Mom: Regrets, I’ve had a few, unfortunately too many to mention. Please help me make sense of the end-of-season sales. I always get caught up in the frenzy and buy things that just sit in my closet.
Nancy: It IS hard to resist all those 60-75 percent off tags. They are everywhere the first week of August – Saks, Neimans, Norsdstrom, Barneys, not to mention the myriad of small boutiques around the city. There is method to the madness, regardless of store or price point (i.e. some “steals” will always have a place in your closet). One caveat: No amount of “percent off” makes up for poor fit. If it doesn’t fit well or requires too much alteration work, move on. You don’t need it.
The items I always search for first on clearance are great handbags, shoes and belts. I always buy my next season or next year’s handbag at the end of the current season. This is your opportunity to own a designer bag at an entry-level price point. Budget accordingly so you can purchase the top of the line item at your regular price threshold. Same holds true for shoes. At 65 percent off, you can justify your CPW — Cost Per Wear — on a single item shoe.
Sometimes, you can also get lucky and find those perfect black pumps or metallic evening heels. Sale shopping requires patience and sometimes several trips. There are many impulsive buyers (hopefully not you) who haul home armloads of product. Your ship may just come in on the day they return their rejects.
Other can’t miss items: White shirts, tropical-weight wool trousers or skirts (wearable 9-10 months out of the year) and cocktail or formal wear. These items rarely change from year to year. Make a list of your upcoming events and shop with an eye toward the next season.
What NOT to buy? Anything that screams “Spring 2007.” Stay away from ultra-short dresses, exaggerated baby doll trends, and, for that matter, any exaggerated trend. You will look dated next year. Be aware of the upcoming fall trends: menswear influence, bright colors and jackets with bracelet length sleeves. With this knowledge, you can peruse the sale racks with an eye towards the fall.
Last word of advice: If you don’t love and it doesn’t make you feel pretty, don’t buy it! Bad design is bad design. It doesn’t get any better with age or a low sticker price.
