360DigitalInfluence

How can anyone be a shopaholic in today’s economy?   Trust me, it is possible; just follow me around.   You simply need to know where to look and what to look for.   With popular blogs like www.budgetfashionista.com, www.fashionisspinach.com, www.glamchic.com and www.styleitless.com, it is easy to get great style advice and learn  a lot  about shopping on a budget.    In my online exploration, I  have discovered a lot about  online bargains.    I am addicted to www.shopittome.com  (thanks to an office mate for introducing me…little did she know I would be come an addict).   Shopittome  brings sales to you, in your size and the designer brands you love for  HUGE discounts.   Basically, you receive an email of all the great sales that are  happening on online retailers like Nordstroms, Macys, Bluefly and more.    You can sign up to get the emails daily - which I do  not recommend  -  or you  can do  a couple times a week or weekly.   It is hard to resist all the great deals you will  receive.   I recently purchased a super cute Juicy Couture dress that was originally $289, but I got it for $89.   I have to admit, I would not have bought it for $289, but for a lot less, it was perfect for my beach lifestyle.   And, when I brought it home,  my  hubby was pleased with the price just as much as  I was.   Ladies, we can be proud of our purchases instead of hiding  them in the back of our closets, pretending like  it has been there for  years and trying to fool  your significant  other.

According to Forbes.com and WWD, there is no end in sight to the retail downturn.   In a recent edition of WWD, they reported that this holiday season, sales will be lower than they have been in years.   In fact, retailers are cutting inventories, but  trying to place an increased emphasis on exclusives and unexpected offerings (like what Mitchells in West Port, CT  did when they picked up their shoppers at home)  - we will all be very surprised this holiday season.    However, consumers are becoming wiser and figuring out ways (like myself) to still be able to shop - and feed  the addiction - while not breaking the bank.   That is great news for retailers…yes we exist…the loyal shoppers.   Moreover, consumers are demanding that retailers provide them with more value and are looking at retailers who  differentiate themselves from other retailers - whether you’re Juicy Couture and have a niche or  more mainstream like  Barneys or Macys, the expectation is to step up your offerings (i.e., celebrity designs, limited edition and one-of-a-kind).  

With all of this going on, in season sales have become the norm.   The dress I mentioned  I bought is totally in season and can even bring me into the fall season with the right accessories.   Sales are abound.   Or, try an off-price retailer who always has on trend and in season items for up to  60 percent off department store prices.  Don’t get crazy, when it comes to sales, you still need to shop  wisely.   You don’t want to end up with a bunch of fashions that  don’t look good on you  or are not in line with your style.   Just because something is on sale, does not mean you should buy it.    Lots of people make this mistake…don’t let it be you.   You’ve been warned

To spite the bad economy and all that we hear about it in the news, luxury retail stores continue to open - mostly in Europe.   There is a reason for that.   Jimmy Choo opens another flagship in Ginza this week.   I’ll have to check it out on my next trip to Japan.   In the meantime, I will continue to shop smart and save whether online or off.