End-Of-Year Sales Haul + 3 Resultant Nuggets of Wisdom

Let me guess, your pocketbook’s a little lighter this time of year. Well, how’d that happen?! 😉 I know, retailers know exactly how to squeeze out our every last penny during the holidays. But I’m learning (it’s an ongoing process!) that if you play your cards right, you can also make great buys during end-of-year sales. And this year, I did so with minimal damage. Really!

Let me show you my recent spoils and share 3 of my latest revelations about hitting the sales without regret…

Let’s start with the bounty!

When I first saw this onesy, so to speak, at the Aritzia half-yearly sale, I thought it was a midi dress (I’ve wanted one all winter.) And I imagined how flattering the empire waistline would be. It wasn’t until I hit the dressing room that I discovered its jumpsuit nature. An upcoming outfit post will reveal more. But let’s just say that the wide legs give it an exaggerated shape – and I mean that in a good way.

The Aritzia sale also gave me a push to try on a bralette for the first time since junior high. I read somewhere that bralettes are easier and thus cheaper to produce. And let me tell you, I won’t be missing my fancy French underwire bras when I have this on – soooo comfy!

I am headed to NYFW (New York Fashion Week) in February – woohoo! – and plan to shoot fabulous street style, possibly in the snow, for hours. And so, my wish list recently included decent headwear. This adorable Kate Spade beanie with faux fur pom pom is sure to keep my noggin stylishly warm. And it was 30% off; now sold out.

I found this one to wear with my camel coat – or to contrast with my black one – in a Winter Silks catalog. It was on sale for under $20. (They have great silk pj’s, by the way!)

Now what were those new discoveries I mentioned?

1) I no longer feel I should buy everything on sale.

This might sound counter-intuitive, but hear me out. Have you ever gotten caught up in how hugely discounted something is instead of asking yourself, “Is this skirt (or top or pair of shoes) really worth $xxx to me?” Guilty! (Raising my hand.) I’ve formerly wasted tons on “great deals” that loose their luster once they hit the closet.

My new strategy is to periodically decide exactly what I need/want. Then I’ll purchase it, often at regular price – gasp! (I know). But in the end, I avoid impulse purchases and get more wear and enjoyment from what I do buy. I expect that to be the case with this sexy leather skirt I picked up at Aritzia.

I’ve wanted a leather skirt for eons, and when I found this one regularly priced at Aritzia – during their half-yearly sale – I snatched it. Okay, it’s vegan leather, but who cares? Pleather/leather. It fits and looks smashing. And if some time in the future I become a conscious objector to leather, I won’t have to toss it!

2) At the same time, when I want to indulge in something super trendy, I might as well go for a less expensive version.

For NYFW, I’ll have to express my style somehow – even while bundled in a coat, hat, scarves, and gloves. That’s how I came to want giant earrings – something that won’t get covered.

Although I coveted an Oscar de la Renta pair at $425, I couldn’t justify spending that on a passing fancy. Then I discovered this lovely Loren Hope set featured in my last outfit post. They’re made of decent materials: crystal and gold-plated stainless steel. They’re perfect! And the price tag: $78.

3) Accessories are my friend – requiring minimal investment! – to spice up a wardrobe.

I was thrilled to find these socks which happen to perfectly match a sweater I picked up in a tiny shop in Venice last year. Oh, the fun to be had!

And Hue hosiery – with stripes, flower designs, or polka dots – is always a fun and inexpensive way to make an outfit more interesting. When I’m in Santa Cruz, California, I frequent a boutique called Legs for sold-out styles.

As you can see from this end-of-year sales haul, I didn’t go crazy. (Don’t ask me what I bought before the holidays!) Actually, it’s a good feeling to spend responsibly AND to have some nice additions to the ole wardrobe. What are some of your tricks for shopping wisely?

XO, Janea

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