Crazy deals on these essentials are happening right now
On the heels of holiday buying and boxing week (month?) deals, come the winter sales. And lest you think we're encouraging you to blow your resolution to stay on budget this year, taking advantage of these sales, with some thoughtful planning, is in line with being a conscious shopper. Unlike impulse shopping--a bad habit that gets in the way of making smart buying decisions--conscious shopping, is a habit you'll want to form. Basically, assess your needs (short and long term) before your shop, and then buy within your budget. January is a great time to put this into practice, with practical items from your household linens to tennis shoes on sale. Big time.
So think ahead and shop for these things now.
Stunning swim wear
Many retailers bring swim and resort wear onto their floors around November, for people who vacation over the holidays and throughout the winter. By February, summer merchandise and resort wear are both on discount — there is no better time to buy a swim piece. Retailers like Nordstrom, Simons and Hudson's Bay have a lot of stock available online, and right now is the time that serious bargainers get killer deals on designer swimwear from brands like Trina Turk, La Perla and Clover Canyon — all available on sale at Saks Fifth Avenue. Athletic swimmers like this one by Stella McCartney for adidas are on my must-have list for cottage weekends.
Sneakers
I rounded up all season's most insane (and maybe most expensive) spring sneakers for women into this article last week. But this is a great time to get excited for the humble tennis shoe. Get those, a second pair of your go-to runners, or maybe soccer cleats at shops like Sporting Life, Canadian Tire and Sport Chek. They have a heap of last summer's athletic merchandise on sale right now.
Linens and more for your home
January "white sales" are the perfect time to buy key household items like towels and linens, window dressings, shower curtains and more for your home. If you're the type of person who likes to edit their home interior for new seasons, you'll find summer decor accessories from the previous season are on sale. Anthropolgie has their summery 'House & Home' items marked way down, and this linen and cotton Jurdan shower curtain, with its Swedish birds-in-a-tree tapestry, would transform a WC completely into a springtime scene. You can pick up pitchers, glassware and serving trays if you like entertaining, too. Bed Bath & Beyond has beautiful, oversized beach towels on sale including this awesome Condé Nast 'The New Yorker' On Duty beach towel on closeout sale for $12.
Wedding season staples
Plan now for what you'll want to wear to a flurry of weddings, receptions and cocktail parties this summer. Cocktail dresses and seasonal clothes can be expensive and stressful to find last-minute, especially if you're searching for something perfect. Have a look at 'The Wedding Shop' at J.Crew if you're bound to be a wedding guest in the warmer months — dresses that were $300 are now $50, with plenty of sizes and colours still available.
And… a sweet bike
Cycling companies tend to release their new season of merchandise in February or March, meaning you can get the previous season's bicycles and gear at a discounted rate. Stop into your local bike shop to ask when they'll be putting the 2016 merchandise on discount, and take your time to speak speaking with a specialist about what bike is right for your needs. You can also order a bike online and a number of e-tailers already have their 2016 merchandise on sale. This Scott Speedster for a more serious cyclist has been discounted for $250 less, and this hybrid bike by Schwinn is perfect for a more casual cyclist who wants style and comfort most.
