PLAN
Map out your "shopping strategy." Ask yourself these questions: How much is your budget for splurging? What do you need to buy? What are your non-negotiables (read: good quality over quantity, school-appropriate, mom-approved)?
SURVEY
Once you've answered those questions, scan the mall you're visiting for the shops that are on sale (check out Spot for sale alerts). What are your top priority brands? What shops give the best deals? But don't scratch out stores off your list just because you don't usually visit them. Sometimes, if you look hard enough, you'll find a really good bargain for really awesome stuff!
REVIEW
When you're done shopping, always check for return policies (usually sale items can't be returned). So make sure you check out the stock they give you for rips, stains, etc. Because even if you get the items dirt cheap, if you need to have them cleaned, repaired, and altered, the money you saved won't go into your bank account.
So, ready, get set, shop!