5 Ways to be a Savvy Shopper this Summer

Want to grow your summer wardrobe all while being a savvy shopper? Memorial Day has come and gone (and I hope you all had a great one!), which means it it time to do just that because summer is unofficially here!!! I’m tempted to completely clean out my closet and stock it with new pieces and this year’s trends, but if I’m going to do that, I know I need to be financially responsible. Scroll down to see the 5 ways I’m being a savvy shopper this summer.

This dress,  which is all one piece, felt like a steal at only $75!

Here are my 5 tips for being a savvy shopper this summer:

ONE //  Make a list
I shop for clothing very similarly to how I shop for groceries. I make a list and stick to it. Think of all the events you have coming up this summer, and include everything you can think of. Weddings, formal dinners, casual cookouts, nights out on the town, work events, beach days, weekend getaways…. write them all down. Now, think of what you might want to wear to each event. Do you need a formal gown? Do you need a summery evening bag/clutch? What about a casual day dress to throw on for weekend BBQs? Keep a running list of all of these things you want. Then, while you are out and about or stumble across something online, if it is a good price, you can buy it knowing it will be well worn.

TWO // Shop the sales
This can be tricky because sales are designed to encourage you to spend, and you often end up spending more than you normally would. Anyone else feel like their inbox was completely flooded with Memorial Day sales specials?! If you do have a running list (see above!), you can shop the sales as they come up and meet your needs. And if there is a really good sale coming up (hint: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on July 22nd), mark your calendar so you can be ready.

THREE // Buy classic pieces you’ll wear again and again
Think cost per wear here. For the summer time, that means white dresses, white jeans and white shorts. These are summery pieces that can be styled and restyled for countless outfits. Maybe you need a new pair of summer sandals? Something like a pair of Jack Rogers can be appropriate for so many different occasions. If you buy a pair of shoes for $100 and wear them just twice a week June through August, that comes out to be just $3.32 per wear. Not bad for something you could theoretically wear everyday and get even more value from!

FOUR // Consider your options
Do you really need that $300 pair of shoes? Will the very similar $100 pair suffice? Will it even matter in two weeks from now? Think critically before you make a purchase. Oftentimes, I have found very similar pieces for less that met my needs quite perfectly. Just because it is more expensive does not mean you will look or feel the best in it. Think you’ve found the most perfect little white dress that also happens to be just out of your price range? Before you splurge, head to sites like Nordstrom, Shopbop and Bloomingdale’s that carry many different brands, search for white dresses, and then sort by price from low to high. You just may find something you like better for a price that is a whole lot healthier for your wallet.

FIVE // Buy and sell consignment
Use an app like Poshmark, or even a site like eBay, to buy and sell gently used designer goods. I’ve recently created an account on Poshmark and have already sold a few pieces. It feels great to clear out my closet and even better to make some money back on previous purchases I’m no longer that excited about. This also clears room both in my closet and in my budget for new pieces. Also, if that $300 pair of shoes (see #4) turns out to be something you just have to have because there are no alternatives available, consider buying them used on Poshmark or eBay.

Outfit details:
Dress: English Factory (under $100) // Shoes: Soludos (under $100) // Bag: Botkier // Sunglasses: Prada (c/o Ditto; get one month free with code ‘thelilacpress’)

Here are the top summer trends I’m coveting now along with a few options for each all under $100:

Espadrilles:

Mini totes:

Little white dresses:

Straw hats:

How are you planning to shop savvy this summer?
xo -L