Barney’s Bonanza
February 2nd, 2010
There are only two days left until Barney’s warehouse sale in downtown L.A. and I’m proud to say that I’m well prepared. I take these events rather seriously and over the years have learned a few tricks to make sure that my experience is more rewarding than catastrophic. While you may leave with some bruises on your arms, if you’re carrying a killer pair of shoes, you won’t even notice. Here are the rules I stick to when attending a major sale.
1. Dress the part. As tempting as it may be to show up in your most fashionable outfit, resist the urge. Instead, opt for comfortable basics that are thin, breathable and hug your body. I typically wear a good bra, tank top, leggings and ballet flats (plus a pair of socks in your bag for when you try on boots). This way, when you’re battling the hordes of women in the dressing room, you won’t waste valuable time contorting your body into awkward positions so people won’t see your thong.
2. Know what’s in your closet. Do you already own four pairs of black pumps? If so, put the ever-so-slightly-different pair back on the shelf and carry on. It’s easy to get caught up in a great sale, but if you already own something similar, you don’t need duplicates crowding your closet.
3. Do some detective work. Did you find the exact pair of shoes you were looking for…in the wrong size? Instead of dropping them to the floor and collapsing into a sobbing mess, scour the other racks since shoes are often misplaced. Case in point: these were in the size 5 section. I wear an 8.
4. Know your lifestyle. If you’re a jet setter that needs an array of fabulous cocktail dresses on hand at all times, check out the evening wear. If you’re more of a jeans and t-shirt kinda gal (nothing wrong with that), stay away from the floor-sweeping numbers that will simply collect dust in your closet.
5. Make a budget (and stick to it). It’s really easy to get caught up in all of the killer sales and while the savings may be substantial, they eventually add up. Go in with a particular game plan, (like a pair of sky-high heels and a sparkly clutch) and try not to deviate too far from your original goal.
Image via C&G Partners
Question, what pieces/trends are you on the look for this spring?
Loving this game plan, Emily! Good luck on scoring everything your heart desires!!
Hi! I found you on LookBook and wanted to let you know that I featured your “Deserted Diners” look on my magazine’s blog here;
http://rvbg.blogspot.com/2010/02/personal-style.html
I would also love to interview you for the blog…perhaps maybe post one of your how-to’s?
Thank you very much!
……………………
love + luck + bliss,
missysue
Very useful tips…now all I need is a warehouse sale to go to.
Sigh. I don’t know if I’ll ever experience one of these sales, but I hope you’ll post details of your finds!
love your sales rules, haha, made me laugh though its all truee
ugh! Wish we had this in Seattle!
- http://www.21Arrondissement.com
great advice!
Love the rules – spoken like a true shopper! Always prepared! Can’t wait to check out your purchases! Are you ever gonna come to NYC? If you do, check out http://www.harrietmagpie.com for good times, good finds and good gossip around the city! We love your blog!
Great tips! Since sometimes warehouse sales don’t provide them, also don’t forget a big (empty) straw/some version of clear/see-through tote for lugging around all of your purchases. Frees up the hands to scour the racks, and you don’t have to worry about rogue items slipping away from the pile unnoticed!
Olive
http://www.VisforOlive.blogspot.com
So jealous! I’ve missed the last few Barney’s NYC sale since I now live in Bangkok. I can’t wait to see what you score! Good luck!
You are so right with this advice, I love it! I am lucky to live in NYC and have Barney’s right around the corner. It is amazing!
Sadie at heyMamas
There are no words (save expletives) that will adequately convey the level of my envy. Canada does not have a single one of the fabulous department stores that the USA does, and we are therefore exempt from participating in such things as warehouse sales where designer shoes are discounted to a level where I might actually be able to afford them. I might be weeping.
Have fun!
Great tips, thanks!
thesoundoflace.blogspot.com
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i like your #5. as obvious as it may seem to “budget” it’s one of the hardest to control….(unless you’re in the same boat as me and have no shopping money).
it’s definitely hard to find amazing deals. BUT when i do…
….boy do i know how it adds up.
What did you end up with?? xo
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How was the Barney’s sale?
I ended up shopping LF instead of Barneys this time.. how was the Barney’s? Amazing?
Come by my blog sometime it’s still really new!
xo
http://mandalyzing.blogspot.com/
Great tips. I always get caught up even on just a regular weekday at work…did i mention i worked in retail? Lol. Very easy to spend your whole paycheck
ah – tips from the pro!!!!