Shopping Tips

It seems to me that though prices are constantly going up, salaries are staying the same. Rarely do I ever pay full price for clothing. Aren't you all for saving a buck or two? I've put together a few little shopping tips that I thought you might enjoy.

1. Do not be scared to shop in the Internet. I've heard lots of people say that they would rather be able to try clothing on in person. Yes, that is true, but you can often times get better deals online. If there is something you are dying to have, try in on in person and then look for it on the Internet.

2. Decide what you want to spend your money on. Is the latest trend really worth $300 a shirt? If you are going to spend that kind of money, spend it on something that is timeless, classic and will last many seasons. For the more trendy styles that won't last very long, visit stores like F21 and H&M.

3. Read clothing labels. Think polyester vs. rayon vs. silk.

4. There are lots of sites that will email you daily alerts of sales on brands that you enjoy. My Perfect Sale is one that I like.

5. ShopStyle is a great site that allows you to search for a certain item. I find it much easier to navigate than other similar sites. It also lets you create collages similar to Polyvore.

6. Thrift stores, consignment shops, garage sales and flea markets often have hidden treasures.

7. Retailers like TJMaxx and Marshalls sell name-brand clothing. Sometimes you have to dig a little, but I guarantee there is lots of good stuff to be found. This past week I saw Lilly Pulitzer pajamas, Jack Rogers sandals, Kate Spade earrings and Charles by Charles David heels.

8. RE-SELL your items. Take clothing to consignment stores. Or better yet, sell it yourself online.

a. Ebay is always a good option, even though you have to pay fees. Be willing to start your price out low to increase your chances of a sale.

b. Bonanza is another site similar to Ebay, but there are no fees.

c. Smashion is a site that has a Market as wells as Forums to discuss fashion. There are no fees.

9. Don't be afraid to shop on these sites. Check measurements and read the fine print from sellers. There are tons of good deals waiting to be found.

10. Sell clothing online in other forms--have a blog sale. Click here for J. Crew selling/looking for posts and here for Lilly Pulitzer items. There are many other online closets, too.

11. Payment for selling items online usually requires a Paypal account. This money can either be transferred into your bank account or you can use it to shop at numerous stores online. ShoeMall, chickdowntown.com, Ruelala, Hautelook, PurseLadyToo, Preppy Outlet, Amazon, Smart Bargains, and Overstock all accept Paypal.

12. Shop sample sale sites for great deals on all sorts of items. Ruelala, Gilt, Hautelook, Beyond the Rack, Zulily (great for moms and kids), and No More Rack (offers 8 deals a day) are among them.

13. Use Ebates!! We're talking cash back from where it pays to shop online!! Before you make any purchases online go here to see if they accept Ebates. Be sure to go through Ebates for Ebay, too.

If any of you have other sites to add to the ones above, please be sure to post a comment. Happy (bargain) shopping!