Your Guide to Spring Shopping: When to Splurge at the Boutique, or Save Online and In-Store

There’s something about that fresh scent of spring to make you want to renew your entire wardrobe.  While a complete closet overhaul may not be in your budget, updating a few signature pieces can add new life to your look, without breaking the bank. Check out our handy guide.

Quality T’s

This can be a tricky one. You probably don’t want to spend $100 on a stylish white tee, but cutting corners and spending five bucks on a t-shirt is also not a great way to go. Cheap clothing is often of poor quality and can deteriorate quickly, prompting yet another shopping trip. Split the difference, and go for a pack of t-shirts somewhere in the $40 range. Do your research, read the customer reviews, and try them on.

The Nice Dress/ Suit

Formal pieces such a dress or suit are a rare instance in which you want to really invest in quality. Keep in mind, however, that expensive does not always mean better quality. But for these types of clothing items, it may be worth shopping at a local boutique where you can find items that are truly well made, more unique, and may offer more personalized attention and greater longevity.

Seasonal Items

If you only wear a swimsuit a handful of times in the course of a year, or likewise, only pile on the ski clothes occasionally during the winter, then online shopping or department stores are your best bet. Opt for styles that are likely to carry through to subsequent years to really maximize those deals.

Put Your Best Foot Forward: Shoes

It can be tempting to hit the discount shoe shops and buy multiple pairs at once, but proceed with caution when it comes to your footwear. Investing in quality shoes can go a long way for your overall financial as well as physical health. Poor quality footwear can lead to a myriad of physical ailments, so choosing quality over quantity in this case can really translate into some real savings. Check out the smaller boutiques for shoes as well as upscale department stores, and always, always try them on before purchasing. You can always try on in store and then scour the internet for sites that offer great deals on your brand and style of choice.

It's in the Jeans

For most people, the quest for the perfect pair of jeans is a complicated journey. Once you find them, you’re sold, and you may be so relieved that you’ll plunk down $100 at the boutique or upscale department store for that perfect pair. Now, that may seem like frivolous spending. On the other hand, if you go the thrifty route and buy several pairs at a fraction of that cost, but they fall apart months later, then you haven’t really done your wallet a favor. Consider how often you will be wearing them, and project out how long they are likely to last. You may find that the pricier pair ends up being the better investment.

Lastly, choose pieces that can interchange easily with multiple looks, so that you are really maximizing your investment. And, always have a shopping plan and budget before hitting the stores so as to curb any impulse buying.