Barney’s Bonanza
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
73 comments
“The Confessions of a Shopaholic” sale scene came to mind when I saw your post : )
i think i do the polar opposite of your suggestions! i am a sucker for a sale…i will try these tho! thanx
I always think of Will and Grace when I hear of the Barney’s sale.
When and where exactly is it?
I love your rules.. Good Luck!
http://www.fashionofmysoul.blogspot.com
Your blog is inspiring and your style effortless. I keep coming back for more
herwaisechoice.blogspot.com
W.O.W …you’ve got it covered, girl!!
Maybe I’ll see you there
xx
Kimmy
http://www.kimmydavis.com
love your sale survival guide
can’t wait to see what you make off with!
thats hilarious…thanks for the advice…leggings and flats are always the way to go…
Good tips Emily! I’m one to get ‘carried away’ and always walk out with another party dress when in fact I needed work shoes, ’sigh’. Have fun at Barneys!
Thanks for some of the great tips!
oooh sometimes I just can’t stop!! but thanks for tips) I should put them on my wardrobe wall!)
xoxo,
Marika
Great tips! So smart to remember a pair of socks!
Good luck! Can’t wait to see your new goodies
I think I just gained some much needed shopping perspective in my life! haha
I def. agree that having a solid and reasonalbe approach shopping is the best way to go in the long run, ecspecially since I’m trying to get away from being one of those girls that buys the same thing 3 times.
Have fun! jjparks.wordpress.com
Love the rules and tips! Just wish I lived near a Barney’s so I could go to the sale as well. Can’t wait to hear about what you snagged
xoxo-Tiffany-http://imashoewhore.blogspot.com
Ahhh! I definitely would love to go but I’ll be out of town this weekend. I get excited to hear things like this. Have fun! Look forward to your findings next week.
xoxo
http://fashionwhatsnottolove.blogspot.com
Sounds so fun!! Do post all the goodies you get!!
I’ve been to the Barneys sale a few times but I never find anything! It is so much fun though…love the crowds of people!
Good tips Emily! I hope you score some amazing finds this year
Good luck! Can’t wait to see what you scored!
http://idlefascination.blogspot.com/
words to live by for every savvy shopper
awesome.
best of luck, miss emily!
cheers,
sylvie of silver lining
This is some great advice, especially the last part. Sometimes when things are on sale, people tend to buy stuff they wouldn’t have even liked at full price. Great post Emily! I hope you snag some great things. xo
http://www.fashionsnag.com
Good luck- sounds like fun!
Wish we had that sale here in Chicago! Can’t wait to see your finds!
I wish there was a Barney’s near me! I would be there in a heartbeat! Can’t wait to see what you find! Good luck!
lindsaylovesitall.blogspot.com
While you’re there, do you mind telling Barney to open a store in West Texas? Ahhh I’m dying out here.
http://www.theairconditionedgypsy.com
When I read #1 I knew you were serious, Em. That is exactly how I shop a sample sale, except I’m more of a flat, knee-high boot girl than a ballet flat girl. This formula is crucial to a successful shopping excursion. We need to go shopping together!! xo
hey im sorry im its been so long!
interesting thoughts on the barneys sale LOL i have never been because im never in the city when its going on sigh but the point is ive been to sample sales and your tips are ON POINT girl!
thanks for continuing to be in touch, hope youre well! and have a great time shopping i wanna see your loot when its done
andrea xxxxx
Life In Technicolor.
Great guidelines! I wish there were warehouse sales around here!
This post is making me think of the Barneys sale scene in Shopoholic. I hope you don’t get too much hair pulled! PLease share all your finds!
Can’t wait to see what u pick up at the sale!!!
http://purrfect-pal.com
Great tips for ANY shopping excursion.
I’ve never been and I really want to go… where and when is it?
I really love your blog.
Bisous from Paris.
Elvire
Great tips! I ‘ll keep these in mind when I fight with the masses at NY’s sale. Another good tip, is that you should go during the last 2 days of the sale - chances are things will be way marked down than they were at the beginning of the sale. The only drawback is that the smaller clothing sizes might be gone. But the very small and large shoes sizes will still be there.
http://dreamingchiffon.blogspot.com
http://notthathaute.blogspot.com
The Barney’s sale is always too much pressure for me! I sometimes stop by on the last day, just to see what’s left. I do much better without the crowds. Good luck!
I remember my first Barneys sale…I was in college in NYC and was totally traumatized by the women undressing….FULLY…right next to me to try on tens of hundreds of cashmere sweaters at a time. It’s like the Olympics of shopping…I think you left one thing out: stay hydrated and bring snacks!
Thanks for the rundown! Good tips.
Niki @ http://www.worldinapapercup.wordpress.com
Love this post! Shopping is as much a game and a sport as it is a past time =)
Love the tips! I wish I was closer to a Barney’s! Good luck!!
Good luck! I’ve always said shopping is my favorite sport — hope you find something great! I’m so jealous that you’re close to a Barney’s
xxoo Josie
http://www.winksmilestyle.blogspot.com
ahahaha! Your tips are so useful and so funny ate the same time!! I´m lucky that I don´t have Barney´s near me ;D! Good luck!!
Dear Emily, thank you for your advices!
I always find myself dressed wrong or wearing wrong shoes
From now on I know the shopoholicobonanza secret ;))
Love the tips…can’t wait for the New York sale to start next week!
Great tips! I may have to check out this sale in New York! Good luck!!!
So lucky!!!
Ugh, I got this postcard in the mail but cannot attend:( Love your survival list, must keep on hand.
Wow - you really have your strategy well planned! I get a bit claustrophobic and panicky in surging crowds, so I avoid those types of sales, but wish I could brave them simply because of the awesome steals! Bonne chance!
I am a HORRIBLE sale shopper! I try really hard to be good.. but I never have the luck! Maybe you’re rules will help me!
http://comfortableinmyownheels.wordpress.com
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
[…] Barney’s Bonanza | cupcakesandcashmere.com/barneys-bonanza – view page – cached 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. […]
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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
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