Ty Tips:Luxury living for less

I know that it’s time to Fall back and pack up the summer clothes but it’s also a great time of year to shop for ‘key’ pieces to punch up your wardrobe for next summer (after all, like death and taxes, the change of the seasons is one thing (four actually) that you can count on in this life) so why not stock up now.

I’m not talking about buying every tank top, cargo short or sarong that’s on sale, no, I’m talking shopping smart and taking advantage of great ‘end of season clearance’ sales to purchase a ‘timeless’ piece or a ‘one of kind’ items that you’ve had your eye on but couldn’t afford when it was season appropriate.

Well, now is your chance!

For instance, I couldn’t resist the Perry Ellis cotton dress shirt (slim fit-thank you yoga) and Tasso Elba silk/linen short sleeve shirt from Macys and what can I say about the RedTape suede, pink and grey saddle shoes with white soles….if they aren’t an Easter Sunday moment waiting to happen I don’t know what is.

Here’s how it all paid out:

DSW: RedTape Shoes
Retail $70.00 DSW price $49.94 (Purple tag 50% off) $24.97

Macys: Perry Ellis Shirt
Retail $69.50 65% off $24.32 (Macys card discount) $16.32

Macys: Tasso Elba Shirt
Retail $55.00 73% off $9.99 (Macys card discount) $7.99

Retail store totals: $194.50
Actually paid: $ 49.28

Savings: $ 145.22

So, what’s pink and blue and Black all under? Why, I am thanks to Macys and DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse).

TyTIP: Take the time to get the department and/or specialty store credit cards. If you’re adverse to the concept of revolving credit (and the exorbitant interest fees) simply pay the card off each month in full or in a store like Macys you can actually give the cashier the cash to pay for your purchase right after you’ve charged it (which gives you the benefits of the credit card and no interest fees because you paid your balance at the register)…I know, right?!

Anyway, the credit cards avail you of clearance discounts, store ‘cash back’, and special promotions that the general public is not privy, too.

TyTIP: Pack your new clothes on top of the out of season pieces you’re storing away.
That way, when you take that box, bin or suit bag out of storage you have your previously new purchases ‘season appropriate’ and ready to wear, a nice surprise that I’m sure you’ll have forgotten about while you were living in the moment (and wearing last years end of season clearance items).