Everyone likes a bargain and it is this time of the year, when sales are in full swing that we head out to the stores in search of a great bargain. The question is, are you really getting a bargain when you buy clothing that doesn?t fit well ? a pair of boots at seventy percent off but a size too big ? or a sweater that you will never wear because it doesn?t match a thing you own.

Before you hit the stores looking for bargains, decide how much money you want to spend. A great sale has the potential to be a spending trap that will leave your pocketbook empty and your closet overstuffed with items that you will wish you had never bought ? like the boots that are too big and keep slipping off.

Here are 5 shopping rules that will help you come home with clothing items that are real bargains that will make you look and feel good.

Rule # 1. Know exactly what you need. Take inventory of your clothing and write a list of items that will expand your wardrobe ? a red top that you can wear with five other items in your closet.

Rule # 2. Buy only what you need. If you have five white t-shirts that are in good condition and exactly the same cut you probably don?t really need another one.

Rule # 3. If you are working with a budget stay away from that great plaid, flowery or embellished bag if most of your wardrobe i

s patterned and none of the colors in the bag match the clothing you already have.

Rule #4. Don?t be seduced by a low price. No matter how expensive it was if it doesn?t fit don?t buy it. You might find the best looking designer jacket at a low, low price but if it?s the wrong color or it doesn?t suit your body type you will not likely wear it.

Rule #5. Shop prepared. If you are shopping to find a blouse to match a certain pair of pants, wear the pants shopping. Or if you are buying a skirt wear heels or take an appropriate pair of shoes with you to get a better idea of how the skirt will look.

?Copyright 2006 Sheila Dicks

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps women feel more confident by dressing to suit their body type. To get tips on how to dress slimmer and find your best styles get a copy of her ebook ?Image Makeover? at http://www.how-to-dress.com or go to http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to get the Free Report ? 7 Things Your Girlfriends Won?t Tell You About Beauty and Fashion?.