3 Shopping Tips For Shoe Addicts

I admit it.  I’m one of those you’d put in the category of shoe addicts.  But what can you do when you have to have different colors and heel heights to go with just about everything in the closet.  Make fun of Imelda Marcos all you want, I can see how an unlimited budget could easily get out of control!

Of course, most of us find our shoe wardrobe limited by our finances, so we have to find a way to stretch our shoe money as far as possible.  Here are three tips to help keep the selection up and the costs down.

Shop The Seasonal Clearance Sales

Twice a year, in January and July, virtually all the major department stores have seasonal clearances.  While you may not be able to bag the latest Walter Steiger’s, there are always plenty of stylish options to choose from.  The trick is to know when the sales start, because the best values go quickly and the most popular sizes are gone first.  If you want to try this avenue, call your favorite department store and ask them when their seasonal clearance starts, and put it on your calendar.  Bonus hint:  if you show up the day before the sale starts, many stores will already have their sale racks out and you’ll have first pick.

Shop The Department Store Off-Price Outlets

This may require more patience, because the off-price outlets for the major department stores usually only have the styles, colors, or sizes that wouldn’t sell in the main retail store.  I won’t name a name, but on the RACK (hint hint) you’ll find some pretty expensive items with sometimes huge markdowns.

You’ll also want to check these a little more carefully, because some stores will sell returns here that show no or almost no wear.  No biggie, if that’s ok with you, but beware that if someone tried to squeeze a size nine into that seven and a half, it might not be a reliable fit.

Shop Online

If you just don’t have the time or desire to do the sale or outlet routine, then the best bet to get good value is online.  But just because it’s online doesn’t mean it’s a great deal.  There are still plenty of purely retail sellers online.  But if you look around, you find some good places to get great shoes at super prices.

One of my favorites is Guilty Soles.  Perfect name, since I’m guilty of being a shoe addict!  And a good selection of styles means you’ll have plenty of options to keep your closet shoe racks well-stocked.

The Shoe Addicts Revenge

Being a shoe addict doesn’t have to break the bank.  You can use these suggestions or come up with your own ways to indulge your habit and not feel even the least bit sheepish at the end of the month!