I found this article really interesting. If you love to shop 'til you drop like me, here's an article for you. Article taken from The Philippine Daily Inquirer 7/17/2008 issue
Apples Pickings
Shopping tips for the frugal fashionista
MANILA, Philippines—With the prices of basic commodities—not to mention gasoline—increasing exponentially, it’s good to think twice about spending your hard-earned money on other items like clothes, shoes, bags or accessories.
During this time, it’s wise to know a few simple tips on how to make the most of your bucks when shopping for wardrobe essentials plus a little extra:
Weed out your closet
Start out by going through your closet and throwing out—or better yet donating or selling—pieces you don’t really need or wear.
Keep tried and true classics like a crisp button-down, basic black blazer or trousers that you can easily update with the use of accessories. Then and only then can you determine what else you need to complete your basic wardrobe and how to maximize the use of the pieces you already have.
Make a list
Before you go out there and shop, try to figure out what you need based on your current wardrobe. Then make a list and try to stick to it! Do you really need yet another dress in your overstocked closet? Will another pair of pumps really make a difference? If the answer is no, avoid swiping that credit card.
Dress for your body type, personality and age
Buy pieces that look good on you and you feel comfortable in—not because they look good on a model in a glossy magazine or they’re the latest must-have item.
Size matters
Don’t buy anything that’s a size too small because you’re hoping to lose those extra five pounds. Choose items that fit you and look great on you now.
Impulse buys are no-no’s
Put things on hold if you’re not really sure about purchasing them. Chances are, you don’t really need such pieces. Wait a day or two to see if you really want to spend on a particular item so there are no regrets.
Update with accessories
Want to update that little black dress or other classics without spending too much? Try doing so with the use of trendy but inexpensive belts, bangles or strands of necklaces. Department stores like SM, Robinson’s or shopping meccas like Divisoria, for example, offer cheap but chic finds.
Try vintage
Ukay-ukays are treasure troves for fantastic finds. Try to go with an experienced friend so she can guide you through the maze that is the vintage market..
Watch out for sale season
This is the perfect time to buy whatever else you need to create a well-rounded wardrobe. Expensive but well-made pieces that you normally can’t afford might be available at half the price or even less. Now’s your chance to pick up that classic trench that’s ideal for traveling or the perfectly tailored pantsuit that you need for work.
Just a little caveat: Make sure you don’t get carried away with all the other marked-down items you’ll find during sales. Stop yourself from impulse buying and stick to your list, as much as you can.
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