As the end of summer approaches, we all know what that means—huge sales! It’s the perfect time to snag some deals, but it can be easy to fall into the trap of impulsive shopping. Today, I want to share some tips on how to navigate these sales like a pro, focusing on shopping wisely and building a functional wardrobe rather than accumulating more “stuff.”

1. Tipsy Tuesday 

Tipsy Tuesday Live replay with timely shopping tips, a cautionary tale, and some grown-up strategies to help you have more style while buying less stuff. 👇🏼

Understanding the Appeal of “The Sale”

First, let’s talk about why these sales are so tempting. End-of-summer sales (or sales like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale or Amazon Prime Days) – often boast significant discounts, making us feel like we’re getting a fantastic deal. The excitement of finding bargains can lead to impulsive purchases, where we end up buying items we don’t need. I’ve been there myself—caught up in the thrill of the hunt and ending up with items that don’t quite fit into my everyday life.

The Case of the Green Sparkly Pants

Let me share a little story that might sound familiar.  It was a few years ago on a rain afternoon at the end of August, and I was casually “doom scrolling” and looking at YouTube and influencers on IG. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, just killing time, mourning summer’s end, and living vicariously through others (not a good thing btw).  And then I saw them: a pair of sparkly green pants on a favorite Influencer.  They were perfectly styled, she looked amazing in them, and it stopped by scroll.

Now, I’m not usually one for glitter, but something about these pants just called out to me. I imagined all the places I could wear them—holiday parties, New Year’s Eve, maybe even a fancy dinner. And the price? An absolute steal at 70% off! Caught up in the moment, I added them to my cart and checked out, feeling like I had just scored the deal of the century. The dopamine hit was REAL.

Fast forward a few days, and the package arrived. At first, I was like, “Wonder what this is??” (First RED FLAG). But, like Christmas morning, I eagerly opened it, pulled out the pants, and tried them on. And then it hit me… what was I thinking? When would I wear sparkly green pants? They were fun, but not practical for my day-to-day life. I found myself laughing (and kicking myself) realizing how easily I had been swept up in the excitement of the sale.

These pants became a valuable lesson in impulsive buying. Every time I’m tempted by a “good deal,” I remember them and ask myself some important questions: Do I really need this item? Does it fit into my everyday life? Will it enhance my wardrobe, or will it just sit in my closet, tags still attached?

Smart Shopping Strategies

CREATING A SHOPPING LIST

Before you dive into those sales, take some time to create a shopping list based on your actual needs. Assess your wardrobe and identify any gaps. Maybe you need a new pair of comfortable yet stylish jeans or a versatile jacket that can transition into fall. By having a clear list, you’ll stay focused and avoid being swayed by flashy discounts. Keep the list handy…I use the NOTES app on my phone. If the item is not on the list, I don’t let myself buy it. It’s hard, but we’re grown-ups and these are the skills we try to teach young people right??

SETTING A BUDGET

It’s also crucial to set a budget before you start shopping. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure you’re only buying what you really need. Remember, a good deal isn’t really a deal if it breaks your budget. Again, hard I know, but we tell our kids to do it…We can do it too. 

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

As I was shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and looking at the pieces that were getting great hype and attention, it occurred to me that many of the amazing jackets, sweaters, and denim in the Fall Cabi collection are priced similarly to the sale prices in the Nordy sale, with the same, or in many cases much better quality and styling. But we see the markdown and feel like “we have to jump”.

Focus on the PIECE not simply the price.

It’s better to invest in a few high-quality pieces that will last rather than buying multiple items that may not hold up. Look for well-made items with good fabric and stitching. These pieces will be more versatile and will serve you well for years to come. 

Note: There will be personal exceptions to this ‘rule’. For example, I like to buy budget-friendly casual summer dresses as I wear them all the time, sweat in them, get sunscreen on them, and don’t need them to be the best quality. 

BUILDING A FUNCTIONAL WARDROBE

Think about building a functional wardrobe—one filled with pieces that you love and that work well together. Consider versatile items that can be mixed and matched. For example, a classic blazer can be dressed up for a night out or dressed down for a casual lunch. By choosing versatile pieces, you’ll get more mileage out of your wardrobe and avoid the clutter of items that only serve one purpose.

Strategies for Recognizing and Avoiding Impulse Purchases

SET A TIMER, TAKE A BREATHER

One of the biggest pitfalls of sale shopping is the impulse buy. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you really need the item and if it fits into your lifestyle. It can be helpful to wait a 24-48 hours before purchasing. Often, you’ll find that the initial excitement fades, and you can make a more rational decision.

DON’T PURCHASE FROM YOUR PHONE 

Yup, I said it. And this one can take lots of discipline and self-control…but remember, we’re the adults in the room, right?

 If random scrolling and on-line shopping is your downfall, make a deal with your (grown-up) self not to buy anything off your phone. Wait until you can sit at a computer (or even an ipad/tablet).  That alone may eliminate the impulsiveness.  Plus, you may just forget about it too, in which case it wasn’t  meant to be. 

UNSUBSCRIBE

If you find yourself constantly tempted by retailer emails touting the Sale of the Century, consider unsubscribing.  

A LIST, A PLAN AND NO WILLY-NILLY SHOPPING

We’re not going to be perfect, and sometimes an impulsive purchase can become a most favorite item.  Shopping can be a fun and rewarding experience if you approach it with a strategy. By creating a shopping list, setting a budget, focusing on quality, and building a functional wardrobe, you can shop smart and avoid the pitfalls of impulsive buying. 

Remember, it’s not about the “deal” but about making thoughtful choices that enhance your wardrobe and your life. Happy shopping, and may your wardrobe be filled with pieces you truly love and wear!

If you’ve got any tips or experiences with sale shopping, share them in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and #justgetdressed.