When you just gotta have the real thing, you still don’t ever have to pay full retail price. Some of my favorite smart shopping strategies:

Sample Sale Sites

Shop at sample sale sites, where flash sales on last- and current-season merchandise mean discounts of up to 80% off retail.  But you’ve gotta be fast to snap up what you want in your size and color!  If you’re not a member already, feel free to use my personal invite codes below:

Discount Designer Stores

If you’re lucky enough to live near one of these, then they can be a virtual treasure trove of brand-name merchandise available at a steal.

Favorites: Marshall’s, T. J. Maxx, Century21, Beacon’s Closet, Filene’s Basement

Online Designer Stores

Nothing local?  Try shopping online at sites that offer brand-name merchandise for a fraction of the cost!

TheOutnet.com	Bluefly.com	DSW

Sale Search Sites

A number of websites also can search your favorite brands and shopping sites and automatically send you an email with pieces of interest.

Shop It To Me

Online Cash-Back Programs

Why buy straight out when you can get paid to shop?  I will always shop online through a program that offers cash-back on all my purchases – whether it’s 2% or 25%.  It adds up, and I get sent a pre-loaded VISA card in the mail every 3 months with my cash back from all my purchases on it.  And then I go back to the site, click through the interface, and use my card for my next purchase – and get cash back on that as well!  It’s an endless cycle of rewards.

My Favorite: Lucky Mag Rewards

Coupons and Discount Codes

My days of clipping physical coupons are long over, but I still check out some sites prior to making a purchase to see if there are any discount codes or promotions currently in effect.

My Favorite: RetailMeNot.com

Want the Look But Don’t Want to Buy? Rent Instead!

A number of sites allow you to rent brand items for a short period of time for an event, special evening, or even for your daily wardrobe.

And there are always sites like Ebay…and Smashion.com – and the possibility of a clothing swap with your besties.;-)