Shoe addiction is really a thing. Whilst an increasing collection in a cupboard and diminishing space on the floor-drobe is the greatest giveaway, Urban Dictionary defines a shoeaholic as someone who “owns over 60 pairs of shoes” which from a shoeaholic’s point of view, isn’t actually that much.
Have you seen Kim Kardashian’s shoe-drobe? She seriously has a walk-in-robe but just for shoes; let’s not even begin to think about the size of her wardrobe for clothes. Let’s be honest though, we are jealous, a shoe-drobe is a shoeaholic’s dream and Kim isn’t the only culprit, there is a plethora of digital content available filled with celebrities, digital influence, Instagram celebrities, vloggers and bloggers who are addicted to shoes. You know what they say, if you can’t beat them, join them.
Alas, here are some of the best tips the internet has to offer on the best way to grow your shoe-drobe without damaging your budget, all from the comfort of your own home in this age of being able to purchase cheap shoes online.
Before we get going with our tips, let’s clear up one thing; a cheap pair of women’s shoes isn’t always something of awful quality. Cheap shoes can mean purchasing quality goods on sale, making the proper choices by avoiding impulse buys and essentially, being a super-savvy shopper.
For instance, a twenty dollar pair of sandals that falls apart after one wear isn’t a win. However, a twenty dollar pair of sandals you find available in the previous seasons sale section is. By practising efficient shopping methods you can save money in the long Term, letting you purchase the upcoming must-have pair.
Shop strategically
We all want the Manolo’s but do we actually need the Manolo’s and can you truly afford them? Brands such as Tony Bianco, Siren and Diavolina as well as retailers such as ASOS and Topshop bring out new styles each season mimicking the big designers and trends straight from the runway. They’re of excellent quality and affordable, shop the look for a fraction of the price of the real deal.
Have a list and budget
Sticking to your budget and acknowledging what you need are crucial aspects. Write down exactly what your shoe collection is missing and how much you can afford each month/week/day. Here’s the deal, you have got to adhere to it. We’re not saying the occasional pair of heels you adore should be passed by, but stick to your plan for the most part, don’t spend more than you would of just to get the same day online delivery service.
Don’t impulse buy
Sure, they are cheap but in the long term having shoes you do not wear or need will add up and waste that precious shoe-drobe space you so desperately need.
Make sure you know your size
Place a piece of paper on the floor, trace your foot and measure the width and length. If you’re a first time buyer from a certain brand or merchant check these against the size manuals to make an informed decision, sizing standards are only a guide; you may be a size 7 in one store and a size 8 in another.
Don’t buy the first pair you see
The internet is your oyster; the internet is full of web page content answering all the questions you could possibly have about a particular pair of shoes. It pays to compare and research between retailers and you might find a comparable style at a more affordable price.
Keep an eye on sale times
Mark on your calendar the popular sales times so you can make sure you are on top of them, the ones we all know include the end of financial year sales, Black Friday sales, Boxing day sales (which last until New Years by the way), the four-times annually mid-season sales to name a few.
Save on shipping – buy in bulk
If you are buying from an international retailer that charges large amounts for delivery, rally your girlfriends together and process an order together to take advantage of the online delivery. Websites like ASOS, Nasty Gal and Topshop have free shipping over a certain amount, but a lot don’t. You do not want to find your dream set of shoes available only to be struck with a shipping cost that is more than the shoes themselves.
Loyalty cards and subscriptions
Be in the loop with retailers, subscribe to newsletters and be the first to know about promotions, discounts and sales. Another source is other girls. Ask your friends to tell you the next time they hear of a flash sale, and return the favour when you are in the know.
Discount codes
Shop using codes and coupons, having an online store wish list a part of the savvy-shopper material we were talking about earlier. Build your dream wish lists of online shoes and then sit tight. Keep on top of coupon codes right and be sure to add them to your shopping cart if something comes up.
Purchase on credit
Purchase your shoes using a credit card that provides a cash-back percentage. Some loyalty and credit cards offer savings on your purchases. The David Jones Platinum Card offers free Priority delivery among other perks. Topshop has a loyalty card offering 5 pounds off a purchase over 50 pounds. It May not seem like a lot but if you are a shoeaholic, you are winning in the long run. To take advantage of credit savings, you need to pay back your card on time of course.
And there you have it, get on the net and shop smart using these tips.
