Holiday shopping can get expensive. Now until
Valentine's Day I try and give my bank account a breather. However, I still
enjoy an occasional mall hangout. Over the years I've developed a few tips that
allow me to re-coop after the holidays without completely breaking up with the
mall.
Tip 1: Get Organized
Post-holiday season is the best time to organize a closet. We all have a few new gifts to hang up as well as old clothes to donate. With less clutter you are more likely to feel you have something to wear, decreasing urges to shop. Here is a quick closet organization tip: split your closet up into two sections: basics and statement pieces. Basic pieces include jeans, blazers, leggings, white T-shirts, and hoodies. Be honest and set aside those you are no longer wearing (i.e. too big, too small, too worn). Statement pieces include colored, patterned, and embellished items that change by season. Be honest and set aside those that you feel are no longer in style. Prior to donating try to sell your items to a buy-back store.
Tip 2: Stop Buying the Same Outfit
If you do make it to the mall please don't buy items you already have. Now that your closet is organized I'm sure you know more or less of what you actually need. When you are out at the mall and see an item you like just ask yourself if you already own something similar. If the answer is yes... move on!
Tip 3: Put it on Hold
The biggest advice I can give a friend is, "leave the item behind. If it's still on your mind in a few days then go back for it". Sometimes when we are at the mall we get the urge to purchase and end up buying items over budget or ones we will never wear. I've left a lot of items behind and forgotten about them. If I go back for it then I know it's something I actually need.
Tip 4: Return Items
Always ask what a stores return policy is, keep receipts, and also read your receipts! If you are on the fence with an item make sure you can return it. You won't believe how many stores have exchange only policies.
Tip 5: Go Home & Try it on
I never see the point in owning an item that doesn’t match with my wardrobe If you get sold on a bright pair of heals go home and try it on. If you have absolutely nothing to wear them with go back and return them. Store mirrors and dressing room lighting can be tricky as well. You may of felt confident in a purchase at the store, but in the normal lighting of your room you may decide to never be seen in it. So don't let the item sit in your closet and expire on its return date. Try it on right away and decide whether it's an item worth keeping.
Tip 6: Do Your Laundry & Pick Up Your Dry Cleaning
I can't believe this is actually a tip. Don't tell my mom. She will laugh, because this is one she always reminds me of. When I have a full hamper I tend to feel like I having nothing to wear so I'll go to the mall to avoid doing laundry. I will subconsciously buy items I already own like basic white T's that are in the laundry.
Tip 7: Let Your Shopping Work For You
Check for reward programs and mail coupons. In this fast paced life we can be quick to blow off the cashier when they ask, "have you heard about our shop and save program". All we need to hear is, "have you heard..." and we are ready to reply, "no thank you". But, if you already shop at this particular store you are bound to save on future purchases. So hear out the program offered.
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