Smart Shopping – The Super Smart Shop n’ Save Way

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In this three part series, JB Owen-Sacallis, teaches us her tricks of the trade and applies it to back to school shopping. It’s day two, and today we will focus on the second part of the Super Smart Shop and Save formula – Smart Shopping.

Smart Shopping is about picking multi-purpose items so they can be used transitionally from one season to the next.

• Cargo pants that become shorts, jackets with removable sleeves, fleece liners, detachable hoods and layered items will last longer if they can be worn more than one way.

Make sure you are reading the labels for fabrics that last, don’t need special washing procedures and are conducive to kids at play.

• When items don’t last, look ratty after one wearing, or get destroyed in the wash, it just wastes your time and money.
• Knowing what lasts or what your kids like to wear next to their skin will make a garment a favorite and worth purchasing.

Taking garments you already own with you so you can match and co-ordinate with new items is a real must.

• Blacks, navys, pinks and purples are never the same and if you have an odd color that never gets worn because you have nothing to go with it, having it on hand will increase the chances of finding something to match.

If you do lean towards unique colors and specific designs for your kids, do yourself a favor and purchase the coordinating pieces.

• Too often just buying a top or bottom in something distinctive leaves it unworn because nothing from any other stores goes with it.
• Designers usually plan their collections with many pieces in the same or matching color; stores will then buy the most popular items from that collection.
• If you like just one piece and get nothing to go with it, put it back. It’s not a smart buy.

Never purchase anything on sale that you wouldn’t buy at full price.
Don’t let the discounts fog your focus and have you buying things you don’t need or like.

When I shopped for a movie there was usually a big budget, so looking at the price tag became unimportant. That made deciding to purchase the garment based on the right style, color, size, and material. Today I use that same principles with my own shopping. Although I don’t have an unlimited budget, I look at the price last, first asking, “Do I like this? Is it my style? What is it made of? How does it fit? Will I wear it? Only then do I ask: How much does it cost? This way you will never feel any buyer`s remorse once you get your purchases home.

Since you most likely have a particular budget to work with, tomorrow we will discuss the last part of the formula, saving.

JB Owen-Sacallis is a mother of two. She has a Fashion Design degree and has worked for over 15 years in the fashion industry. She is a published author and writes for numerous newspapers, magazines and websites. She also is the founder and owner of Agoo Apparel, a childrens wear company specializing in kids’ active wear.

If you enjoyed this article, please visit Agoo blog for more of her tips and advice on fashion, kids and motherhood.