Smart Holiday Shopping

We are on the cusp of the busiest shopping season. Retailers are gearing up to tempt you with sales, flashy new arrivals, & the general good cheer & loose wallet mentality that surrounds the holidays. 

While we all want to score the best presents for our friends & family (& maybe a thing or two for ourselves)... just like with the eggnog, it is best to go in with a plan. 

Here are my 9 tips from the holidays, with a 10th one borrowed from Mr. Clinton Kelly himself.

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1. Spend on classic items that you will have forever. Save on trendier pieces.

2. Leave an item in your shopping cart for 24 hours. If you are still obsessing over it the next day, then maybe it is worth it!

3. Check out the return policy - after the cloud of flash sale shine wears off, you might want to return your impulse buy

4. Make sure you can think of 3 things in your closet to go with what you are about to purchase.

5. Ask yourself: Can I live without this? Do I have something similar already in my closet? Will this be versatile?

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6. Sign up for your favorite online retailers' emails. You will find out about the best deals first.

7. Social media can be your best friend, search for the e-tailers' accounts for the inside scoop & sale codes that other shoppers have shared. (make a Twitter list so you can see the sales easily)

8. Keep a record of purchases. Whether you prefer Excel spreadsheets, a private Pinterest Board or an Evernote note. The cold hard truth of your expenditures will be good for you.

9. Take advantage of brand perks, reward points. 

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10. "When something catches your eye, try it on without looking at the price tag. If you like it and it works with at least 5 things in your wardrobe, make up a price that it's worth to you - say, $150. Then flip the tag over. If it's that or less, buy it. But if it's over, say "No, thanks, I'm outta here" - Clinton Kelly, author of "Freakin' Fabulous on a Budget"

How do you stay on budget during the holiday rush?