The wonders of the holiday sale

The best part of the holiday season, other than all the gifts, is the holiday sale. The holiday sale is the green flag that gives every woman far and wide permission to go completely crazy while men are at home watching sports. \nThe holiday sale is not only a chance to save money on that herringbone blazer you've been dying to buy, but it is also a bonding experience for women. I mean, really, once you go shopping for Victoria's Secret underwear on sale together, a long, lasting relationship is solidified. \nI have learned there are a few secrets to shopping. The sale is one of them. If you want to save money on clothes during the holidays, the best thing to do is find out what is in style for the season and have a good idea of what it is you want to buy. Going shopping can be very overwhelming, especially during the holidays. One thing I do is try to stay away from malls, stores, boutiques etc., until after the holidays to avoid spending money you never intended to. I know it is hard, but everything goes on sale, including the stuff you usually pay an arm and a leg for. \nUpon stepping in the door, go directly to the sale items, that way you won't be tempted to pay full price for anything. Paying full price is my pet peeve, and believe me, I am one of those women who will try to get the price lowered on anything. One should not be embarrassed for buying things on sale. I was in a class one day and the teacher was talking about how women will see each other in a nice outfit and say something catty like, "Hmm, she got the dress on sale." Of course she did, and she saved money and looked good. There is nothing wrong with a sale. Even CEOs and executives shop on sale. Shopping on sale is a part of being thrifty. \nAccording to the article "Hot Commodity" in Vogue's May 2004 issue, Mellody Hobson, the president of Ariel Capital Management, Inc. in Chicago, who has made a name for herself by being a black woman in business who looks fierce in designer clothes, also waits for the sales. \n"It helps," Hobson said. "... You can always get those clothes at the end of the season."\nHobson not only uses fashion as "mind candy," but it also helps her meet her goals, which is why shopping on sale is so important. Hobson buys Gucci suits, but they serve a purpose.\n"I understand that the standards are a lot higher for me, and I am not going to play around with that," she said.\nWomen have to look good, there is no doubt about it. We are judged on looks and clothes, so looking good and shopping have become more like a sport. You have to know how to navigate your way around stores. You have to know what you need, what you want and how to beat that woman who is going for the last cashmere sweater in ocean blue. Fights have actually broken out on sale days. Believe me, women go nuts.\nOne rule is to always buy staples like turtle necks, cashmere socks, scarves, hats and shoes on sale. Shoes always go on sale, and waiting will help discourage impulse shopping. I am not saying buy clothes simply because they are on sale -- we all know some things go on sale for a reason. So look closely at the item: is it ugly? (Don't get blinded by the sale.) Is it made funny? If nothing is wrong with it, then make a purchase. Like my boss Jane Charney always says, "You're not rich enough to buy cheap things." Another way to find good sales is to go online. I love J. Crew and Polo sales, and www.overstock.com is my online shopping best friend. \nThe only thing about sales online is that they don't last long. I am so sad because a pair of shoes that were on sale at Polo a few days ago are no longer available. The same thing happened at J. Crew. There was a wool pencil skirt on sale for $29.99; I went to buy it a few days later, and it was gone. Now I live with regret. So the rule is to know what you want. If you find something online you like or need that's on sale, buy it as soon as possible. Buying it on sale means you have that much money left in your account because we all know that if it is too tempting, full price doesn't look so bad.