DURING tax-free week, you have a VIP discount at every store in the city.
But that doesn’t mean you should slap down the credit cards everywhere.
Here are some spending tips that will ensure you make the most of the discount.
1. Get a discount on a discount.
Don’t pay full price for anything. Get even more for your buck by bargain-hunting at cut-price stores like T.J. Maxx, which has great shoes – from Stuart Weitzman gold heels to Carlos Santana round-toe slingbacks – for under $50. Or hit the Salvation Army and do some digging. You’ll be surprised what you might find.
2. Remember your summer staples.
Although the tax-free break is well-timed with the arrival of fall fashions, you can still find summer favorites on the shelves – at hefty discounts. If you’re heartbroken over your worn-out Merrell flip-flops, head to any David Z store and treat yourself to a new pair at half the price. You can also find Reefs, Tevos, Pumas and plenty of Mischa Barton-style flat shoes for as low as $40.
3. Stock up on the basics.
Trends may come and go, but you’ll always need those classic pieces that fill out your wardrobe. So go to the Gap and buy your favorite crew T-shirt in every color, and replace all your bras and underwear on a trip to Century 21.
4. Make at least one good invesment.
There’s nothing more satisfying than knowing you’ve made a one-of-a-kind purchase. Pick up that black suit that will be your corporate costume all winter. Try Theory or Gucci for trendy styles. Or head to Bloomingdale’s or Barneys, and splurge on a pair of Marc Jacobs pumps, Seven jeans or a Juicy Couture track suit with a little less guilt.
5. Think leather.
The prices will start soaring once new fall shipments come in, but stores like Urban Outfitters already have a big stock of cool, ruched leather black boots that will take you well into the fall. When The Post went shopping with actress Bai Ling last week in SoHo, we found unbeatable prices on leather jackets (around $100) in Stackhouse (276 Lafayette St., [212] 925-6931).
6. Make sure it looks good on you.
If you simply must have that Miguelina dress you saw J.Lo wearing in one of the celeb mags, go for it. Just be sure that it looks just as bootylicious on you.
WHAT’S ON SALE
The tax-free shopping week exemption applies only to clothing and footwear that costs under $110. Athletic clothing and sneakers are included in the exemption, but accessories – such as handbags, jewelry, watches, hats and belts – are not, along with doll or pet clothing.