The Style

So, this outfit was not love at first sight…it was more like intrigue at first sight. I stopped into one of my favorite D.C. boutiques, Lettie Gooch, just to say “hi” to the owner and I spotted this item on the mannequin. When I put it on I was not instantly sold and noted that I thought it needed heels. The moment I put on the heels, I was sold. And, now, I wear it with heels and sneakers! I have been on the hunt for a chic pant and sweater set that would keep me warm while traveling but also would ensure I looked stylish during quick runs to the market or convenience store. Fortunately for me, I found exactly what I needed at Lettie Gooch!

Sweatshirt and Pants by Amadi purchased at Lettie Gooch

Decollete Pumps by Christian Louboutin

The Mood

There are two things I love – fashion and budgeting. I also love cleaning and organizing, but that’s not really relevant to this article. My closet is legendary among my friends. Whenever people see me sporting a new pair of designer shoes, they instantly assume that I spend most of my money on my clothes. But, they are definitely wrong. I believe firmly in saving money and I believe very firmly in living by a budget. In fact, I actually live on 1/3rd of my income, give away 1/3rd and save the remaining 1/3rd. While it might seem as if those two things conflict, I can assure you, that it is possible to be a fashionista (even a designer fashionista) while still managing to save a decent portion of your income. Below are five tips for saving money when you shop.

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Sample sales are a dream.

If you are like me and cannot resist a new pair of designer shoes every now and then, sample sales are a great place to find amazing deals. Back in the day, the Barneys New York Warehouse sale was the shopping event of my whole year. On multiple occasions, I managed to score $2,000 Christian Louboutin shoes for $200. While that is no longer still around, many designers still hold annual or semi-annual sample sales and they are a great place to purchase designer items at a bargain basement price.

Wait for the extra 30%/40%/50% off the sale price sale.

The trick for ensuring you get the item you want at your discount price is to learn how frequently your favorite store turns over inventory. If the store turns over inventory every 3 weeks, then you basically can predict when the next extra percentage off sale will occur. Also, these extra percentage off sale also occur around holidays so that’s a great time to stock up on anything you want.

Thrift shops and vintage shops have new and used clothing and are a source of great finds.

I have spent a decent amount of time scoping out the best second hand shops. There are so many great deals to find in these shops, especially if you’re into designer goods. However, it is important to figure out the best places to go. There are many shops out there with merchandise older than your grandmother. While it might require you to spend an hour on the internet to find the best spots, I’m sure you won’t regret it once you do.

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Visit stores targeted for the budget shopper.

If you are not into second hand clothes or simply do not want to spend the time sifting through every thrift store in town, then just swing by Nordstrom Rack, Off Fifth, Century 21, TJ Maxx or a specific retailers’ factory store. I tend to prefer factory stores when I know exactly what I am looking for from a particular retailer. The rest are for when I need everything for everyone — home goods, shoes, bag, and clothes for you and every member in your household can all be purchased at your local Nordstrom Rack or TJ Maxx on a discount. For those of you that care about snagging designer items for less, you can definitely score some great finds. For example, I spotted a pair of size 7 Christian Louboutin shoes in TJ Maxx for $300 one day — that particular pair usually retails for $625. To get ahead of the crowd, my advice is to get to know the salespeople and ask for a heads up on when they get new inventory so you will be the first in line.

Price adjustments and price matching.

Many stores will offer you a price adjustment on an item you purchase if the price decreases or the item goes on sale within 7 days of your purchase. Interestingly, I don’t think many people take advantage of this — mainly because it can be a little uncomfortable. However, never let anyone make you feel guilty about how you spend your money. If you purchased an item and it goes on sale 2 days later just take your receipt into the store (or call up the customer service line if you purchased online) and request a price adjustment. In that same regard, if you love an item in the store only to look it up on your phone and see it is cheaper on another website, but that website doesn’t have your preferred size or color, ask the other retailer for a price match. I saw a dress I loved at Nordstrom but they didn’t have the color I wanted. As the salesperson was looking to see if they could find it in another color, I went over to the retailers website on my phone and discovered that the retailer had put the dress on sale where Nordstrom still had it marked at full price. I asked the salesperson if she would price match the item to the retailer and she agreed with no problem!