The Secret Behind Sale Shopping – Katie Tells Us How To Bag Ourselves A Real Bargain!

I love to shop… and now that I’ve moved from California to Nebraska I do a lot more of it online! We all know that price doesn’t always indicate quality, so how do you know when that 75% plus discount is really a great deal? Just remember the four R’s: Research, Wearability, Return Policy and Waiting (ok technically 2 R’s and 2 W’s)…

Think before you buy!

Lingerie from Mio Destino

Research:   There are a lot of great sites devoted to only one topic, in our case it’s lingerie, but you can find just about anything.  If at all possible, visit a local department store to see the quality for yourself (fabric, stitching, fit) and don’t be afraid of  Made in China (read Deluxe by Dana Thomas).  You’ll also need to know the actual retail price to be sure what you are buying is a bargain.

Return Policy:   What is the return policy?  This is extremely important and can make or break a great deal -if you can’t see it and can’t return it be very wary.  Final sale is only for something that is so inexpensive that even if you can’t wear it, it’s so nice that you can gift or resell it to someone else (i.e. Figleaves U.S. clearance sale).  If you have a local TJ Maxx (U.S.)/TK Maxx (U.K.)/Winners (Canada) and you are traveling, visit these stores in other cities (especially if there’s a Runway department).  They have great prices and a fantastic return policy -any store within 30 days, as long as, tags are still on and in unworn condition.

In Denver I stopped by TJ Maxx in Cherry Creek, it was fantastic!  I picked up the Hanro Pure Affair gown $20/reg. $150 -it’s a dream, Cosabella’s cozy rayon robe $15 and Helmut Lang knickers $10/reg. $70.  I also lusted after a silk & crystal Judith Leiber clutch $375 (reg $1400) but instead got Amrita Singh bangles (returned those to my local TJ Maxx with no problem).

Waiting:  A wise woman (called Tammy) recently said: wait long enough it will come around and you can also see if  it stands the test of time (beautiful lingerie usually does).  The benefit of this is that you will either get what you want at the price you want or save your money -it’s a win-win.  Also be aware of a new threat trying to part you and your hard earned cash – the Pop-up Sale!

It is all the rage among certain sample sale sites: These sales prey on your insecurities, encourage impulse buying and to make matters worse most of the deep discount sales have a no return policy.  Buying something at these sales because it may sell out is crazy, but it is very easy to get swept up in the frenzy.  Most of these sites have very little stock (1 or 2 pieces in each size) and when they are snapped up, you may feel left out.  Don’t they have no shortage of sales if they did they would go out of business asap, don’t worry it will come around again or maybe something even better!

The all-important question!

Lingerie by Modern Courtesan at Mio Destino
Finally: are you going to wear it?  Remember most sale items are from past seasons -another thing to think about during the fast pace Pop-up Sale, so if you aren’t going to wear it and you can’t gift it or sell it then it’s not a great deal.  Sadly, it’s just wasting money that would look so much better in your bank account than collecting dust hanging in your closet.
On the other hand, if it’s something you’ve hankered after all season but you’ve not been able to bring yourself to part with half your salary, go for it!

If you love the lingerie featured in the above images, go to Mio Destino where you’ll find them all on sale!