This may seem like a dumb question but how do you shop? Do you shop only when you have a special occasion? Do you shop for new items every season? How often do you buy basics? Do you shop only once a month for items or on a weekly basis? Do you make a list or just wing it?

I am curious to know b/c I think I need to change my shopping approach and was wondering what worked for all of you?

I just love giving advice :)

First, shop your closet. Go through everything, see what works and what doesn’t, and make a list of things you need.

Second, make sure you know the stores available to you and what they have to offer. Go to the ones that have what you need and get what you need before the special occasions come up.

I have to pride myself on this one. Last year, I had a black-tie affair, and I had a terrific outfit at the ready in my closet. It happened that I did buy two new pieces to wear with one of my old ones, but I wasn’t panicked out.

I love to shop, so I’ll go whenever I get the chance. Only thing is that most times I have to go to stores that accommodate strollers.

Spur of the Moment. Which I would not recommend to anyone.  What I would like to do is go through my closet and see what can I build on.  I am sooooo out of date, but I do have a few things that are at least in the 2k range....LOL

i shop frequently at thift stores and makes sure I’m comfortable when I go: fitted jeans (for trying on bottoms), tee shirt, walking shoes. I don’t like to weat too many layers; it’s a hassle taking all that stuff off to try on clothes just to put ‘em back on (good god...). This is a great time to shop because stores are having sales left and right trying to get rid of their winter clothes.

I’m a bargain shopper to the core! I don’t like to pay full/retail price for anything (lol).

I don’t like to pay full price for anything either, and I usually don’t, but if it’s something I really need and it’s perfect for me (emphasis on perfect), then I might pay a little more.

I’m in the process of switching up my shopping style, too. I’ve had a few too many last-minute, grab-whatever-looks-like-it-might-fit shopping trips the night (or morning!) before a special event!

Lately I’ve been trying to hit up a few select stores once every month or two. I love Filene’s Basement and almost always find something there at a phenomenal price (their clearance is incredible!), so that’s my number one store I try to visit regularly. I also like DSW for shoes and New York and Company for work clothes (they frequently send out “take $30 off of a purchase of $75” coupons, and when you’re shopping the sale rack, that makes for some pretty good deals!).

I also try to go to as many stores as I can during semi-annual and seasonal clearance sales. In January, after the holidays, I did more shopping for myself than I did for Christmas gifts! But everything was on sale, so I felt justified.

I try to do “preparation shopping” - if I see something I know I’m likely to wear in the next year or so, and it’s on sale, I’ll buy it. I know I have a bunch of weddings to go to this year (and next), for example, so when I see appropriate dresses on sale (I’m talking really on sale - usually under $15 each), I buy them. I know this method could come back to bite me in the butt if I over-buy, but so far it’s been working very well.

Hope this helps!!

i rarely find something good when i plan to shop but when i don’t i find fabulous items! now, i don’t set a day when i will shop.