Thursday, March 13, 2014

Thrifty Thursdays - #36 - 11 Shopping Habits You Should Establish By 30

The Most Important Shopping Habits To Establish By The Time You're 30 
{Article via}

Not to get all mom and dad on you, but the truth of the matter is establishing good habits, especially in the shopping department, will benefit you for years to come.  Sure, everyone’s guilty of overspending from time to time, but instituting these 11 rules into your life will ultimately make you a smarter (and more successful!) shopper in the end - promise.  Now who doesn’t want to be that?

Shopping Habits

1. Set A Seasonal Wardrobe Budget
​It’s time to be smart with your finances and realistic about what you can spend on a monthly or seasonal basis.

Tip: Mint.com is a great online source that offers an easy way to create a personalized budget based on your spending habits.

Shopping Habits

2. Focus On Your Work Wardrobe
​If you’re serious about your career, you should be serious about your nine-to-five wardrobe, too.  Before you buy that new crop top, think to yourself: do I need a new work-appropriate blouse or pants more?  The answer is probably yes.

Tip: Dress for the job you want, not the one you have!

Shopping Habits

3. Invest In The 3 Bs: Blazer, Bag, and Boots
​These three pieces should be mainstays in your closet at all times.

Tip: Quality over quantity always reigns supreme with these purchases.

Shopping Habits

4. Buy Fast Fashion Wisely
​Don’t get me wrong, I'm all for the thrifty find, but the reality is you’re getting too old for poorly made items.  Instead, invest in the key pieces that will last you for years.

Tip: High street brands are great for picking up those super trendy items you’ll wear for a single season.

Shopping Habits

5. Do Inventory On Your Closet Before Spending
​If you already have five leather skirts hanging in your closet, you probably don’t need another one.

Tip: To quickly see the items you already own, closet organization is key.

Shopping Habits

6. Test Drive Before Buying Multiples of Something
​It may be tempting to buy that crewneck sweater in every color, but make sure you really love it before buying 10.

Tip: See how versatile the piece is with your current wardrobe, and ask yourself: can you it wear it to work and on the weekend?

Shopping Habits

7. Be Smart About Sales
​It’s easy to equate the word "sale" with "must-have."  Before jumping the gun, consider whether you’re actually getting a good deal.

Tip: Believe it or not, there are opportune times to buy certain pieces at a discount. 


8. Ask Yourself, “Will This Work For More Than One Occasion?”
​At least 80-85% of your wardrobe should be able to do double duty.  If you can only think of one place you’d wear an item, leave it in the dressing room.

Tip: If you’re going somewhere that you'll never be again, this is a good “rent it” opportunity.

Shopping Habits

9. Take Care Of Your Investment Pieces
​Knowing how to properly store your knits and leather can save you a ton of money in the long run.

Tip: Check out these expert-driven stories on how to extend the life of your leather and knits.

Shopping Habits 

10. Know When To Go Vintage/Thrift
​Your local vintage or thrift shops are a treasure trove for finding classic pieces, like a trench coat or denim jacket, and bigger ticket items, like a Chanel bag.

Tip: If you’ve got your eye on a designer piece, you can most likely find a similar style for a fraction of the cost at thrift stores.

Shopping Habits 

11. Find Your Signature Staples
​Now is the perfect time to play with different silhouettes and styles to discover those key pieces that always look good on you and you’ll wear for ages.

Tip: Once you find your silhouette, don’t be afraid to experiment with of-the-moment fabrics and prints to give your look a fresh update every season.





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