Winter Clearance Shopping Tips

Since spring lines are hitting stores, more and more winter items are going on clearance, making you feel obligated to buy, buy buy. However; as someone who has wasted so much money buying something just because of it's "can't beat" price, I want to share some tips on how to shop winter clearance in order to buy something that you will actually wear not only now, but also next fall/winter as well.
1) Use Filters: When shopping online, using filters is extremely helpful. First of all, it will narrow the number of items you are scrolling through, which will be much less overwhelming. The most important filter is of course, size. What's the point in shopping pages and pages of products when every item that catches you eye is never in your size? Its depressing, honestly, and will most likely drive you to purchase something you won't even wear just to cheer yourself up. Before you even look at anything, make sure you filter for your correct size. Another filter that is important, especially if you are on a budget, is price. Just because something is on clearance does not mean that it is cheap. Select a price range that you are comfortable with and start shopping. You don't want to fall in love with something you can't afford. If you use these filters plus whichever others you'd like to narrow your search, and nothing catches your eye, it's easier to walk away or even use your money towards some new spring clothes!
2) Continuing Trends: "If I buy this now, can I still wear it next year?" A question many of us have asked, and now that fashion week has come and gone we can determine what will still be relevant next year. Trends like plaid, knitwear, fur accents, and neutral palettes will definitely be around for another season. Below is a couple looks from the fall/winter 2015 runways highlighting these continuing trends to give you some inspiration on what styles to purchase if you can find them on clearance this year.

Topshop

Marc by Marc Jacobs

3) Basics and Essentials: When you find a basic piece that is good quality at a marked down price, buy it! You can never go wrong with something as versatile as a basic sweater or layering piece, especially one that you got on clearance. Other essential pieces that are smart to buy on clearance are outwear and shoes. Waiting to purchase an essential piece is pretty risky because you might not find what you are looking for at the end of the season. However, if you come across some boots at a great price, and you've been wanting to replace your current pair then its a sign that you should definitely go for it! The same goes with outerwear, you can find a nice jacket on clearance and wear it for many years in the future. 

No matter what you might find it is important to be sure what you are purchasing now will be worth the money. You don't want to be looking through your fall clothes this September and ask yourself what you were thinking, you want to be happy that you bought those pieces and proud of yourself for finding them at a discounted price. Most important, if you truly love something and you know you will wear it because it's just so you then you should definitely buy it. Don't let fashion trends or anyone make you feel like you can't buy something that you just adore. Let me know if you found these tips helpful, and feel free to add any other tips that work for you! Also, check out my new Pinterest page.

Winter Basics

More often than not, having nothing to wear effects the lives of many women. While our closets and drawers are stuffed full of clothes, we cannot find a single thing to wear in the morning, especially when we are in a hurry. Everything always seems to just not fit right or is something we feel we just wore, whatever the reason, this is a conflict that must be resolved.
Going through my own closet, I've noticed that I am really lacking basics. It seems almost everything I buy has some sort of pattern or design, that will be noticeable if I wore them multiple times within a couple of weeks. Investing in basics will help cut down on the "I have nothing to wear" moments because of their immense versatility. Basics are like building blocks for your wardrobe, look for pieces that can be layered, dressed up, dressed down, or just thrown on on the way out the door.
The first piece I recommend investing in for winter is a pull over sweater in a neutral tone. This piece will go with anything and will look really chic paired with any statement colors or textures. Choose a neckline and fit that suits you best, anything from a drapey style to a form fitting v-neck will do. You can layer a button down under a sweater or throw an embellished or printed scarf over it to give it life. Also, if solid colors really aren't your thing, opt for a color-blocked style or even stripes, just make sure the colors remain neutral so that it will go with virtually anything.

Ann Taylor

Piperlime

Old Navy

Pull over sweaters are so versatile and essential to all wardrobes. The countless ways to style pieces such as these will allow you to get numerous wears out of them and they will definitely be worth every penny you spent.
For your bottom half, a must have basic is a black pant. I'm sure almost everyone owns black bottoms of some sort, but it is still an essential item. You can find many different styles of black pants, from leggings, to ponte, to denim, anything you choose will be able to transform into your style. Rather than choosing a plain black, try something different, maybe some leather detailed leggings, or black ponte pants with a white or grey stripe down the leg. These subtle details will make your basic look not so basic, but still allow you to pair your bottoms with any top or any accessory. Whether its a night out with friends, a day at work, or a first date, you can do no wrong in a black pant.

Francesca's

BCBG

Zara

No matter your style investing in basics is so important. Next time you feel that you don't have anything to wear, check for basic pieces and try to build from them. If you feel you don't have enough basics in your wardrobe, now is the time to invest. Spend your money wisely this winter and it will help you save money in the future, a few of these versatile pieces will take you a long way and you will have a great beginning to a fabulous winter wardrobe!