing every week. However, that doesn't stop me from going shopping, and leaving with great stuff! Through the years I have developed this sort of "code" that helps me decide whether or not to buy an item, if I really need it, and when I should or should not be buying clothes. So, follow along with me, and leave this post a smarter shopper.
Go in with a plan
When you start any mission with a plan (especially the mission of finding a perfect bathing suit or god forbid, the perfect pair of jeans) it makes it a lot easier to know what you what your end result to be. What I like to do is just write a simple list when I head out to go shopping. It can be just as simple as writing "jeans, white T" but I prefer to go more in-depth and write " look for new moisturizer, fall outfits, buy new sneakers, tank tops" so that way I have things to buy and things that I can look at without feeling guilty or without feeling like I have to buy it right that second. This saves me from spending money on what I do not need by getting distracted from my mission!
Picture using the item in real life
One great way to test yourself to see if you truly should buy something is to just think in your head and try to pair whatever you are trying to buy with something that's already in your closet, or something else that coordinates with what you want to buy. This helps you visualize if you can actually incorporate this new purchase into your life, or if you really think you will wear it. I know when I'm in the dressing room I like to try and imagine where or when I would wear something so I already have a plan and mindset to wear the item. This helps me because a lot of the time I buy things and then end up never wearing them because it was a reckless purchase. A lot of these tips are lessons I have learned from experience ( if you couldn't tell).
Do you want to buy it because you like it or do you want to buy it so you buy something?
I know for me personally, when I go out for a long day of shopping, and don't really find what I was looking for, I feel pressured to buy something just to make my trip seem more significant. So, what I like to do is just think to myself, do I ACTUALLY want this?? Or do I just want to buy it just so that way I feel like I bought something?? Usually, if it's at the point that I have to ask, it means that I don't really want it fully.
Look for clothes either right before or right after the season begins/ends
It's at these points where the clothes are not so highly priced. When it becomes prime time for, let's say, bathing suits, to be bought, they can almost double in price because they are in such a high demand. When you buy clothes out of season, they are mostly cheaper than normal because they aren't in high demand. If you know the ins & out of the industry and how it works, then you can try and plan when you go shopping for certain things.
Clearance/Kids Section
For me personally, I know that I can find really cute (and surprisingly not childish) clothing in the kid's section. It's all about timing when you're going to look. I can find the best stuff around Fall and Winter because it's mostly sweaters and cozy things that come in baggy and larger sizes for kids. Also, the clothes look more mature as they don't have as many sequins or girly decals. And, of course, the clearance section is always a winner. Especially when a new season is approaching because all of the old clothes have to leave so they new merchandise can come in.
Figure out what clothing suits you, so you aren't playing guess and check with your wardrobe
This is a huge game changer for any shop-a-holic. It's as simple as going through your wardrobe and taking note of what you wear most often (mostly because you think you look good in it) and buy more of that style, color, size, whatever it may be. On the opposite spectrum, take note of what you never ever wear, or regret purchasing, and remember that when you go out shopping again so you don't buy more pointless clothing.
Donate/Sell/Revamp your old clothes to make room for new styles and more clothing!
This is probably the easiest thing you can do for yourself if you want to get new styles, a fresh new look, for a very little cost. I bet a lot of items in your closet are still great and beautiful, but you just have worn them too much that they don't feel as special or exciting as they did when you first bought it. And that's totally fine! But, I bet to someone else, they would be super rad & they would appreciate them like you did. That gets the cycle started, and it just keeps going. I went to The Garment District just yesterday and found some awesome Fall pieces. So, go thrifting! Find new ways to approach fashion & your style.....and save some money while you're at it!
Happy Shopping xoxo- Sophie Kay