Frugally Fashionable-Round 2
Being both fashionable AND frugal isn’t as hard as it sounds. Yesterday, I wrote all about my favorite ways to come by used fashions at a fraction of retail costs. Today, for all of you whom are not quite ready to take the “used” fashion route to bargains; I have put together my favorite brand new frugal fashion finds.
There are so many avenues you can take that will lead you to great designer fashions at incredibly low prices, I know I can’t list them all, so please share your favorites!
1. Department Store Clearance (NOT SALES) Clearance racks at department stores are usually 50% off and up, these are the prices you want to look for. Avoid those 25% off sales, the savings aren’t that great. The best clearance racks are by far at Dillards. They always have a clearance rack in every department, so be sure to check them all. Sometimes prices are up to 75% off and the selection is always great, especially around the end of seasons. Finding something this winter for 75% off that you can wear next winter is much more fashionable than paying full price next year. Other stores like Macy’s and Burdines will have these clearance racks-just look around all the departments and you’ll be sure to find at least a few items you love.
2. Discount and Seconds Stores Stores like TJ Maxx, Ross and Marshall’s are famous for their designer duds at amazing prices. They always have a huge selection and the prices are deeply discounted. Because these stores tend to sell “imperfect” or “seconds” clothes, be sure to try everything on. The sizes may be off, or inseams may be too short, these clothes end up in these stores because their is something wrong with them, so make sure you check them out thoroughly. Most issues are unnoticeable, but try things on just to be safe. These stores are great places to stock up on accessories too; belts, handbags, scarves, etc. can all be found at extremely low prices.
3. Designer Knockoff Shops While I do like the quality of the more “designer” clothes, I love these knockoff shops for things that nobody notices anyway-tank tops/camis, simple tees, hats, etc. While you may want a top notch coat in the winter, come spring time a simple cardigan will do, so these stores can be a great source for those little odds and ends that look very pricey and stylish, but cost very little. Places like Old Navy, Aeropostale, and Forever 21 not only have low prices, but they always have some sort of sale going on. Whenever Old Navy has a sale, I buy millions (OK, maybe tens) of tank tops- I love their tank tops and I can get them on sale for a few dollars each, fabulous.
4. Outlet Stores Some people swear by outlet stores, I like them and they are cheaper than average retail. I don’t however think they have the best deals around. They typically are only about 20% less than retail and because they are always so far away, the cost of driving negates the savings. The only way to properly save money at an outlet, is to shop during a sale and at the end of seasons when they have a lot of clearance.
5.Target What? Target? I thought we were talking about high quality goods here? Well, Target has some really top notch clothes and really low prices. I know, I know, I am kind of shocked too. I have recently started to find some really stylish clothes that are of good quality and low in price at Target. They always have a clothing clearance section and I have found amazing bargains there. I bought 3 cardigans for just under $6 there about 2 weeks ago. Amazing. Definitely worth checking out.
6. Online Shopping I like shopping online for a lot of reasons, mainly for the savings in fuel-I live 40 miles from a mall. I also like shopping online for the better selections and because if I shop online, I don’t have to drag my brood into the dressing room with me. (How horrible is it to try on clothes with your kids running around?! OH, terrible!) There are a lot of online retailers that specialize in bargains:Overstock, Classic Closeouts and Amazon to name a few. Couple the great prices with free shipping and you can really save a lot. But, you are not limited to just the discount shops online. With the help of websites like Retail me not, Naughty Codes and Rather Be Shopping, you can find coupon codes for virtually every online store you can think of. If you find a sale, a coupon code and a free shipping offer, you can pretty much expect to pay next to nothing for brand new clothes.
Whether you shop new or used, or a combination of both, there is no reason to give up your fashion sense in the name of frugality.
Happy Shopping, Happy Saving!
Topics: Life & Family, Shop Smart |
February 19th, 2008
Excellent tips. My wife and I love to shop at Target for clothing for our 3 kids. We have notice that the quality is very good for the price. Same goes for the clearance section at Old Navy. You can get some great deals on season closeouts that we put away for the following year.
Thanks for mentioning my site as well!
February 19th, 2008
Kyle- You’re welcome for the mention! I am a sucker for coupon codes!!
I was really surprise about the quality of clothes are Target! I always thought they were cheap and cheap quality, turns out they are just cheap!
Take Care
February 19th, 2008
When in Macy’s or Banana Republic I go straight to the clearance racks. I also love Nordstrom Off the Rack as well as Century 21. Target does have some good items too!
February 24th, 2008
[...] warm weather stuff from last year is now a little snug. Mommy Gets Paid had a great post on being Frugally Fashionable and I can apply some of her tips towards finding exercise [...]
February 25th, 2008
We are covering this topic next week and I couldn’t agree more. I have had great success shopping at stores like TJ Maxx and also do really well hitting the Goodwill and consignment shops. Great ideas (here via the Frugal Dad)
March 31st, 2008
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