Don't be afraid to go on in and shop... but make sure you have a plan of attack.

By Crystal Fambrini

Step one:  Make a list of what you want to buy for your closet, don’t hold back.

Why bother with a list?  

Well it’s common for people to write out grocery lists, so why not have the same plan of attack with your wardrobe as well.  It’s important that before you write out your list that you actually check what’s in your closet, so to avoid buying things you may already have. Hey, sometimes people forget what they own!  Come on, we all have those friends with clothes in their closets with the tags still on…  that’s what I’m referring to.  They just scream “wear me” but their owner keeps forgetting.  

Step two:  Review list again, circle “must have” items and underline “splurge” items.

What’s the difference?  

A “must have” item is for example a piece of clothing that you do not have and truly really need.  For example, you have a vacation and just lost a ton of weight and want to ditch your one piece for a bikini.  That’s a must have.  

A “splurge” item would be if you already had a bikini from last season and you want another one to switch out on your trip.  It’s not mandatory, but it would be nice to have options.

Step three:  Review “must have” items and determine your budget.  

How much to spend on a must have?

If it’s a basic piece, ie:  white pants, black pants, pair of jeans, black shirt, buttoned down shirt, fresh white shirt, black basic shoes, brown basic shoes.

Or if you think it’s a basic piece but not sure what that means because you don’t see it in the list of items above, let me be more specific.  A basic piece is something that you can wear to get a variety of looks.  You can dress it up, dress it down.  Pair it with almost any color.  It’s an item of clothing you can have in your closet for years.  It won’t go out of style because “basics” don’t.  These items do wear out though and need replacing (many overlook this, clothes don’t last forever).  

It’s important with these basics, that it fits extremely well and will last.  So, because of this, it’s worth it to INVEST in your basics.  Buy the best quality you can afford.

Now, let’s look at those “splurge” items.    

Step four Option A: If you have money to burn, review “splurge items”

Hey you have the extra cash, take advantage of it and buy those splurge items.  Just make sure you don’t over extend yourself.  The longer you are going to have something, or the more you are truly going to wear it, then it’s worth the extra dollars.  But if you just want a new dress to wear a couple of times then try to refrain from a full out splurge so you can also buy something else as well.  

Option B:  If you do not have all the money to burn, I’m not saying you can’t have those “splurge items”  but just not yet….

Remember, and this is key to budgeting, an item may be a splurge now but in this economy it could become a steal much faster than normal!  

Patience is the key to a good deal.  

Normally you wouldn’t be able to pick up a this season trend until the season is practically over.  Not anymore.  Give it a few weeks, and if you still want that item during that time, revisit the store and chances are it will be on sale.  Or write down the information on the item and call up and ask.  Or let the sales person know you like the item and want to buy it, but are waiting for it to go on sale.  Oftentimes, and if you are nice to the sales associate, they will call you when it’s on sale.  Score!

Step five:  Now venture out to your favorite shopping center but do not forget the list!  

The list is your friend and will remind you of what you truly want and need when those tempting mannequins start speaking to you.  Stay strong and you will come out fashionable and with deals. And you’ll become a new shopper, a smart shopper.

So, how’s it feel to regain your power?