Shopping Seasonably

Sale ENDS in August

Mid-July, and it's that time again: back to school time. Time to grab your boots, sweaters and button-ups for fall... What? What's that, you say? Only a month into the official summer? Record-breaking heatwave on the East Coast? Well, too bad.

Fashion has always run it's own calendar, determining seasons and stocking stores months in advance of actual temperature changes. Forever 21 boasts 'Get Noticed with Back to School Must-Haves' on their home page, andUrban Outfitters shrieks: 'Stock Up Before They're Gone!' Tank tops, tee shirts, and shorts have been slashed as they make room for Fall/Winter 2010.

And therein lies the beauty of fashion seasons.

We're barely halfway through the summer and warm weather essentials can be found at a fraction of their usual cost. The bathing suit you may have been coveting in April for full price is now $10. Wait another week, however, and it'll be gone.

Kim Cattrall on the set of Sex and the City: The Movie

The reverse is true, as well: if you need a pair of good leather boots in the dead of winter, for example, keep dreaming, as the stores will be looking ahead to Spring. The easiest timetable to use when shopping seasonally is two months behind. Look for your summer things in August, your Fall things in November, Spring in April and Winter in February.

Of course, this model is only good for basics, like boots, coats, and jeans. Shopping months behind puts you on the tail end of that season's trends, so if you want that fringe dress that's been all the rage, be prepared to pay full price. Or become a trend forecaster, if you're just that good.