We all want that incredible, classy, trendy style, but it is NOT CHEAP. It is so hard keeping up with today's trends when I only have about $30 in my wallet at any given time. Through my four years in college I feel as though I really mastered my bargain shopping and wanted to share some of these tips with you all!
1. Retail Me Not: I really don't know why people aren't using this app 24/7. Basically it locates you, and shows you all the coupons that are available at the stores you're shopping in. Lets say I'm in Michaels, all I have to do is enter Michaels in the search bar and they show me every coupon and deal available! It's so cool and I've seriously saved so much money this way. Retail me not has coupons for in-store and online, and all their coupons are verified!
2. Shoe Shopping: Okay, I know this one is going to sound crazy, BUT, look in the kids section. Now I'm not telling you to go buy light up TMNT Sneakers (unless of course you want light up TMNT sneakers) but you can get some great Nikes for $15-$20 cheaper than adult sneakers. Most of the time they are exactly the same shoe, just marketed differently. I just bought a pair of Nike Tanjun sneakers. They are a little boys size 5.5 (equivalent to a woman's 7.5). They are absolutely identical to the adult Tanjun. There isn't a single difference in the shoe, but there is a difference in price. I only paid $50 for them, while the adult sizes started at $65. No one will ever know that you're wearing youth sneakers, and you'll have an extra $15 in your pocket for Chipotle.
3. Target Cartwheel: This app is life changing. As we all know- Target is a holy place. Well it's about to get even better. Cartwheel is an app and all you have to do is scan each item you pick up while shopping. The app will get you Cartwheel exclusive coupons for certain brands and products. While you're at checkout, you show the cashier your barcode and once they scan it, all the discounts are registered and you save some $$$! It's so easy.
4. Subscriptions: Okay, I know getting a million promotional emails is annoying, but they can actually get you a lot of great deals. My tip is to set up a separate email account for all of your promo emails from different stores and websites. You only have to check it every few days to see what kinds of sales are going on. Plus, many stores offer coupons exclusive to those who subscribe to their emails!
5. Rewards Programs: Tons of stores are hopping on this train. The one I find most useful? Ulta's Ultamate Rewards! I've been an Ultamate Rewards member for years and I have seriously saved a ton of money. You get a point for each dollar you spend, and once you reach 100 points you get $3 off your next purchase, then $6, then $12, all the way up to $100 off! Plus if you get your hair done at Ulta, (10/10 recommend Emily at the Ulta Salon in Patchogue) it is really easy to rack up points. Rewards members get a ton of exclusive offers like early access to new products, plus cute samples and freebies. Ulta is not the only store doing this! There are plenty of places that offer rewards programs like Sephora and American Eagle.
6. Holiday Sales: We all know about Black Friday, but what about Memorial Day sales? And Fourth of July? So many companies offer some great discounts during these holiday weekends where you can pick up a few things you've had your eye on. This Fourth of July I scoped out some good discounts at KJP.com and was able to buy my first rope bracelet! My best advice is to buy things you've had your eye on for a while during these special sales. I've wanted a KJP bracelet for a long time, and it felt so good to finally get one, plus save some money! J.Crew and Loft always have awesome holiday sales as well!
