How to Shop on a Budget

Submitted by Mimi on Tuesday, 7 April 200920 Comments

Recession shopping is the hottest topic of the moment; thus I thought I’d share with you some of my TRIED AND PROVEN techniques on how to stick to a strict budget when shopping for clothes.
It is okay to update your wardrobe every season because let’s face it, we all go through the “I have nothing to wear” syndrome, but the key is to go shopping and return home with items that you actually need and will wear. You don’t want to come home with five bags full of random impulse buys that you are not likely to wear and still feel like you are missing the basics in your wardrobe.

Does that sound familiar? Want to avoid that from happening?

Then read on… I promise, it’s very easy!

Okay… this is what you are going to need to do:
1) Before your shopping trip, go through your closet, shoes and accessories to figure out what exactly your wardrobe is missing.

2.) Sit down, take a piece of paper and pen and start writing down clothes and accessories that you know for a fact you need this season and how much you can afford to spend on each item! Some of them might be basics such as a little black dress (LBD) and some might be trendy clothes that you want to experiment with.

For example: animal print shoes. Prior to putting the item on your list, ask yourself an honest question:

“Do I really need it right now and can I afford it?”

3) PUT IT ON PAPER… I prefer doing it on paper because it feels more powerful that way; however use whatever you feel comfortable with. You might decide to put the list in your Iphone, blackberry , etc…

4) Now, the hardest part comes when you are actually shopping. The key to your success depends on your ability to stick to the shopping list while you are shopping and steer away from all other temptations you don’t really require.

- “Oh, but that cute MK bag is on sale for only $ 100! I have to have it!”
-“ Is it on your list?”
- “Ummm…no”
- “Then you don’t really need it…”

5. Refer to it – Always refer back to your shopping list. Double, triple checking that you only settle for items that are within your shopping budget. Having a shopping list for clothes will insure that you get exactly what you need, for the precise price that you are willing to pay.

The best part is when you get home. You will feel fantastic about yourself. Not only will you have a wardrobe full of useful, updated clothes, but the whole process will give you a sense of accomplishment, minus the guilty “overspending” feelings.

What are some of your secrets of shopping on a budget? Please do share…

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Thanks for visiting and keep in touch ~ Mimi.

20 Comments »

The Seeker said:

This are great tips, just on time for my trip, darling.
Well… I kind of do some of this.

Luv

xoxo

- 7 April 2009 at 3:18 pm

vicky said:

Great tips, I will try this soon, as I feel like I have nothing to wear again, LOL

- 7 April 2009 at 3:32 pm

Leyla said:

I certainly do need to go shopping, as I really don’t have anything to wear. So these ideas & tips are extremely timely & helpful. Having a certain budget in mind certainly helps too. In general planning ahead is what keeps you on track. Thanks Mimi! =)

- 7 April 2009 at 6:20 pm

cassiopeia said:

great post… i’m a big online shopping, discount codes girl… that and sample sales / charity shops, but i guess the former’s all about living in the right region, and the latter’s about sheer luck! i really do need to make lists… i’m looking for the perfect summer work shorts at the mo.

hugs,

xxxc

http://clothestohealabrokenheart.blogspot.com/

- 7 April 2009 at 6:38 pm

zombielace said:

Good tips for the self disciplined! I absolutely LOVE a good list, nothing else keeps my head on straight!

- 7 April 2009 at 7:00 pm

lisa said:

Love the nude heels in the collage above! And very sensible tips…hmm I’m not sure I have much to add actually.

- 7 April 2009 at 7:05 pm

Eeli said:

Damnit I really need to head all this advice lol. It all makes sense thanks for reminding me (and everyone else) of the importance of PLANNING!

Jeepers!!!!!

Me + rockin + body do not go well or atleaat make my squeem to the 100th power! :*(

That first picture was courtesy of your post a while back actually! I confess some pretty major tummy suckage had been going on whilst I was kneeling down lol. Aslong as i NEVER have to do that i believe i may JUST get away with wearing it haha.

xoxo Eeli

- 8 April 2009 at 8:31 am

janettaylor said:

What a great tips, thanks…

xoxo: Janet

- 8 April 2009 at 10:03 am

sharon rose said:

Hi there-fabulous tips my dear, I thrfited my blazers, I got an Armani beige one and a navy Alberta Ferretti one all for under £10!! Thrifting is a great choice for recessionistas!

- 8 April 2009 at 12:35 pm

silje said:

Wonderful tips!

- 8 April 2009 at 1:41 pm

Kelli said:

Great tips Mimi!
A list is a must… the only way to stay on track!

- 8 April 2009 at 6:44 pm

Andre Tehrani said:

To all the ladies reading this!

ED HARDY SWIM SUITS!

They are the hottest swim wear and should therefore be on your purchasing lists.

- 8 April 2009 at 10:24 pm

Marian said:

hey beautiful! congrats again on the gov program. so chuffed for you as we brits say :O)
super savvy tips sugar and im loving that scarf and nude shoes!
they rock. hope your week is going well?
muah xx
Marian.

- 9 April 2009 at 4:35 am

la couturier said:

Fabulous! I actually did a similar post a while ago =]

Bisous,
La C.

- 9 April 2009 at 1:46 pm

xs said:

i’ve never tried shopping with a list. when i’m on a budget i try to take a buddy as my shopping police. sometimes it works!

- 11 April 2009 at 12:26 am

franco said:

haha yeas shopping in a budget is the new black,
good tips

- 12 April 2009 at 2:27 pm

rain said:

thanks for the tips!

xoxo

- 27 April 2009 at 2:48 pm

Poster Girl said:

This is such helpful advice. I think that calculating cost per wear is important, too. You have to divide the cost of an item by how many times you’ll wear it, and the lower the number, the better!

- 12 June 2009 at 11:38 am

Emily said: