Achieving style on a budget is a simple formula that boils down to two principles. You have to know when to shop and how to shop. If you can master those two techniques, then you are well on your way to red carpet style on a shoestring budget.

When to Shop

Like any other business, retail has seasons and cycles that dictate what happens when. If you follow those cycles, then you can score major finds on the cheap. For example, January is all about clearance in retail and stores are taking major markdowns as they prepare for the onslaught of spring goods that are about to arrive. Now is the time to stock up on coats and boots that can be tucked away for next year. If you stick with basic colors, then they will look fresh and new when you break them out next year. January is also the time when the older models for electronics are discounted to make the showroom ready for the latest and greatest that vendors have to offer. Next month look for deals on jewelry just in time for Valentine’s Day. If you are looking to score a new swimsuit, then hit your favorite retailer in August, they will be having one final clearance sale before returning items to the vendor for pennies on the dollar. The best time to buy that great pair of jeans is in October once the babies have gone back to school.  Each month has its own item that is headed out the door and is now a major deal. If you know when to shop, then you have won half the battle and you will never pay retail again. For me that just means that I can get twice as much.

How to Shop

The other part of the style equation is about knowing how to shop, which is my favorite part of the quest. When it comes to knowing how to shop, that means that you never leave home without a coupon or a stash of rewards points. When you combine a great sale and a coupon or a bundle of rewards points, then for the most part things are almost free. Just last week, I used the $20 in rewards points that I earned Christmas shopping for the family and combined them with a spring preview sale where I paid $4 for two pairs of shorts that I will wear this spring and summer. The trick is to sign up for email alerts from the stores that you frequent most often. There is not a day that goes by where there is not some type of coupon available. If you do leave home without one then just ask, most retailers have extras. Almost all of those coupons can also be combined with sales to get an even better deal. For example, with the jacket featured here, it retailed at $130 and was on sale for ½ off. Then, I used a coupon where I got another $30 off and only paid $35 for a $130 jacket. That’s a grand slam if I do say so myself. Finally, if you are on Pinterest then sign up for Lyst.com, this site will notify you when anything that you have pinned on Pinterest goes on sale. It takes the guess work out of shopping…just plan, pin and save.

Shopping is my sport of choice and scoring the big deal is my version of a grand slam. I hope this helps in your quest to achieve your own version of style on a budget. Thanks for taking the time to visit the place where budget and style meet and feel free to leave a shout out to the great deals you were able to find on your own shopping adventure.

Linking with
Katherines CornerPenniless Socialite
A complete waste of makeup