As collegiettes, unfortunately, we cannot buy everything our hearts desire. While the world is not cruel, it can feel that way when we fall in love with something and then check our bank accounts to see if we can buy it. For moments like that, I thank the cosmetics industry for the invention of waterproof mascara. I consider myself a shopping aficionado and as I continue to shop and learn I have found ways to save money.
1. Subscribe to email newsletters
Nearly every store sends out emails when they have super sales. Holiday weekends are always a good time to go shopping. When seasons begin to change they tend to add an additional percentage off of clearance items. This is the perfect time to pick up items you know you will wear season after season.
2. Ask if they give a student discount
Many stores offer student discounts that average at about 15% percent, which is not a ton of money but does allow extra money to be put towards the Starbucks fund. Some of the stores that offer student discounts are J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Charlotte Russe, and Kate Spade.
3. Sign up for LIKEtoKNOWit on Instagram
There are so many bloggers out there and many of them post about affordable items. As students we do not always have time to go through page after page on websites to find what we like. When you like a photo it will send you links to the items that were in the post. This is a great feature that will save you time and is a great source of inspiration.
4. Follow The Budget Babe
The Budget Babe is a blog that posts where to buy items that are near duplicates for trending pieces that are not investment pieces you may want to wear in seasons to come. They post clothing, beauty, and décor pieces. There is also a guide on the website that has a list of different places to look for affordable items depending on what you are looking for.
5. Visit local consignment boutiques and thrift stores
Depending on the area you go to there can be great finds for incredible prices. Occasionally there are pieces with the tags still on them.
6. Semi Annual Sales
Many stores have big sales twice a year and are excellent times to get ready for the coming season and stock up on essentials. They are usually at the time every year so mark your calendar, have a list of what you want, and start saving up early.
7. Visit the local outlet mall
The outlet mall has items for the season but at a lower price than if you were to go to the regular mall. Holiday weekends are another great time to go shopping because the sales will be even better than normal.