7 Tips : How to Shop with Thrifty Wallet

As the continuation of my previous post, My will is strong, My wallet is thrifty, I do still want to shop!

I want to emphasize that shopping is not a sin, here by I want to share on my tips how keep on shopping thriftily smart. It won't make your wallet suffers a catastrophe on other side it will bring extra value on your wardrobe.

Here is my 7 tips on how to shop with thrifty wallet:

1. Know which Type of Shopper you are 

In my opinion based on items they buy there are 3 type of shopper; the brand and trend shopper, the minimal shopper and the opportunist. 

'The brand and trend' shopper is someone who buy hastily based on brand preference or current trend items. 

The brand and trend shopper should start being thrifty by evaluating items that they would like to buy objectively, such as how it will match or the value they pay with the quaility they get. Yes, this idea is not something to consider for those who own 'more', but, hey, is not wrong to be thrifty and save some of your dime for more items, right! 

'The minimal' shopper is someone who thinks shopping is a pain and they won't shop if they don't need the items urgently. I must say, job well done, your wallet must survived a lot of impulse shopping. My tips for this type of shopper is, it is not wrong to occasionally wander around store and buy something that will be useful in the future. When you shop urgently, we often miss somethings such as, the balance of quality and the value you pay, they end up paying more for the item because of the limited choices and time. So, invest more time on research, it sure will bring extra saving for you plump wallet.  

'The Opportunist' is someone who shop based on opportunity, for example: seasonal sale, bargain item. I see myself belongs to the opportunist type of shopper, I often buy things (esp. fashion items) because at that time I thought it is a deal that couldn't be missed. For this type of shopper, I think the biggest struggle is how to determine the 'deal' is something worth, because often we, the opportunist, think that every sale and bargain is an opportunity to shop, yet this kind of thinking is not really smart either. This then make me realize that there are other aspect that should be considered (from point 2 until l 7). 

2. Know your Body Type and Taste 
Every one has different body type and taste, what we should know is how to match our own taste (what we like) with what fit well with our body type. 

via pinterest

From my own experience, I can say there are many of my clothes that ended being donated because it doesn't fit well. This kind of loses can be minimized if I understand my body type and research on what style match well with my body type. For example, as I have a petite figure, maxi skirt is not really an option for my, it could make me look 'drown' on my own clothing, so should I buy maxi skirt? The answer is yes, but I should pick and mix and match carefully. Here is some tips that I found on pinterest, from daniellescorner.com. 

Now days, there is so many input and infographic that will give you explanation on this topic, you can check it out on Pinterest. 

3. Categorizes: Needs, Wants and Inventory

Yes, you should make a list on what you need, what you wants and what you already have. 

No, I don't insist you to make a written list (maybe you should if you think it is convenient) but you should rather keep those 'list' on your mind. Based on my trial and errors, I can avoid those impulse buying if I have clear list on what I already have on my closet back home. Next, when you are considering to buy something you want, you should have a specific image on how you would match that item with what you already own, regarding of the style and color. By these methods, I can avoid buying the 'same' items or buying something that is an 'alien' (can't be mix and matched with what I already have), I must say it save me lot of fortune. 

3. Clean and Organized Wardrobe

One of the hardest thing for me, it is keeping my wardrobe clean and organized. By having a clean and organized wardrobe, you can have a clear view on what you already own (talking about those forgotten shirt that hidden under pile of jeans, vice versa). There are many ways to organized your wardrobe, based on color, types, garment and so on. The next thing that you should do while you are organizing you wardrobe is to 'clean' it, get rid of those clothes that you haven't worn for years, it is not only make some space (for new clothes) on your wardrobe it also give you inputs on what kind of clothes that you think doesn't suit you well. 

4. Budgeting and Calculating

Every company has their annual or monthly budget, and I think shopping also need their own budgeting. Make a limit and calculation on how much you should spend based on you needs and wants list. Extra tip, each month set aside small sums of your budget for you special spending each year (or maybe for some emergency budget). 

5. 'Predict' the trend

Okay, you surelly are not a fortune teller but to 'predict' something is something that could be done with one's own effort. In this technology ages, to 'predict' something that is going to be a trend all you just need to do is get online and research. Search those fashion bloggers that you think is suitable for you style and keeps on updating on how they style along the changes of trends and seasons. 

Maybe if you are not an online person you still can keep a tab on current occurrences with fashion magazine subscription or just by keep an eye on international fashion retail in town. By being the 'first batch' not only grant your hope to be the trendsetter, it is also give you a chance to get something cheaper before the market price is rising due to demands. 

6. Perseverance

To find something that match well with your taste and your body type along with great price is something that is nearly impossible. I must say it is nearly impossible because it is somehow still possible with more effort and some perseverance. 

When you have an eye on some items that you want with higher price than what you allocate in your budget, I do suggest you to always look out the same style and model from other store or source to compare. Maybe other source doesn't offer you the same shade or quality but it might or might not be the substitute of what you're looking for. However by comparing or seeing other option can give you better understanding on the item's value, so that you won't hastily buy something too shabby of something too expensive.  

7. Study and be your own Judge

I don't suggest you ought to read books about garments or sewing (you still can read it it if you want, thought) however to be a thriftily smart shopper you need to have enough knowledge about what you want to buy. You should know the general market prices on fashion items and where to buy with the best deals. 

I must say those knowledge can be acquire anywhere. In my experience, I love to compare the quailty over value of one brand to another, from one shop to another (I will review this topic on other post). The value that one people held with other will be different, so you should touch the garment, try to wear the item by yourself, and then make your own judgement. Moreover, who would know what's the best choice other than yourself. 

In conclusion,

Yes, maybe it need efforts (or extra income) to shop, but you should think of your clothes as a long term infestation. As an infestation you should keep on tab of the current trends and tendencies yet make an ultimate strategy on how the current trend will effect on your inventory. 

So, happy shopping, keep your wallet open yet thriftily smart!