Shop a Sale Like a Pro

As the summer winds to a close, I find myself on the hunt for boots, fleece-lined leggings, and cardigans. Of course, I love these things anyway, but there's something about crisp air that makes them even more appealing.

There is one thing about autumn that I love more than anything else (no, it's not pumpkin-spice everything). It's sales - in the fall, all the summer clothing is marked down to clearance prices. Why? To make room for all the super-cute fall items, of course. 

If you looked all summer for the perfect maxi dress, strappy sandal, or tote bag, and couldn't find it, fall sales are your second chance. Why not stock up on flip flops for next year, and pay next to nothing?

Sometimes with sales, the good items go fast and you're left with the picked-over remains. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your budget during the autumn sales.

Set a Budget

Spending money on a great sale is worth it, but wasting it is not. Look your budget to see how much you can reasonably afford to spend. New shoes won't help you pay the rent. 

Now that you know what you have for spending money, withdraw that amount in cash and leave your credit cards at home. If your planning to make a day of it, remember to include lunch or coffee in your budgeting. 

Decide What You're Looking For

Writing a sticky note that says "everything" isn't deciding. By making up your mind in advance, you'll be less likely to get sidetracked by that horribly tacky beach bag that you'll probably never use but is on sale for a dollar. 

Even narrowing down your search to a few categories, such as 'tank tops', will help prevent you from wasting your hard-earned dollars on something you don't actually need. 

Hit the Outlet Mall

Outlet malls are fabulous anyway, and when it comes to putting a whole season on sale these stores win every time. Often outlet locations carry more than one season at a time, so you might even get lucky and find some spring fashions. 

Take a Buddy

Remember: there's safety in numbers. Take a friend, and make sure you keep each other on track. Having a partner makes it easier to stay focused (also there's someone to hold things you want to call dibs on, but aren't 100% sure about). 

Have you made a great find at a seasonal sale? Tell us about it!