We are well in to sales season and indications are that major retailers will be going deeper on markdowns this weekend. When the deals heat up, it’s easy to get excited and buy things that we may question later. So from a boutique owner’s perspective, I’m going to share what to look for in the sales section.

First spend some time in the new arrivals section. What do you like there? Then go to the sale section and try to find something similar. Often the best items have been updated from last season. You may be able to find something very similar at half the cost.

Then think about colors that will be significant for the spring. Equestrian is an emerging trend for spring while unusual shades of brown – cognac, sandal, saddle – were a growing trend for this past fall. Any items in these browns from the fall collections will be marked down but will go nicely with the resort and spring collections just arriving in stores. That makes something in a tan or saddle brown a pretty good buy.

Blues are one of the best places to score a great deal right now. Navy was a strong color for the winter and blue is remaining a core color for the spring. The shade of blue for spring is slightly lighter, but the navy will still work nicely.

Another major spring trend is desert inspired colors. Think of anything that reminds you of the desert – turquoise, the colors on a coral snake, or the hues of a desert sunset. If I were to see something on sale in any color of the desert, I would take a closer look at it.

There will always be things on sale that we buy just because we love them. The dress you waited for to be marked down, or the random funky piece that just spoke to you will always be worth it. But if you are looking to do some major sale purchasing a little homework is in order.
Wishing you a happy and prosperous sales season!

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