Back to School Essentials: Saving Money While BTS Shopping

It's that time of year again guys! I know, I can't believe that summer is almost over either! You know what that means, back to school shopping is in full swing. Don't drain your wallet on a few purchases. Get the most out of your money with these thrifty tips.

- Shop for clothes a season or two ahead of time. It may still be warm when you return to school but if you're at a store and see an awesome jacket for a great price that you love, pick it up! Stash it away until cooler weather and then bring it out. Stores will usually put last seasons coats, jackets, and sweaters on the sale rack, so see what you can find. Look for classic pieces that way they'll still be on trend when they're finally season appropriate.

Score this Faux Leather Bomber Jacket from Forever21 for only $18 (orig. $27.80) and then stash it in your closet until cooler weather. Paired with a good pair of skinny jeans and combat boots it would be perfect for a football game in the brisk fall months.

- Update what you already have. Whether you alter an old tee or throw on some jewelry it's super easy to update pieces hidden in the back of your closet. Crop a t-shirt or add some studs to a bag or pair of jeans.

Add some studs like these ones from H&M to your fave moto jacket, jeans, or t-shirt for a quick update that will make you fall in love with your old clothes all over again.

- When you go shopping visit the clearance rack first. There is nothing wrong with buying clearance merchandise. I've found some of my favorite clothes on the clearance rack (like a pair of designer wedges for $7!). If you have an unpopular size or shoe size you may really luck out!

Checking the clearance rack (or tab for all you online shoppers) could help you score an awesome vest like this one for $29.99 (orig. $159). 

- Shop at stores like Marshall's and T.J.Maxx. These stores always have great designer name products like Michael Kors, Betsey  Johnson, Steve Madden, and Juicy Couture. Try it out you may be surprised what you'll find. I've scored great shoes and bags here for awesome deals!

Before splurging on that designer bag you want stop at T.J.Maxx or Marshall's and see what you can find. You may get a great Steve Madden bag like this one for less.  

- Check your receipts for surveys. Lots of stores ask for your feedback at the bottom of  receipts in return for a coupon or money off your next purchase. For instance, Victoria's Secret usually gives you the link to a survey website at the bottom of receipts. Once you answer a few questions you'll receive $10 off a $50 purchase.

Filling out a quick survey could help you get $10 off of this sweatshirt  from Victoria's Secret. It's perfect for gym or a casual day look. 

- Sign up for mailing lists for you favorite stores. Most stores have an email list that you can sign up for. They'll send you email alerts when there's a good promotion going on, a new product comes out, or sometimes even a coupon for money off or a free item! Forever21, Charlotte Russe, Aeropostale, & Victoria's Secret all have email lists. Charlotte Russe even has a service that will text you when they're having a sale. If you don't want emails from stores clogging up your email make an account just for stores.

Know when promotions start or when new pieces, like this jacket, come out by signing up for email alerts from your favorite store. Camo and military inspired clothes are going to be HUGE for fall this year. This Camo Utility Jacket is from F21.  

- Sign up for rewards programs. Some stores have programs that you can sign up for where you earn rewards whenever you buy something. American Eagle and Ulta both have programs like this. All you have to do is swipe your rewards card after each purchase. It's a simple way to save!

Stocking up on your favorite AE jeans can help save you money later on as long as you swipe your AE Rewards card after each purchase. You earn 1 point for every dollar you spend. 100 points = 10% off. Sign up here! 

Stay tuned for more in my Back to School Essentials series.

-BL

What are your favorite money saving tips? Leave a comment & let me know!

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