Have Yourself a Merry Little Sales-mas

It’s been a while since I last wrote, with so much going on - the election, a new job, the holidays, and…amazing sales. All of it has kept me preoccupied, especially the latter (or distracted, perhaps). In fact, the sales that started around Black Friday until now have been a bit overwhelming. There are so many good items out there at really great prices, and it seems crazy to not take advantage of these opportunities. But shopping online can make it difficult to really take a comprehensive look at everything you are considering buying. The result can be some major credit card damage and a ton of returns. You may also end up purchasing things that you ultimately decide you don’t need or were a total impulse buy. And many of us, including me, can fall victim to the rush of an amazing sale price instead of the actual item itself. So, how do you set yourself up for success with all these sales that will continue into January?

Well, first off, all the considerations in the post, “The Ultimate Contrast: the French versus American Approach to Fashion” still apply here - items that are of high quality, will hold their value over time, have classic lines, and offer versatility across seasons or occasions will be your best investments. (To dive into those areas a bit more, check out the original post linked above).

And while you are shopping and adrenaline is running high, be sure to keep a few other things in mind:

Don’t fall for the sale price, fall for the item. I started noticing that, while shopping at TJMaxx or HauteLook, I was buying things because of their great price and not because I actually loved them. In fact, I think I purchased about two leather jackets that fit that description and guess what - I barely ever wore them. Case in point - acquiring an item at a fantastic price does not mean you will actually wear it. You need to be committed to buying the item, not the deal.

Avoid buying items with a good label if their quality is poor. This one is so hard if you spot a bargain buy, but if a designer coat is made of 100% polyester it is worth no more than a mainstream label at your favorite store (and it won’t hold up over time, either). Or maybe you already bought a high end item and, after seeing it in person, are disappointed by loose threads or the feel of the fabric. If so, return it immediately. Items of poor quality will never last, no matter what the name on the tag is.

Think about social event versus everyday wear. This one is hard for us ladies who love to serve up some daily fashion because we are generally ‘dressed up.’ But, especially these days, it’s harder to rock those full skirts, rhinestone earrings, and heels. While you should definitely think about what special items you need to add to your closet for future events, balance those purchases with items you will wear now on a regular basis. Maybe you need new quality basics, like t-shirts, layering tanks, or jeans. Or maybe, like my sister and I, you decided it was time to purge all your old bras. While these buys don’t give us the same level of excitement as a new designer pair of boots, they will save you money (that you can of course use to close on those more out-of-the-ordinary purchases).

Return it! After the holidays are over, look over your gifts and make honest choices. If you decide you don’t need yet another sweater or received three pairs of earrings, return them and turn those items into gift cards or cash.

Sales will not be letting up anytime soon and will most likely go well into the new year. My mother-in-law is right, though…sales after the holidays are the best kind. Those are the shopping opportunities I will be waiting for to indulge in! In the meantime, below are a few things I’ve purchased since November. Let’s see if I followed my own advice…

Happy Holidays, everyone!