Like every other fashion-loving woman out there, I LOVE to shop! Every time I walk into a store, my heart skips a beat and I get butterflies in my stomach. Okay, so maybe I am exaggerating a little bit but shopping does make me very happy. As I’ve gotten older and started to face the financial realities of the real world, I had to figure out a way to look like a million bucks without spending a million bucks. My solution to this fashion dilemma was to shop dirty and dress clean.
So what exactly do I mean by “shop dirty and dress clean”? For today’s post, I want to share with you my logic behind “shopping dirty“:
“Shop Dirty” refers to the idea that in order to score an amazing fashion find, you will need to get your hands dirty. Whether it be sifting through bins at your local thrift store or clearing the rack at Nordstrom Rack’s clearance event, scoring an amazing find is hard work. Don’t be surprised if a little sweat and tears are involved. Now, I want to share with you some tips on how I shop dirty:
- Know Thrift Store Sale Days– Every Wednesday, you will find me at my local Salvation Army. Every color, with the exception of one, is half off making it worth the trip. While shopping, I will almost always find designer pieces for under $5 and who could say no to that?! Finding these pieces, however, is not easy and involves patience, determination, and a trained eye.
- Sign Up for Store Emails – If you have an email, don’t be afraid to sign up for your favorite store’s emails. Email subscribers are always the first to know if there is a clearance event, sale, or any other special opportunities to maximize your shopping experience. Also, they typically send out coupon codes to new subscribers which could result in big savings if you make a purchase.
- Don’t Pay Full Price– Before I make a purchase, whether it be online or in-store, I ALWAYS check for a coupon code. My favorite place to go is RetailMeNot.com because it is quick, simple, and easy. Yes, it does require a little work to hunt down a code sometimes but those few minutes searching could lead to major savings!
- Clear the Rack– A couple of times a year, Nordstrom Rack holds a Clear the Rack event. Basically, all of the clearance items are marked down to reflect additional savings. I love Nordstrom Rack because you may find high-end designer fashion for a fraction of the original retail price. Sometimes, if you are lucky enough to spot some designer finds in the clearance racks, you could be reaching savings of up to 90% off retail. How else could you find Stuart Weitzman boots for under $50 and a Tory Burch sweater for under $30?
- Think Before You Buy– To shop smart, you need to logically think through your purchases before hitting the check out line. Consider items such as cost per wear, quality, and versatility before making a purchase. As a result, you will make a smart shopping decision instead of an impulsive one. Your bank account will thank you!
I really appreciate you taking the time to check out today’s post! Check back on Monday for more on the idea behind “dressing clean”.
Outfit Details: Dress: H&M (Exact); Shoes: Saks Off Fifth, Plato’s Closet (Exact); Bag: Valentino by Mario Valentino, Clothes Mentor
Be classy. Be confident. Be strong.
Baci,
Bianca Ida
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