This post was created in partnership with REI. #sponsored
These days, I am very strategic about the clothes I purchase. I keep a budget and save up for new pieces I want to add to my wardrobe, and always try to maximize my budget by combining special offers or rewards programs to make the most of my purchase. Today’s post includes some of my tips and tricks for doing just that!
Before I dive right in, it’s important to mention a couple things that form the foundation of this process:
Outfit Details: Aoraki Travel Dress (moisture wicking material, flattering fit, nice length and pockets. What is not to love?!)
From 3/22-4/8, get 20% off your REI purchase with code MEMPERK2019
Step 1: Edit
The name of the game here is to simplify. Most people wear 20% of their clothes 80% of the time. So, start by removing the excess 80% to give you a closet you enjoy. You could do the hanger trick at the start of the year/season, with the hangers facing backwards, then at the end, what you actually wear is facing forward. Or try the Marie Kondo approach where you take everything out of your closet and put back the clothes that are working the best in terms of fit, fabric, lifestyle, etc. (I’d recommend trying everything on to before it earns a spot back in your closet.)
Outfit Details: Westerlands Knit Tee (super soft and not sheer) / Rangeland Quarter Zip Fleece
From 3/22-4/8, get 20% off your REI purchase with code MEMPERK2019
Step 2: Take Notes
Check out your {much emptier} closet. What do you have? What essentials are missing?
Jot down the categories like–Shoes, Bottoms, Tops, Outerwear. Fill in what you own. Now you can see your shopping flaws – maybe you have a sweet spot for buying shoes, maybe you keep buying sweaters but don’t own enough shorts, etc…
Find out what is missing. More often than not, it’s the basics that we don’t have enough of or the things that can be hard to shop for i.e.- jeans or swimwear. But let’s face it- they are crucial to completing an outfit. So from there, make your list. These are the only things you’ll be shopping for.
Outfit Details: Rangeland Quarter Zip Fleece (ultra cozy and soft, with a big front pocket, perfect for staying warm at impromptu playdates in the cul de sac)
From 3/22-4/8, get 20% off your REI purchase with code MEMPERK2019
Step 3: Save Up
You know what you need to buy, but here’s where budgeting comes in. Buying all these things at once isn’t always an option, so you have to be smart with your money to make it go further for you. Here’s my tips and tricks:
a. Go on a spending freeze. Pick a chunk of time, like 3 months or even 6 months. No throwing things in your cart at Target or Amazon just because. Learn to live with your smaller wardrobe, and use Pinterest to create outfits based on similar items you already own in your closet (that has worked wonders for me and helped me realize I have a lot more outfits at my disposal than I thought!) Over this time, slowly build an allowance for shopping.
b. Sell your old clothes. Use Poshmark, run an Instagram sale, or go to your local consignment store to sell your old clothes. This cash can quickly add up.
c. Try out referral links. Maybe you don’t have a blog or a big social media following, but you can still refer your friends to shops you love or to clean out their closet and give you some referral cash. If you love Everlane, share a pic/review of your favorite piece and include your link. You can earn $25 for each new referral. Some of my favorite brands like all have referral programs you can sign up for like Bombas (25% off for your friends, 2 free pairs of socks for you), Stitch Fix, Wantable and Emily Ley. (Another hint: If you ask for something for your birthday, ask the buyer to use your referral link to purchase it and you’ll get a $25 credit too!)
d. Use sites for cash back on purchases. I always start at a cash back site when I buy something online (clothes, travel, home goods, you name it). So if I buy something at a participating retailer, I would get a percentage back of my total purchase. You get a check every three months with your total cash back rebate. Plus, you can tell your friends and get referral cash added to that check.
e. Make use of rewards programs. Store credit cards can offer some great benefits, but approach those with caution (my rule of thumb is that I always pay off the balance in full every month to avoid interest.) I have a Banana Republic card that scores me amazing deals and certificates to spend at their family of brands, which is great since I shop there for my husband and the boys quite a bit.
Another example? REI has a great Member Rewards program. Members can save 20% on one full price item, and an extra 20% off one REI Outlet Item. Plus, get an additional 10% (2 times your dividend) back when you spend $50 or more on REI co-op brand items.*
Membership programs offer some pretty great benefits, and if it’s a store you love- you might want to consider signing up. The REI Member Rewards Program has some sweet perks:
1. 10%* back (member dividend): Makes for a nice treat-yourself moment every spring.
2. Members-only special offers: One big purchase and membership more than pays for itself.
3. Access to in-store REI Garage Sales: Save huge (think 50%+) on gently used and returned gear at these semiannual events.
4. Play, learn and travel for less: Get special pricing on REI Outdoor School classes and events, rentals, bike and ski shop services, and REI Adventures trips.
5. Support causes you care about: Every year, the co-op invests in the work of nonprofit partners who help hundreds of organizations improve outdoor access for all.
Outfit Details: Westerlands Knit Tee
From 3/22-4/8, get 20% off your REI purchase with code MEMPERK2019
Step 4: Purchase
Ok, once you’ve saved up enough money, be super selective about what you buy.
When you cross something off your list of missing essentials, you want to be certain you choose a quality item that will last. Avoid the cheap Old Navy tee and opt for a quality made tee. Quality over quantity.
New clothes have to earn a spot in my closet. However, because I’m trying to be strategic, I still like to take advantage of sales and promotions. So, once I’m ready to buy, I start to stalk an item. Is it so good I’m willing to pay full price so it doesn’t sell out? Is it worth waiting until it goes on super sale since stores are always selling items long before the weather actually calls for it? Is there a big holiday coming up when you know stores run sales? Also consider buying secondhand on sites like Poshmark. I’ve scored some wonderful items going that route (and at a great discount)!
So there you have it. In a nutshell- put in the intentional thought, edit, strategically purchase, and practice contentment. These are the steps I followed and I can honestly say that now my closet is full of great hardworking pieces I love. Outfits are easy to pull together and feel like “me.” Since my closet now has the basics that can mix and match for my everyday reality of stay home, working mom (instead of my old corporate office style, or Instagram fantasy style), I don’t often buy clothes these days. Writing on this blog also affords me the chance to occasionally add something to my wardrobe without dipping into our budget, which is always very nice. But if there is something I’d love to add, I try to keep these tips in mind.
*10% will be paid by single-use digital member bonus card. Valid 4/12/2019 – 4/22/2019. Terms and conditions apply to this offer. Go to REI.com/member-bonus for offer terms and conditions.
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