Eyeing that perfect pair of shades for summer? Check out what nationally recognized consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch had to share with us before you head to buy those designer frames. If you missed Part One of our tips, click here:
Buy a discount gift card. You can find discount gift cards for specialty sunglass retailers as well as department stores that sell high-end shades at sites like GiftCardGranny.com. For instance, Sunglass Hut gift cards are offered for 11-percent off and Bloomingdales gift cards are available for 17-percent off. Combine discount gift cards with store sales and printable coupons from sites like CouponSherpa.com to maximize the discount. You can even track price drops using Hukkster so you know the cheapest time to buy.
Don't forget about discounters. "I am always astounded by the expansive selection of designer brands and on-trend fashion at my local Marshalls," Woroch said. "Recently, I found Joe's skinny jeans, Steve Madden sandals and a Nicole Miller dress at 60 % off. That's why I recommend searching this retailer along with other discounters like TJMaxx and even Overstock.com to find the best prices on designer sunglasses. In fact, TJMaxx recently debuted its online department for sunglasses, offering such designers as Ted Baker, Cole Haan and even Stella McCartney."
Follow flash-sales. Being a smart shopper means following sales, but who has time to browse deals each day? Instead, let the sales come to you and sign up for free, member-only flash sale sites that email you with feature sales on the most popular brands. Sites like Gilt Group and MyHabit.com often feature discounts of 50 to 60 percent off designer eyewear and sunglasses from brands like Ray Ban, Alexander McQueen and Carrera.
Keep cheap pairs handy. If you recently splurged on a new pair of shades then be wise about how you use them. If you're going on a boat ride or on a camping trip this summer, leave your high-end glasses at home and wear a cheap pair. "I learned this the hard way after a pair of designer sunglasses were blown off my face during a jet skiing trip in Florida," the expert dished.
Go generic. "I recently lost a second pair of $150 Ray Ban sunglasses which I bought to replace the first pair, and have since vowed to kick designer shades for good. Follow my lead to stop wasting money on overpriced sunglasses!" You can find styles that look just like the name-brand shades for a minor cost. If you need another reason to move away from brand-name sunglasses, consider this CBS 60 Minutes report that explains how the world's largest eyewear company, Luxottica, controls the sunglass market and takes advantage of shoppers.
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