Savings Salvage Shopping for Budget Conscious Fashionistas

The other night, my friend and I sat with a bottle of Skinny Girl’s California Red Blend, slipped in a DVD of Yes Man, and tackled the daunting task of collecting receipts from our past week to add up the damage done.

As we slipped out and unwrinkled each tab, the once smitten grins on our faces vanished as quickly as the wine in our glasses. Jotting down my venues and totals, I began to notice a pattern:

Century 21- $139.95

Urban Outfitters- $72.49

Anthropologie- $415.22

Ulysses Folk House- $37.25

ShoeGasm- $159.98

Republic- $40.00

Victoria’s Secret- $25.95

Sephora- $50.65

And the list continued.

My shopping obsession, borderline addiction stared me straight in the face. As if the embarrassment of excessive spending wasn’t enough, the depletion of my bank account forced me into a mindset I like to call “savings salvage shopping.”

In this mindset, I become an expert at cost effective shopping. This means substituting costly purchases with less pricey alternatives. And so I pass onto you my tips for instant savings without sacrificing style.

Jewelry and shoes are every girl’s best friends and ultimate splurge buys. To stay cost-conscious and still rock the glitz and glam, treat the sale section as your one-and-only destination. Sample and warehouse sales are your best bet when browsing for designer shoes. Vintage shops are also an option, if weathered or once-worn footwear doesn’t make you quiver.

As for jewelry, I recommend testing out a little trick I have often used. Waltz right into that department store, pass the cases of glimmering diamonds and seductive gold and head for the kids jewelry section. While rings and bracelets will probably be out of the question (unless you have notably thin fingers and wrists) necklaces, chains and earrings are always an option. Purchase a pair of diamond or pearl studs in the kid’s section at a lower price, and save a ton!

For a not-so-secretive tip, practice the old budget rule. As difficult as it may seem, set a monthly budget for yourself and stick to it. When you practice shopping-control and purchase only the can’t-live-without pieces, your receipt collection won’t be so unnerving.

Trust me, your bank account will thank you.