Last week I showed you what to get that special man in your life, and this week it is time for me to jump into the wisest and most relevant information of the season: what to buy during the holiday sales! Regardless if you are bootylicious like Beyoncé or as skinny as Paris Hilton, I will show you exactly what to look for in the sale racks from Saks, Neiman Marcus, H&M, Target and Gap, some of my favorite stores. Remember, it is not appropriate in these times of economic woe to wear designer head to toe, but rather mix and match as much as possible. So here it comes again, year after year, fighting over sale items from Thanksgiving weekend ‘til the 25th of December, when everything that did not sell must be let go at incredible, discounted prices.

Have I ever told you I’ve bought Burberry at 90% off or Ellie Tahari at 93% off? I do not expect that you will be able to do this right away, since only the very trained eye is able to spot bargains and swiftly run with the selected garment up to the cash register and then have a very merry Christmas. But, here are a few guidelines to get you started on the right sale-shopping path this holiday seasons.

While scouring a holiday sale, you must look for the following:

1. Only by the night.

To truly revel in the holiday spirit, I recommend a Badgley Mischka metallic cocktail dress, so you can match the décor! The dress is gorgeous and can be easily worn by both long-legged and shorter ladies. However, make sure you top it with fake fur in dark brown. The shoes should be worn with contrasting Louboutin Dillian Flower Pumps, gorgeously detailed. Both can be found at Saks, but remember, if you are on a budget, you can rock the golden look with the fantastic pumps by going to H&M and finding two very similar options, described above as well, including red pumps by Jimmy Choo for H&M.

2. The last days of disco stick.

If you feel like clubbing right after Christmas (for some reason I imagine plenty of people doing this), you should favor a look that is sexier and not very holiday oriented: A Target Catherine Sequin Dress with Mossimo Isha Satin Pumps. For less than $100 you can look friggin’ hot!

3. Working girl.

Since everything is on sale, why not go and get something for the office? The following is a selection from Gap that is both fashionable and office appropriate, all for less than you think (especially after holiday discounts)!

4. Relax… just do it.

I hate “comfy” clothes, but they seem to be favored by most people I know, so the following should help you “relax,” all courtesy of Neiman Marcus. For the tops, Eileen Fisher’s are very comfortable but the fabrics are of an amazing quality so this keeps a balance between being relaxed, but not vulgar.

And for the bottom, just choose something with a looser fit, nothing that prevents you from breathing. Ginger’s from 7 for all Mankind, Hutton from Citizens of Humanity and Utility Jeans from Rock and Republic are a safe bet.