The post-holiday blues are sometimes hard to beat, but with the amazing sales going on in stores right now, you can shop smarter than ever. Take advantage of sales by shopping for great basics at unbelievable prices or for items that normally wouldn't make the cut on a limited wardrobe budget. Remember, never buy things because they are on sale — always buy pieces you love that satisfy one, or hopefully two criteria: utility and/or joy. No matter how great a sale price, if you buy something just because it's on sale, you'll probably never wear it. So make sure it is something you need or wish you could have in your closet. Here are some pieces we found in stores right now.
The basic: Pencil skirt
A basic black pencil skirt for a great sale price is pretty much the ideal sale item. Just because it's a basic doesn't make it boring. The most user-friendly items make the best investments at regular prices and on sale! This skirt can go to work with a jacket and blouse, paired with flats or flat boots and a sweater for a weekend, and dressed up with a sexy top for a night on the town. Always look for the best quality and material and this skirt will last a lifetime.
Skirt: Ann Taylor Original: $88 Sale: $29.88 exposed zipper ponte pencil skirt, Style: 245281 available at select Ann Taylor stores, and
Top: Banana Republic $69.50 gray silk blouse with tie waist and ruffle flutter sleeve, available at Banana Republic stores
Jacket: LC Lauren Conrad, Kohl's $72 embellished wool jacket textured chain link accent available atShoes: Nine West Original: $89 Sale: $24.99 Nadiar faux pony leopard pumps in GRYBLK, available at select Nine West stores
Handbag: Nine West Convertible Black Original: $109 Sale: $99 New City Handbag PVC black patent call 800-999-1877 for stores
Bangles: Aldo Original: $18 Sale: $13.98 Set of two rhinestone, brushed gold brass available at Aldo andNecklace: Loft $34.50 log clear drops with blue beads, Style 183740 available at Loft stores andEarrings: Alexis Bittar $95 handcarved lucite pillow clip earrings in blue available atfor worldwide store directory
Rings: Alexis Bittar $95 handcarved lucite block rings in blue and silver, available atfor worldwide store directory
It’s still cold outside: Coat
It's freezing all over the country, but fashion is already about spring. There's still a whole lotta cold out there! Look for a great coat and not necessarily a big parka! If you've already got your casual winter coat, look for something a bit more sophisticated as an alternative. A great classic tweed coat is ideal for a work or weekend look. Pair it with a rich-colored silk blouse and a windowpane wool trouser, even a suit, for a smart office look (yes, you can absolutely mix tweed patterns!). Or try a great turtleneck sweater, jeans and boots on the weekend. These coats are timeless, they really never go out of style, and can work in your wardrobe for seasons to come.
Coat: Zara Original: $169, Sale: $99 houndstooth wool, blk/brwn available at Zara stores nationwide
Top: DKNY Original: $175 Sale: $105 green silk blouse w/camisole available at Lord & Taylor 1800-348-6940
Pants: Esprit Originally $99.50 Sale: $29.99 patterned collection trouser pant in gray, available at Esprit storesShoes: Nine West,6pm.com Original: $108.95 Sale $54.48 Amita brown suede bootie available atHandbag: Aldo $50 Periwinkle taupe tote available at ALDO andScarf: Missoni, Loehmann's $79.98 Flourard checked scarf in orange, available at select Loehmann's stores
Earrings: Aldo $6 taupe opalesque rectangles available at Aldo andBracelet: Dana Buchman, Kohl's $28 gold oversized chainlink available atRing: Dana Buchman, Kohl's $20 gold round design available atRing: Juko, Supplements $45 gold adjustable ring with crystals, available by calling Supplements 800-631-3844
Step outside the comfort zone: New bag
Bags can be expensive. When we buy them we usually buy the most efficient one, maybe with the least personality. But with sales, you can afford to get a backup bag with a little bit of whimsy without breaking the bank. Look for something different and perhaps a bit outside your comfort zone. For a great investment, look for a bag that may be indicative of a trend to come. Fringe bags have been in for the past couple of seasons so they are around and on sale, but they are also in for this coming spring. Look for one in a light neutral tone, like tan or gray, and get the most bang for your buck, as lighter neutrals can be worn in winter or summer. Start wearing it now with your cute denim weekend outfit of a blazer and jeans and in a few months, pair it with your favorite sun dress!
Handbag: Banana Republic Originally: $230 Sale: $95 suede fringed bag available at select Banana Republic stores
Blazer: Boden Original: $198 Sale: $99 British tweed blazer available atTop: H&M Original: $24.95 Sale: $10 floral sheer blouse, visitfor store locations
Jeans: Boden Original: $78 Sale: $39 straight-leg jean available atShoes: Aldo $50 Kegerries oxfords available at Aldostores andNecklace: Zara Terez $65 Rockefeller necklace, gold plated brass, pyrite on wood, available atBangles: Zara Terez $95 Columbus Circle Bangles...set of 3 antique gold plated brass, available atEarrings: Aldo $8 Petriccione pink chandeliers available at Aldo stores andRing: Lisa Stewart, Supplements NY $65 gold ring with pink stones available by calling Supplements 800-631-3844
Not your basic black: Cocktail dress Most of us have our go-to little black dress (LBD), so sale time is a great opportunity to expand our collection with a bolder, brighter dress to throw into the mix. Look for a color and cut that flatters your skin and body shape. I think bold, solid colors are even better than prints in terms of use and longevity in your closet. It's like having a second LBD that isn't black! Still, with a solid color, you can change up the accessories to give this dress a different feel. You could go with rhinestones, colored rhinestones, pearls, heavy metal, whatever! As I mentioned before with the pencil skirt, if you find a dress you adore that needs a bit of tailoring, go ahead and get it. If an item of clothing fits you perfectly, it always looks more expensive. Ideally you want all your clothes to fit this well, and a cocktail dress is no exception. Look for dresses that are travel friendly as well, in a microfiber jersey so they are easy to pack and don't wrinkle, and are wearable in at least three seasons.
Dress: Suzi Chin for Maggie Boutique, Macy's Originally $138 Sale: $69 Porcelain dress in royal blue, available at select Macy's stores
Shoes: Nina, DSW $69.94 Elexa-YF in black lace, peeptoe pump with rhinestones, available at select DSW stores or call (212) 674-2956
Clutch: Lee Lee's Valise $95 La Regale envelope clutch with shoulder strap available at Lee Lee's Valise (718) 246-5337
Earrings: Zara Terez $45 HK fringe earring in blue available atBracelet: Liz Palacios, Supplements NY $89 thin gold cuff with pearl and rhinestones available by calling Supplements 800-631-3844
Ring: Juko, Supplements NY $65 Twosome gold ring with clear crystals available by calling Supplements 800-631-3844