Wednesday, October 20, 2010

We've all done it…headed blindly over to the clearance rack and scooped up something at 80% off, only to hide it away in our closet never to be worn again. Sales racks can turn even the most efficient shoppers into packrats. When you're trying to build a new wardrobe, or update your current look, we dare you to stay away from the sales! Before you reach for that deeply discounted sweater or those bargain basement blue jeans, ask yourself these questions:

1) Is there a reason it's on the sale rack to begin with?

If they're last seasons, you don't need them – they'll be out of style next year! And if they are classics? Classics are investment pieces. Make sure you spend money for a quality classic piece, not something from the clearance aisle!

2) Do I need it?

If you are replacing an old, worn-out piece from your wardrobe because it's been loved and lost, then that is a good excuse to buy. (And lucky you for finding it on sale!) If it looks exactly like every other top/jean/skirt/shoe you have in your wardrobe, admire your consistency, then put it back!

3) Does it go with the rest of my wardrobe?

It may be the cutest, cheapest top out there, but if it doesn't go with anything else in your closet, you'll never wear it. "It goes with jeans" is another way of saying "I have nothing to wear with it." What's the point? If you decide you can't live without that piece, shop for a whole outfit together so it will get some wear time.

4) Is it the right color/size for me?

Don't get caught up in the sale rack trap. Ask yourself honestly if the piece looks good on you (that means you have to try it on!). If it's not a good fit for you or the color washes you out, why buy it?

5) Would I normally buy it if it was full price?

Check the price tag. Before it was marked down, would it have been worth that much money to you? If the answer is "no," then why would you spend any money on it now? Put it down and slowly back away.

6) Am I worth more than that?

We can answer this one for you – YES. You deserve to splurge on a piece you really, truly love, especially if you are going to wear the heck out of it. Consider an item's value, or its cost per wear. If you can't live without it, why not purchase it, even if it is full price? Who knows – next week, it may not be there anymore!

It all comes down to be a more conscious shopper. Think long and hard about anything you are tempted to purchase on sale. If you continue to be unsure, do your wallet a favor and don't buy it! Instead, save up for a quality, perfect piece that's worth the money. That's how you end up with a closet full of clothes you love, not full of clothes that are just ok.

Deborah Boland and JoJami Tyler (The Glam Gals) are Image and Style Experts specializing in helping women 40 plus look and feel fabulous. They are the authors of the book, The Glam Plan~ 12 Simple Steps to Take You from Frumpy to Fabulous, & Tweak Your Chic- Dressing the Mother of the Bride, as well as coaches for their Tweak Your Chic™, Image make-over program. For more style tips visit: www.fabulousafter40.com and sign up for their bi-weekly newsletter. You can also contact them at: info@fabulousafter40.com