50, 60, 75% percent off! New Year’s sales have turned into Presidents’ Day sales. So many mind-blowing deals. But don’t pull out your billfold yet.

Before you swipe that card or click that chip, ask yourself some crucial questions:

Will this be a valuable addition to my private collection? Do I need it? Do I already own something I can wear with it?

And most importantly:

… Do I love this so much that  if I walk away my, heart will ache?

It may sound dramatic, but sometimes we have to get tough when it comes to avoiding mindless shopping mistakes. And even worse–the dreaded BUYER’S REMORSE.

If buyer’s remorse has ever happened to you, you know how silly you feel for purchasing something just because it was a super-bargain. Have you ever gone to your closet and found an item that has been hanging around for months (years?) and may even still have the price tag on it? Day after day your garment is paralyzed on the rack, collecting dust on its shoulder pads. And you feel so guilty for buying it, and never wearing it, that you can’t manage to get rid of it.

But I’m not here for a shopper’s pity party, or to shame anyone into closet guilt.

In fact, I’m writing this blog to myself–about myself.

A couple of weeks ago, I performed my annual closet purge. Yes, I know I did that last year, but somehow my closet had become–once again– a disheveled jungle of stuff. I had not been following my own advice. That is: After you’ve organized your closet, you must take time to tidy it up, or the monstrous mess will sneak back in.

Look what I found: A lovely Adrianna Papell dress. A smashing deal. Marked down from a whopping $140. to just $48.30.

But guess what? Iv’e had this dress for over 5 years, and I’ve never worn it.

I’m tempted, just like the rest of you. When I find a deal, I bite my lip and cringe at the thought of leaving the store without my cut-rate prize. But ladies,we must be strong. We must be discerning shoppers: Only purchasing what will serve us (and the lifestyle we are living TODAY), OR that one piece that makes our bodies look great, our complexion light up, or our hearts sing.

Prior to sale seasons (January/June), my co-author Janna Beatty, sends out her newsletter reminding clients to be wary of bargains. Here is what she advises:

Set the bar (your standards) high when shopping sales!  You are the gatekeeper of your private collection. … Janna Beatty

Before shopping:

• Keep an ongoing shopping list of  wardrobe needs near or in your closet–just as you would a grocery list. Make note of items that should be refreshed or replaced, i.e., t-shirts, camis, shape wear, etc.
  • If your dark jeans aren’t dark anymore?  Consider replacing.
  • If you live in black or white t-shirts? Stock up.
  • Note garments that need to be replaced because of pilling, fading, or shrinkage.
  • List pieces needed to complete your inside and outside bases. They are the building blocks of  a well-engineered wardrobe.

During shopping:

• Always shop with your list, and keep an open mind to treasures you may not have expected.
• Pay special attention to fit. If it’s not up to your standards or comfort level, it is just a waste of $.
• Ask yourself what other garments, you already own, will go with this purchase.
• Be aware of shorter time limit policies for returns.
• Consider incoming and outgoing trends when shopping. You don’t want to be stuck with something that may be completely out of style by next year.

Janna recommends asking this all-important question when considering a purchase: “Would I pay full price for this?” 

After shopping:

• Immediately take a new item on an orientation tour of your closet when you get home. Introduce the new to the old. (If something doesn’t match/work, you will be able to return it before it’s too late.)

So here is the thought process I underwent recently when I entered my favorite department store during a ‘super sale advisory.’

I saw a pair of shoes I really liked.  And even though it was a winter sale, I felt sure that I could wear these shoes anytime.

The shoe on the right was on sale. The shoe on the left was new spring merchandise.

I could not tell much difference in the two shoes. In fact, the winter shoe looked a lot like several other spring shoes I saw displayed. Take a look:

I decided to buy the shoes. Why? Because they are comfortable and on-trend. I can wear them now. And I think they will make a good addition to my existing wardrobe. (Plus, $55 off…YIPPEE!)

Janna says last year she ‘blew the bank’ on a fine pair of leather gloves that were exactly the same shade as her hair color. They were a fraction of the original cost, but still pricey. Even Janna–the most conservative shopper I know–has those rare shopping moments when emotion takes over.

“Always be on the lookout for THE FIND! You’ll know immediately if it is a worthy addition to your private collection.” … Janna Beatty

You might remember this humorous image from a blog I wrote last year (Beware of Summer Sales).

But now, I hope you’ll remember this one:

Amen.

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