shop responsibly!

I was so tired of seeing those generic "Shop better" or "Stop impulse buying" articles that just tell you to the same thing ("budget yourself!") in 5 different ways.  I always come away with absolutely nothing.
 
So I've compiled my own list of the ways to become a smarter shopper (mainly when it comes to clothes).  These have helped me immensely and hopefully some of these tips can help you too.


1. Spring clean your wardrobe!  Give away all the clothes you'll never wear.  A general rule of thumb is if you haven't worn it in over a year, chances are you won't wear it again.

2. Take an inventory and conclude what you have, what you need and what you want.  Remember to put away your winter clothes (or summer clothes, if it's winter time) .  I like to put mine in the back of the closet.  This helps me to clear my mind and figure out what I have/need/want more easily.

3. Only buy clothes you absolutely love.  If it's only $8, but you feel indifferent about it, then pass.  It's not a good deal if you're never going to wear it.  Bye-bye, $8!

I've been guilty of doing this from time to time.  Case in point: I bought this top for $6.99, but when I brought it home I thought,  "I really don't like those longer sides  ".  I was a sucker for a good sale.  But luckily,  I kept the receipt and tags so back to the store it goes!

4. If you can't decide whether to buy something or not, put it on hold (if the store allows it).  If I'm still thinking about it a day later, I'll run to the store to buy it.  If you forgot about it...well, that says something.

5. When you buy an item, let it sit with the tag attached and the receipt for a couple of days (unless it's one of those situations where you simply must wear it right away).  This gives time to examine the item in the right lighting and think: Can I produce multiple outfits with this?  Does this look as good as it did in the store?

6. When buying for a special occasion, try to find a dress or an outfit that you can see yourself wearing more than once.  Or something that can be dressed down or worn to work.  Accessories are your friend!

7. Be mindful of who you're shopping with.  Friends or relatives who will be nothing but completely genuine and honest with you are the ideal shopping companions.  This is why I like to shop with my Mom.  She tells it like it is.  "Sorry, but that does nothing for you" is her favorite line.

Got any more tips you'd like to share?

-jillian m.