Designer Sale Season: What You Need to Know to Get the Best Deals

Tibi sweatshirt // AGOLDE denim cutoffs // Celine Sunglasses // Golden Goose sneakers // Marrow Fine ring

One of my favorite times of year is upon us.  Designer sale season!

Twice a year (in late May and late December) everything from the prior season goes on sale.  This is a carte blanche maneuver, meaning literally every retailer under the sun participates.  No one is left out.

How these sales differ from other big sales – for example, Friends & Family sales or the ever-popular Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – is that things are permanently marked down.  These aren’t promotional prices that will expire.  In addition, inventory will not be restocked.  Once something is sold, it’s gone.  So striking while the iron is hot is imperative.

Why You Should Pay Attention to Designer Sale Season

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.  I buy 80% of my yearly wardrobe during designer sale season.  The deals do not get any better than during this time.  If you’re a bargain hunter, this is when you get rock bottom prices.

Plus, the items on sale are unique.  They’re diamonds in the rough.

I have a confession.  I loathe the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  Why?  Because what goes on sale is stuff that literally 10,000 other girls have.  Everyone buys the same thing.  It’s like clone shopping.  And who wants to look like everyone else?  Not me.

Designer sale season is the time to buy those items you’ve coveted all year but haven’t pulled the trigger because the price wasn’t right.  Now the price is right!

Tips for Shopping Designer Sale Season

My top tips for shopping the sales can be found here; one of my most popular blog posts.

The first thing you want to do is scour the wishlists you’ve created with all of your favorite online retailers.  This keeps you focused on what you need and have been coveting, and curbs impulse buying.  The goal is not to buy something just because it’s on sale.

The second thing is to make sure you have relationships built with your favorite stores’ associates.  I have at least 3 experts at Nordstrom that text me information of pieces they think I’ll like that will be going on sale.  Keep your information on file and they can pre-sale these items to lock in your size/availability.

Finally, buy now, return later.  While I will never promote over buying or going beyond your budget, this timeframe in designer sale season still allows for full refunds.  As summer begins and the discounts get deeper – from 30% to 50% to 80% off – your ability to return something for a full refund diminishes.  And so does inventory.  What’s left by the time we get to the 80% off marker is really picked over.

Today’s Look

My entire outfit was purchased during designer sale season (past and present).  Never pay full price!

These denim shorts will be your summer staple.  If you are pear shaped like me or have a smaller waist and bigger hips, go with your normal size.  If you are apple shaped or have a similar hip to waist ratio, go up one size.  Because these shorts are 100% cotton (no stretch) and tapered at the waist, make sure you size accordingly.

My sweatshirt comes in 3 colors and I adore the voluminous sleeves and cropped length.  Perfect for pairing with high waisted bottoms, it’s nice for cool spring days.

Everyone talks about Golden Goose sneakers and I have to say they are worth the hype, especially when you get them on sale.  The first time I saw them in person I was way more impressed than I thought I’d be.  They just scream cool.  Are they comfortable?  Yes.  Should you wear them to work out?  No. They aren’t built for that kind of support, nor will they be as comfortable as a true athletic sneaker, but they are perfect for comfortable, casual days.  Check out this pair, this pair and this pair – all on sale.

What are you shopping for in the sales?

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