If you’ve been putting off adding to your wardrobe this season, the “last call” bell is clanging. Retailers are clearing out the current season inventory to make way for the new stuff, so if you act fast, you could make out like a bandit. 

But before you pull out your credit card and whip yourself into a shopping frenzy, stop.  Do not pass go.  Do not collect $200. 

Because unless you follow a few simple guidelines, all those “really great” deals you couldn’t resist could become closet clutter that you never wear.

Don’t let this happen to you.

Instead, analyze each piece from a logical standpoint; don’t just focus on the amount of money you’ll save.  After all, a bargain is only a bargain if you wear it, use it, and love it.

Here are the questions you need to ask yourself about each piece BEFORE you head to the cash register:

1. Does this fit into my existing wardrobe?

If you can wear it tomorrow with stuff you already own, you could have a winner on your hands.  If you’d have to buy other pieces to make it work, your “bargain” could end up costing a bundle or worse yet, hang in the back of your closet forever for lack of a coordinating piece.
2. Does it fit me properly?

If the fit isn’t right and the garment wouldn’t be acceptable to you at full price, it shouldn’t be acceptable to you at a discounted price.  An improper fit means either a trip to a seamstress — or an item that’s never worn. 
3. Does this fill a void in my closet?

Need a little black dress?  A new umbrella?  A lightweight jacket?  A new briefcase?  Try to fill the voids in your wardrobe BEFORE you start adding duplicates or items you don’t need.  If you’re especially clever with the sales, you might even manage to snag several items for the price you’d planned to spend on one.
4. Will I maintain the fabric?

Here’s the one piece of the puzzle that’s often overlooked.  Don’t just be dazzled by how the item looks while it’s at its shiny best on the sales floor. Check the garment care label.  If you have to take it the cleaners, hand wash it, or press it before every wearing, it may be more trouble than it’s worth.  Be realistic about your lifestyle and your schedule.  If you’re not going to maintain it, leave it on the rack.
5. Does this fit into my budget?

According to a recent poll, 54% of women buy clothing on impulse.  As in unplanned purchase.  As in breaking the budget.  If you have a tiny clothing allowance, don’t let the 75% off tags cloud your thinking, even on those brand names you love.  If you can’t pay cash for it, you’re probably overspending.

End-of-Season sales are a great way to stretch your clothing budget, so long as you shop them responsibly. Fill the voids, demand proper fit, and make sure each piece will work in your wardrobe.  If you can’t think of a single reason to buy something other than the fact that it’s been drastically reduced, walk away. Your money is better spent elsewhere.

Don’t have time to troll the malls looking for deals? Then check out the remaining inventories of these popular online merchants,

http://www.fashionforrealwomen.com/Image_Resources.html

But hurry - sales end soon!

Need some help in putting together a winning wardrobe?  Download a copy of WARDROBE MAGIC,

http://www.wardrobemagic.com

to see how easy dressing well can be.
(c) 2006 Diana Pemberton-Sikes

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Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image consultant and author of “Wardrobe Magic,” an ebook that shows women how to transform their unruly closets into workable, wearable wardrobes. Visit her online at www.fashionforrealwomen.com .

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