How to Shop Like a Pro (Without Breaking the Bank)
Six Tips For Shopping With Intention.
Who doesn't love finding the perfect pieces? EVEN BETTER if you catch them on sale!
I love to shop, try on different items, and visualize the looks I have in my head. But for some, shopping can feel overwhelming—or expensive, especially if you don't have a strategy. The good news is you don't need a huge budget to build a wardrobe you love; you just need to shop with intention. It took me a long time to get this figured out, and after listening to some of my fashionista favs, I finally got it. I know how to shop like a pro without breaking the bank.
Here are my top tips for shopping with intention:
1. Have a Plan: Before shopping, make a list of what your wardrobe is missing. Is it a pair of white jeans to transition into the new season? A new trench coat or blazer? A new pair of loafers? Knowing what you're looking for keeps impulse buys at bay.
2. Set a Budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend ahead of time; this keeps your spending intentional and guilt-free. I set a maximum budget of $1000 for seasonal hauls as needed. Most of the time, my budget is lower because of the staples I've previously purchased.
3. Mix High and Low: Invest in high-quality staples like blazers or leather boots, but balance your wardrobe with affordable finds from consignment shops and other quality budget-friendly brands. Banana Republic is one of my favorite brands, but I love a good Zara find 😉
4. Know When to Splurge: Certain pieces—like a timeless handbag, a tailored coat, or a great loafer (I'm into them now 🤣)—are worth the investment because they'll last for years.
5. Shop Preloved: Thrifting and consignment shops are treasure troves for unique, budget-friendly finds. Plus, it's a more sustainable way to shop. Rent the Runway was one of my favorite ways to shop preloved before moving to Germany.
6. Take Advantage of Sales: Sign up for your favorite brands' newsletters to stay updated on sales and discounts. Consider a store card to collect points towards purchases and member discounts.
Shopping isn't about buying more; it's about choosing better. Be intentional about what you bring into your wardrobe, and you'll build a collection that reflects your style and values.
Try This:
1. Keep a running list of wardrobe gaps so you can focus on buying what you truly need.
2. Shop your closet first—sometimes, the perfect piece is one you've forgotten about. I've digitized my closet with the Whering app, and it makes this process of shopping my closet and styling so easy and fun.
3. Set a budget before hitting the stores or online shops to avoid impulse purchases.
4. Explore thrift stores, consignment shops, or online resale platforms for unique, affordable finds.
5. Subscribe to newsletters for your favorite brands to get alerts about sales and discounts.
Question For You:
What's the best piece you've ever found while shopping on a budget, and what made it special? For me, it's these leather shorts I snagged from Rent the Runway. They are special because I got them for about 75% less than the original cost, and I wore them on a special New Year with my hubby and great friends and made great memories in my home city, CHICAGO! 😉
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