Insider's Guide: How To Shop the Summer Sales

Tina, here.
July means two things: high heat and summer sales.

Insider's Guide: Shopping the Summer Sales

Are you feeling a little jittery? Blood pumping and heart beating faster? I love a good sale, too, dolls.

But buyer beware. Stores want your money. Here's how to spend it. And, more importantly, how not to.

How to Shop the Summer Sales

Fashion is a fickle mistress. Do something for me, dolls. Walk into your closet and count all the pieces with tags still attached, and then count all the unworn items. Now add up the amount you spent on these "gems" you had to have but have never seen the light of day.

Feeling a bit queasy? Don't fret, I'm about to save you loads of money going forward if you'll heed these warnings. And you'll never have buyer's remorse again. Image by Emily Hildebrand.

1. Don't buy it just because it's on sale.

Ladybugs, first rule is you must not compromise on the good taste we have taught you to have. Just say no to items that won't pay their rent or play well with other items you already own.

2. Ask yourself, Do I LOVE it?

If the answer is "Does it really matter? It's such a great deal!" drop it and leave it. The standard is still perfection for sale items. This sweater has seen better days. Don't be the sucker who lowers her standards to spend money on it, no matter how cheap it is unless you CANNOT live without it.

Oh look! Faux suede pants for dirt cheap! While I fully believe buying pieces on sale during the off-season is a brilliant strategy (we do this for our clients all the time), it is not an excuse to lower your standards and end up with the ugliest faux suede pants anyone has ever seen. If you didn't want them at full price, why would you want them at a discounted price? They are the same pants. The price doesn't change the quality or attractiveness of the pants.

3. Ask yourself, Does it fit?

I found this Pucci dress on sale for a song, but it was too big. I could easily have it altered to fit, but guess why I didn't buy it? I don't need it. I don't wear long evening gowns. So the point is, do not buy it unless you WILL alter it (because wearing something that doesn't fit is unacceptable) and... don't buy it if you don't need it.

4. Ask yourself, Do I need it?

How many white jeans do you have in your closet? (And we're not discussing how many I own - don't try to turn it around on me, dolls.) I will allow one extra pair in case the ones you love get stained beyond repair (that's probably cause you aren't using Roux Maison yet), but no more than that. (Again, is it any of your business that I have 13 pairs? No.) And definitely do not ever, ever buy white capris because they are on sale.

5. Know the return policy.

Great things to buy during summer sales are classic pieces that you will wear again next year because they won't be off-trend. Like tunics or white jeans or wedges or denim skirts or white t-shirts. Just be sure to check the return policy in case you get home and find stains or rips.

6. Mind your manners.

Can we all just agree that losing out on a great piece will not so negatively impact your life as to need to shove, grunt or cut in line for it? Let it go, sister. Move on. Karma will bring it back to you.

My stash of Manolo's, Louboutins and Prada heels I've wanted, passed on and found again for a fraction of the original price. #itpaystowait

We just wrapped up another successful VIP Access with shopping privileges for our clients at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Looks like we saved our clients another $150,000 +!

Guess what's coming in August?

Closet Confessions from moi.

Vault Insiders will see my mistakes, my prizes, how I organize my closet, what's on my wish list, and so much more. In the meantime, check out the Style Secret video inside the July Vault for more on how to shop the sales and consignment. You can join today if you want to get in on the best shopping and style advice from us.