Blinded by the Bargain

Everyone loves a great bargain, that’s why we’re all here right? What happens though when you find yourself blinded by the bargain and end up with a closet full of mis-matched items and no real sense of style? The trick to creating fashion forward style is to know how and when to shop. No matter what the price of the item, a bargain is never a bargain if it hangs in your closet and never gets worn.  There are a couple of tried and true tips to follow that will ensure that from this day forward you are never blinded by the bargain again.

Summer Style by lesliemccain featuring a 14 karat gold ring

Shop With A Purpose

The most important rule to avoid being blinded by the bargain is to shop with a purpose. First, before you leave the house have a list of the items that you need to complete your wardrobe. Then, establish a set budget for your shopping trip. By putting a finite number on the amount that you can spend, you have made your wardrobe dollars a very precious commodity. Creating a budget helps you avoid making impulsive decisions that you will regret later.

Leverage Social Media Channels

Social media is all the rage when it comes to bargain hunting. It is worth your while to follow all of your favorite brands on whatever social media outlets that you currently use. There are often exclusive promotions sent via a brands facebook page or twitter feed.  There are also certain hashtags that you can search in an effort to score great deals. Look for #coupon, #deal, #save, #sale or #discount before you head off. You can often score a great deal from those terms and others like them.

Set Guidelines for Great Finds

For me guidelines are twofold. First, I set a budget with regards to how much I am willing to spend on one piece. In other words, I define what a bargain means for me before I ever leave the house. Then, I force myself to find at least two items that I already own that I will be able to pair with my potential new piece. If I have to buy something else to wear with it, I have defeated the purpose of my bargain hunting.

Now, its your turn to sound off…how do you avoid being blinded by a bargain?