Most of us have been participated in a little retail therapy now and then, but the shopping madness that ensues on Black Friday (and Cyber Monday!) takes that concept to an entirely new level.On the quest for the perfect present or nab the best bargains, it’s easy to ignore the total amount of money you’re spending as you become completely caught in a shopper’s high. To bring yourself back down to Earth (and stay out of debt!), try these seven smart ways to get your shopping habits under control:1. Make a list. Studies show that you are much less likely to come home with things that you don’t want or need when you bring a shopping list with you, noted YouBeauty psychology advisor Art Markman, Ph.D. Or ask a friend to join and make sure you each stick to your shopping lists.2. Wear high heels. But not just because it will limit how long you can stay on your feet at the mall! Turns out, feeling off balance, such as by slipping on a pair of high heels, influences you to csondier your purchases more thoughtfully, according to an August 2013 paper in the Journal of Marketing Research. The study found that being attuned to your sense of balance makes you more likely to buy a product that’s a compromise between cost and features, rather than splurging on the top-of-the-line model that’s beyond your budget.3. Pay in cash. “It’s less tempting to impulse buy when you’re handing over hard-worked-for notes instead of a plastic credit card,” said Jacqui Stafford, celebrity stylist and author of The Wow Factor:  Insider Style Secrets for Every Body and Every Budget. One study in the Journal of Consumer Research shows that paying with credit cards vs. cash even influences what purchases you make and whether you get caught up in the luxury aspect of a purchase or weigh the price and shipping costs. “When [consumers are] exposed to new products and thinking about paying with credit, they tend to focus on good things about the product — the aesthetics of it, the features that are better than other products they’re considering, the sexiness and luxury of it,” said study co-author Randall Rose in an interview. “That’s as opposed to details related to cost, like price, shipping cost, warranty cost, installation cost and effort.”4. Step away for a minute. When you get that “I gotta have it now” urge to buy something, walk away from the item for a while, suggested Markman. “Go somewhere else in the store and keep shopping,” he said. “If the product that captivated you is still appealing later in the shopping trip, you can go back and get it.” Taking a time out away from the purchase that’s calling your name can help you decide if it’s something you truly want or if it’s just an impulse buy whose appeal will peter out.5. Don’t get sucked in by sales. It’s easy to fall for that little black dress at 30 percent off, but if it’s still costly even with the discount, if it doesn’t flatter your body shape, or you have five like it in your closet, step away and move on. “Don’t be seduced by the sale price unless you’d be happy with it even if you paid full retail,” said Stafford. “Remember this—nothing’s a real bargain if you don’t end up wearing it.”6. Follow the “rule of three” before buying. Before you toss a clothing item into your shopping cart, ask yourself if it works with at least three other items you already own. “For example, if you fall in love with a blouse on sale, but don’t own the pants, skirt or jacket that you might need to pair with it, it’s may not be such a bargain after all,” said Stafford7. Invest in the classics. When you spend money on clothes for yourself or your family, focus on purchasing timeless pieces you can get the most mileage out of, such as a great blazer, a classic overcoat or a fabulous pair of pumps, suggested Stafford. “Splurge on investment pieces that will take your from season to season,” she said, “rather than trend-driven pieces that will be out of fashion in a few months.” 

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