Summer is here and so is the start of sale season. By all means have a good look at what’s on sale – who doesn’t love a good bargain! But as you peruse marked down items, bear the following in mind:

• Do not be seduced by anything that does not absolutely work for you. You should already have something in your closet that you can wear with your end-of-season-sale purchase. Waiting to match it up with something at this late stage is risky. In a month or so, colour spectrums and fabrications will change as Autumn merchandise starts appearing in stores. If you don’t absolutely love what you bought at sale time, you won’t wear it – and that’s not a bargain.
• Watch your budget. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is mid July. It debuts fabulous new Fall fashion which will be an excellent start to your “new look” for the new season. If you plan to spend money here and are on a budget, make sure that you don’t overspend on summer sales now.
• Buy the dress. If you come across a cocktail or evening dress on sale that is perfect for you – buy it. You might not have an occasion to wear it to on your calendar just yet, but occasions such as these creep up on us. Chances are high that you’ll battle to find what you are looking for when the time comes. I’ve received lots of requests for advice on “what to wear to an occasion” at the 11th hour. You’ll be stress free when the time comes if you already have your outfit hanging in your closet.
• You are always worth full price. Don’t get caught in “the sale trap” – you don’t need to buy everything on sale. Buy something because it makes you look (and feel) like a million dollars and you’ll want to wear it over and over again, regardless of what you paid for it. That way, it’s a big bargain for you anyway.

Treat yourself to what’s still on your shopping list for summer – you deserve to feel wonderful!