No doubt you may be receiving gift cards or cash for holiday gifts. We LOOOOOOVVVEEE gift cards, don’t we? You may be tempted to jump on the sale bandwagon and redeem them ASAP. WARNING: Immediately running out to the post-holiday sales to spend them may not be in your best interest. Keep in mind that most stores are trying to get RID of the leftovers, yes I said leftovers. Also, when shopping in the frenetic sale mode you’ll be more likely to impulse buy items you’ll later regret. Adding to that 80% of clothes in your closet that you’ve worn once or the tags are still on them. You know you have them. 🙂
In 2014, I began a very concerted movement of focusing on quality, not quantity. Let this carry forward to 2015 and beyond. Think of your clothing purchases as items you need or will really cherish. Like lacy bras and pretty underwear (as long as they’re comfortable) or a sumptuous cashmere sweater that you’ll fold into tissue paper and store with care. No doubt when you slip those on you’ll feel special.
Take honest inventory of your wardrobe. What do you really NEED? Not another pair of sparkly black pumps no matter how tempting they may be.
Make a prioritized list. Start with your clothing needs and move your way down to your special wish list. I check off a few of those ‘need’ items and ALWAYS treat myself to one of the goodies on the wish list, too. After all, it’s not ALL about the staples!
Most retailers are doing inventory in late January so if you’re thinking ahead, you may want to wait until early February and pick up a couple of spring items. Yup, they’ll be out by then. Already seeing them now.
Being thoughtful about your purchases gives them more meaning, making YOU feel cared for!
Insider TIP: January is the BEST time of year to get a great value on a coat or winter boots. Depending on where you live, late early February is the perfect time to get new swimwear. You may not get the best pricing and you’ll be taking off your parka to try it on, but you WILL get the best selection and won’t be scrambling last minute to get one for Spring Break.
What do YOU plan to spend your gift cards on this year?