I love a good deal (who doesn't?). And when I find one, I brag about it to anyone who will listen. "This necklace was only $4, can you believe it?!"
Clearance shopping is a little like digging for buried treasure. There are some definite gems, but they are usually hidden beneath unstylish, unflattering and poorly-made junk. Digging through the mess is unglamorous and unpredictable but worthwhile IF you know the secrets of success.
Here are the tricks I always use when shopping the sales racks, so I don’t end up bringing home a fashion disaster:
#1. Peel back the sale sticker and look at the original price. Ask yourself “Is this worth the full price?” or "Would I buy this if it wasn't on sale?" If the answer is “No way,” then it will almost definitely hang in your closet unworn. Put it back! Your goal in sale shopping should always be to find items that you would gladly pay full price for but happen to be marked down.
#2. Always try everything on. Often, items fall to the sale racks because the sizing is abnormal or the fit is unflattering. If you don’t have time to try it on and assess whether it really flatters you, don’t buy it.
#3. Look for flaws, like stains, dirt, holes and broken pieces. Many times, items move to the clearance bin after they've been returned or ruined by other customers. Some flaws are fixable (like a little make-up on a collar), while others are deal-breakers. A manager may offer an additional "damage discount" of 10-20% if you decide to purchase a flawed item.
#4. Be creative and see beyond the mess. Clearance sections are often disorganized and unappealing--on purpose!--because the stores would rather have you shop in the organized and neat “full price” section. Imagine sale items with other items in your closet and try to visualize how a piece will fit into an outfit.
#5. Be patient and be willing to walk away empty handed. Some days you may hit the jackpot; other days you may not find anything worthy of your money (even if it is only $3.99!).
$20 off the royal peek
