STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

I usually jump into fall shopping earlier than for other seasons, because it's my favorite!  Getting new fall clothes just seems extra exciting, probably because it harkens back to school shopping .

Even for fall though, much of the early online/instore looking is for scouting purposes, and usually in the process I pick up some summer sale stuff to stock up on things for next year and things that can transition into fall via layering.  That way I'm not blowing the budget early on but still coming away with some wearable things, and I've got my 'wants' on the radar to be snapped up by the time it's weather appropriate (usually they're also on sale by then!).

If I'm looking for a very important staple item (a new coat, pair of boots, etc), my hunt begins early just because it can often take an entire season to find something *just right*.

ETA:  I also decorate the house seasonally for fall, and shopping for items to do that also helps the fall shopping binge urges .

-- Edited by Elle at 12:28, 2007-08-23

I guess I need instant gratification, for I cannot stand to shop super early or during the off-season when everything is on sale.  I am so susceptible to the appeal of a new floorset in a store. 

Whenever I can find it. I love scoring a great deal on something, even if I won't wear it for 8 moths...it's like having new things all the time. I don't mind paying full price - I don't have much time to shop, and it's more efficient for me to just buy (within reason, of course) when it's available in my size and in my budget. But occasionally I find a smokin' deal on things out of season, and I have no issues with waiting to wear stuff. I know I'll get the full use out of it in future seasons.

I need to be better about buying things before or slightly before the season. I always wait, and instead of scoring stuff on sale, the things I want are sold out :sad:

I also find that if I wait, when the weather changes I am totally unprepared and have nothing to wear. I'll run to the store to buy a sweater and sundresses are on display (ok, that's kind of an exaggeration).

Right now I am going though my clothes, deciding what to keep or pitch, picking up more transition pieces and fall clothes so i will have my wardrobe at together!

Before to get ready, during to fill gaps and get things I come across, and after to get the deals.  I would say I buy most stuff during though b/c sometimes I buy before and then way better stuff comes out.  I hardly buy anything after the season unless it's a great item at a great price, like a wool coat on sale or something.  I'm usually sick of the clothes by then and ready for the next season.