Example:
2 Summer dresses
3 pairs of flip flops
1 belt
Then I go to my good buddy Google. For this particular list I would do a search for women's fashion. Let's say the first site that pops up is Fashion Bug. I click, I browse and I fall in love with a few items. Add them to my cart and checkout. What did I do wrong? Well...almost everything. When Google first brings up my results for women's clothing, I make list number 2. List the top clothing sites that come up.
Example:
Fashion Bug
JC Penny
Kohl's
Old Navy
Nordstrom
Victoria Secret
Now for the next stage of our savings plan. New Google search. This time for coupon codes. Do this for each store.
Example: coupon codes for JC Penny.
Or go to one of my favorite sites http://www.retailmenot.com/ that keeps a complete list of coupon codes for almost every store imaginable.
Lets move on to our 3rd and final list. Write down the best coupon code for each store. Do a comparison then go check out the store with the best coupon deals. Find the clothes you love then it is checkout time. Apply your coupon code during checkout and see your instant savings.
Now you may find nothing you like at the store with the best coupon codes. And you should not settle for a dress you hate. So go to option B, the store with the next best coupon code. You shop around and find the best deal. It does take time. But it can equal huge savings.
Some great codes I have seen are FREE SHIPPING, 10% OFF, $2.99 SHIPPING, 30% OFF
You don't know what deals are out there unless you look.
Another thought. Shop online as much as you can. You get great deals and special online pricing. There is usually way more selection as well. Stores want you to shop online, and they are willing to offer great discounts and awesome deals to get you to do so.
Now some of us, discount or not...we refuse to pay retail. I am proud to say I regularly shop at the local Goodwill and go online to Craigslist.com. You would be amazed the deals you can score at consignment shops. Brand names, most items in great condition. If I have a $30 dollar clothing budget, I can go to Wal-Mart and maybe get 3 outfits with that. Or I can go to Goodwill and possibly get 10. Items range from $1 to $3...some $5.
Or for bundle deals, I am always searching craigslist. Last winter I got 70 outfits...yes 70!!! I paid $50 bucks. A woman was selling all the clothes her daughter had outgrown. They were well taken care of, many were name brand and there was a ton of variety. You can't beat that.
The key is planning ahead. You know summer is around the corner. You are going to need new summer clothes, shoes and so on. Start looking now. Check out craigslist and head over to your local consignment shop. Or better yet, plan a year in advance. I often find amazing deals on clothing, decorations, shoes and more when I shop out of season. Come September those $10 flip flops will be marked down to $4 dollars. In January those Christmas decorations will be half what you would have paid a month earlier. Come November...stock up!! Halloween costumes are usually half price. Buy the next size up. If you find a really good deal, buy costumes for the next 2 or 3 years!
A lot of this we all already know. We just don't do it! But retail is expensive. It just is. So we have to find a way to beat the system.
I was lazy for years. I walked right back clearance racks. Nowadays I can't wait to get to the clearance section. We do have to humble ourselves a bit. You would be pleasantly surprised to see how many of the best dressed people around town did it on a budget.
So do not pay retail. When shopping online, always find the best deals, promos and coupon codes. You should almost never have to pay shipping. There are promo codes for free shipping all the time. Stock up and plan ahead. You don't want to impulse shop. That is when you make mistakes and end up broke. You have to hunt out the deals. I love thrift shops and consignment shops. And there is not a day I do not check craigslist. There is a Free section where people give away everything under the sun. But there are cheap deals to be found including furniture, clothing, electronics, games, toys, fitness equipment and more. Just use caution. I never go buy anything from anyone without a buddy system. Or I choose to meet that person in a public place. I only do cash transactions. I never divulge information about myself besides a first name. I have never had a bad experience, but it also pays to be cautious.
Last note. I am a shopaholic. It truly is therapy for me. But doing is the smart way is just as much fun. In fact, I get more for my money. More stuff equals more happy! So do not think you are depriving yourself. I am telling you to get out there and shop. Just save too.
A Few Sites I love that allow you to spend smartly
http://15dollarstore.com/ (Everything is seriously only 15 dollars)
http://www.chicstar.com/ (I always check out there Sale section. Hot sales at great prices)
http://www.zappos.com/ (LOVE THEM! Check out there complete Sale section for great deals)
