Shop the After-Holiday Sales With a Plan

Get ready - it's time for after-Holiday shopping! January is when retailers seriously need to move their merchandise and we can help them, but let's do it smart! Merchants have already stocked their shelves with Valentine's Day merchandise, and will begin to stock the shelves with resort wear and early spring shipments in the next few weeks. Fall and winter merchandise needs to be cleared out. Take advantage of this clearance mode, but spend your dollars wisely and do it with a plan. Now is definitely the time to get great basics at rock-bottom prices!

Some of most important shopping rules are ones you've heard before, but it never hurts to be reminded:

• Ask yourself over and over, "Do I need this?" Remember this mantra - Do I really need this?

• Does it look good on me? Is this the right style for my body type? Knowing the styles that are best for your body type will save you time and money and you'll feel better too!

• Is this my color? Is this a color that fits into my wardrobe plan and complements my own skin and hair coloring?

• Buy for the body you are currently in. Don't reminisce about back when you wore two sizes smaller! This kind of thinking won't help right now.

• Remember the rule: you must be able to wear it in at least two different ways to make it useful in your wardrobe. If you buy something but have nothing to wear it with, it's not a bargain.

• Stock up now on basics. Look for camisoles, tanks, tees and favorite fitting bras or underwear. Always keep an eye out for pieces that help stretch your wardrobe.

• Buy fewer things, but better quality. No one will remember if a dark neutral jacket is repeated later in the week. A bright fuchsia jacket is harder to repeat in the same week. A great quality jacket in a classic style will last you for years.

• Try a trend, don't invest in a trend. Long gypsy sleeves never stay in style very long; the same goes for many of the fads we see on television, in magazines or in commercials. There is no need to invest designer dollars on a passing fashion. Try a trendy item when the price is right or pass on it all together.

• Shop everywhere, even stores you usually avoid because you think they are too pricey. Bargains are to be found at end of year sales in every price range. Don't discount more expensive stores - every store and every rack is where you are shopping, because you are armed with a list and know and know what you are looking for.

• For serious shopping, go it alone. When you concentrate on the styles, fit, and colors you like and then keep to your plan, you have less of a chance of getting sidetracked. Also, friends tend to talk you into things, not out of them. You might end up giving in to your friend's likes.

• Last rule - You've got to love it! Don't buy anything unless you love it! This is true for sale racks, outlet stores and full priced clothing. If you don't love it in the store, you really won't love it once you get it home!

Get yourself prepared, shop wisely, and you'll end up with some deals you'll love all year long!


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