How to shop the summer sales WITHOUT overspending

I know, this feat seems almost next to impossible. With holidays around every corner this summer (starting with memorial day of course...) as with everything our society uses them as an excuse to send out LOUD and PERSISTENT emails of all their "Once in a lifetime" sales. At least that is how they want us to feel.

I do actually buy things during these sales. I don't pretend that I'm above the tempting emails, in fact I just purchased a few new makeup items from a brand that I've been dying to try (100% spent more than I should have and 100% bought more than I should have).

Here's the thing, I'm not perfect. Neither are you, and that is absolutely okay. We can strive for perfection, we can wish we spent absolutely no money (which if you are interested in that you should check out the many videos on YouTube discussing "Low Buys/No Buys." I did it for a month and I've got to say I've learned some tricks! I plan on doing another one towards the end of my summer months but for now my life is what it is and I'm just trying to be alright with it.

So back to the tips on how to shop summer sales WITHOUT overspending (I'll keep it short and sweet):

• Assess your wardrobe/makeup
• Make a list of 5 things you feel are missing -> AS you shop the sales STICK to this list no matter what
• I do this all year round to make sure my purchases are guided, conscious, and cohesive with the wardrobe I aspire to have. 
• Stick to purchasing classic staple wardrobe pieces (you will for a fact get your moneys worth.... I promise)
• ADVICE: "Staple" pieces will vary from person to person. What makes you feel comfortable, yet fashionable, and put together with ease? THOSE are your staples. 

• LOOK at all the things you already have and cherish them -> practice gratitude

• DELETE the marketing emails. -> Every morning I wake up, head to my Google mail and delete all my spam or promotion emails (yes, it is a bit depressing BUT the deals can't get you if you can't see them) 

• Plan/Book a date to do something you've always wanted to do
• NOTHING like setting a goal for travel, a tattoo etc. (honestly whatever you want it to be) to get you to save. Keep your eyes on the prize. 

• RETURN the stuff you bought in a sale.....but are not in love with......
• I'm a huge supporter of returning the things you will not wear. GET YOUR money back. DO not just keep something because it is cheap. That is not a good enough reason. Keep it because it makes you feel like a super star and you are in love. It's really that simple. 

HERE are some of the pieces I've decided to keep from the sale I shopped (this year I'm sticking to one sale... the ZARA sale. I've gotta say I'm in love with each and every piece I'm keeping):