Assuming you haven’t been living in a cave, you know that the economy is in trouble and that the retail sector is especially desperate. Every day I get about a half-dozen emails advertising 30 to 40 percent off new items at boutiques, chain stores, and department stores, not to mention gift cards worth up to $50 off. This past weekend Saks held a fire sale on designer items–prices were slashed up to 75 percent.

It’s a great time to find deals or splurge if you’ve got the money. But I often warn clients to be careful about sales–that low, low price can blind you to the fact that it doesn’t look all the great on you or that you’ve got absolutely nothing to wear with it.

By all means, take advantage of the sales this season! But hang on to the same standards you would use if something is full price. Take a deep breath to clear your mind and ask yourself these questions about each item:

• Is it on your list of items of clothing you are actively looking for?
• Does it fit perfectly? Will it need complicated alterations?
• Does it go with at least three things you already own?
• Would you like it as much at the full price?

If the answers to these questions is “no,” it’s not really a bargain, no matter the number on the price tag.