Before You Shop
Take a minute to do some research on women's fashion before you shop and you'll be a smarter shopper for it!
Before you buy Her Clothes...Start by familiarizing yourself with what she's already wearing to get clued in to colors and styles she prefers. You'll also need to know her size or measurements. Items that come in small to large (sweaters, track suits, etc.) will be easier to fit than exact numbers (like a size 8 trouser). Make sure you can exchange the gift and hold onto the receipt.

7 Secrets of Highly Successful Sale Shoppers



1. Off-Season Reaps Best Deals

The best shoppers know to scour sale racks for short sleeves in November, wool sweaters in April, bathing suits in September. What you give up in selection, you make up for in spectacular savings (75-90% off isn't uncommon).

2. Learn Sale Lingo

An experienced shopper can distinguish a promotion from a clearance, a two-for-one from a buy-one-get-one-half-off. She knows that sometimes something as simple as free shipping may add up to big savings, while 50% off on something she doesn't need is a waste of money.

3. Make Friends With Sales Staff

A great salesperson is a serious shopper's best friend. Not only will sales people tell you about upcoming sales, some -- especially at boutiques -- may even hold merchandise a day or two to give you time to take advantage of the sale.

4. End-of-Season Gives Best Selection

You'll save big -- 40% and up is common -- and get to shop from choice pieces if you shop immediately after the season. The day after Christmas is famous for yielding great sales on decorations, but did you know that retailers slash prices on clothing for that day, too?

5. Invest in Classics

The most fashiony items will always be enticing when they are on sale, but remember that even the cutest trends have a short life cycle. If you want to get more than a few months' wear out of your purchase, stick with the classics. End-of-season sales yield great buys on pieces you'll wear for years, from cashmere sweaters to wool blazers to leather pumps.

6. Don't be Tempted by Odds and Ends

An embroidered skirt in teal from a big ticket designer at 70% off. Sounds impressive, but successful sale shoppers know that picking around in the odds and ends can be a disaster. If you don't have something in your closet to go with the item or if you really don't need it (or worse, if you don't love it and are just buying the brand) it's a waste of money.

7. Beware Coupons and Buy-One-Get-One-Half-Price

Retailers often put stipulations on coupons, such as requiring you to buy a certain amount before they take a discount (e.g. $10 off $50 or more). It sounds like a deal, but that example only amounts to a measly 20% discount. Select shoppers know they only save about 25% when they buy-one-get-one-half-price (ex: you pay $50 for one item, $25 for the next: Total of $75 on what would have been $100 purchase, thereby only saving 25%).