1. Don't be afraid to go into a store that seems out of your league. If there's a sale section or special in the store, sometimes it's worth it to go to a high-end store! Case in point: I just went shopping for my wedding dress at a couture store called Priscilla of Boston. It was a 75% off sample sale, and I got a beautiful ballgown with chiffon skirt, and lace overlay/beaded bodice that was originally $3000 for under $600. Score. Yes, I could have never afforded to shop at this store on a regular day, but sales can change that!

2. Try lots of stuff on. On the sales rack, you usually find a large assortment of random items. In order to be successful, try lots of stuff on, even if it seems weird. Case in point: I love scouting Von Maur and Nordstrom sales racks because they have designer clothes marked down to a fraction of the original cost. There was this Matty M poncho that looked weird on the hanger, but I tried it on anyways. It turns out that I bought it for 65% off and it's now my favorite shirt. Be adventurous!

3. Don't settle. If you aim to find something on sale, don't settle for paying full price. If you work hard enough and look around at enough sales, you'll find an item at a discount! You'll feel even better about buying it when you save lots of money.

4. The outlet mall is your friend. Outlet malls are huge sale collections that often have the same or extremely similar merchandise as regular stores. It's great to buy gifts at the outlet mall because then you can find a high-quality item at a reduced price, and no one will know the difference! At the outlet mall near my house, I love perusing the Coach store to find gift items. Purses that were over $400 can go down to under $100! I bought wristlets for my friends and family last christmas for under $30! Such a steal.

5. Check online for deals. If you have a favorite brand or designer, make sure you follow them on Twitter, 'like' them on Facebook, and sign up for their email list! Yes, it seems like overkill, but I never would have known about the wedding dress sale unless I was signed up for the email list. It pays to be informed! 

It also pays to be informed at Fit&Fab because we have lots of exclusive sweepstakes and deals! Follow us on Twitter, 'Like' us on Facebook, and visit our blog!