Last weekend, Chelcey and I did some serious damage at the mall (well maybe I did the damage, but she also scored an amazing dress for an upcoming work event!). The beauty of it all though? Everything I purchased was on sale, including the gorgeous Michael Kors bag and glittery Kate Spade Keds in the photo above. I'll give you a minute to pick your jaw up off the floor now. You can absolutely score some killer deals like I did by following my tips and tricks so that next time you have sticker shock, it won't be because the price is crazy high but because it's so low and too good to pass up.
1. Patience is a virtue. I've had my eye on a particular polka dot sweater (shocker, I know) but at $80 I couldn't take the plunge. Some sales came and went, I know this because I practically stalked the website, but I wanted to hold off for an even better deal. We decided to pop into that store, really to look for a dress for Chelcey, when I spotted two of them hanging on the sale rack. And guess what? Sale items were an additional 50% off that day. You best believe I snatched one up right away.
2. You have to be flexible. Part two of my sweater story - I was a little disappointed when I flipped over the tags on the two sweaters and saw that neither of them were my size. However, one was a size up so I went with it, knowing that I could layer shirts underneath it for multiple looks. Don't turn down an awesome deal just because something may not your typical size. If you can make it work, it's worth it!
3. Online and in store sales aren't always the same. Part three of my sweater story - I went with the bigger sweater, but immediately checked their website again when I got home. If it was online in my size, I was fully prepared to go ahead and buy it and then return the store one. Come to find out though, this sweater wasn't even marked down online, and therefore not the additional percentage off. Morale of the story, don't assume you can't get a great deal just because it's not on sale in one place or the other.
4. Check for deals often. Sometimes stores offer spur of the moment sales for very limited time, as in hours. You really won't know about this unless you have impeccable timing at the store in person or constantly stalk the website. That's totally possible, but not the most efficient method. The best way to keep track of this is to sign up for e-mails. Just be aware that you have to walk a very fine line though, because the constant barrage of emails can entice overspending. As long as you have any sort of self control, you'll be golden.
5. Be ready to splurge. This is more for bigger ticket items, such as a handbag. I had been doing more online stalking of the Kate Spade and Rebecca Minkoff websites' sale sections, but when it comes to handbags I really prefer to purchase them in person unless I've already seen it before. There were a couple online that did catch my eye, but I was hesitant to purchase because I had no idea what it would look like when it came to my door. I checked the sale racks at our local Von Maur, and lo and behold this beautiful Michael Kors quilted bag was hanging there, just begging to go home with me. It was perfect and exactly what I was looking for - a medium size with a long strap - and did I mention it was marked down twice! Now when it comes to something like this, I really had no time to waiver on whether or not I wanted to buy it, because chances are if I waited and came back, it would be long gone in the home of some other lucky lady. With Chelcey's encouragement, I made this bag all mine. This is one of the best deals I have gotten on a splurge-worthy item. Part of it is the right timing and what just so happens to be available at the time, but part of it is also willingness to make the purchase. My biggest advice if you are looking for a deal on a new bag, is to go for it if you find something you think you'll love!
What are you best tricks for scoring the best deals?
xoxo,
Amanda