Frugally Fashionable
Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for inferior quality clothes or that you have to throw your good fashion sense out the window. You can be both frugal AND fashionable, you just have to know where to look.
I have always been a bit of a fashionista, I have not always been on a budget. One of the hardest things for me to learn when I quit working to stay at home, was that I couldn’t spend on clothes like I used to. I had to start looking at price tags and finding alternatives to the expensive clothes I craved. I learned a lot and because I have so many great resources to share; I have broken this into two articles. Today, I will just be focusing on finding amazing clothes in gently used condition. If you have a “used” aversion-have no fear, tomorrow I will be running down my top picks for rock bottom prices on brand new clothes.
1. Consignment Stores
Consignment stores are becoming more and more popular in my area and I just love these places. You can both buy and sell gently used(and sometimes new) clothes and accessories and the selection is always going to be greater and more unique than at a typical retail store. You can find some truly rock bottom prices on even the most sought after designer clothes at these shops. You will generally find that designer clothes run about 75% off retail at consignment stores and the clothes are usually in top notch condition, sometimes even having price tags still attached. The more affluent the neighborhood you shop, the more designer items you will find, but note that the prices will be a little steeper in the wealthier areas-but still at a huge discount to retail. Platos Closet is my new favorite-although it is geared towards teens-I have found myself some great fashions at this place. They carry a lot of Gap, Hollister, J.Crew and the like, so you know you are getting a better quality item at super cheap prices. They are a national chain-so be sure to check their website for a location near you.
To find more Consignment Stores near you, go to ConsignmentShops.com
A bit of advice for consignment stores-don’t be afraid to negotiate prices. If you find a coat that you love, but feel the price is a bit steep, just ask. Many times the seller will authorize the items to be sold at a specific discount if a buyer is found. So, you may offer a price that will work for the seller. It never hurts to ask.
2. Swaps
You can either organize your own with friends or swap with perfect strangers-it is up to you. A swap is really just a free clothing exchange and can be a great way to update your wardrobe and get rid of clothes collecting dust in your closet. Check out the following for more information on Clothing Swaps:
Find local clothing swaps at Meetups
Life Organizers-how to start a swap
3. Ebay
Ebay can be a great place to find designer clothes at great prices. They have a HUGE selection and have everything under the sun when it comes to fashion, making a Ebay a great place to check for good deals. However, I suggest you know EXACTLY what it is you’re looking for before you start searching Ebay. Because it is more difficult to check for the quality and verify authenticity, I would use caution when shopping Ebay. Another thing to consider is the cost of shipping-before making a bid, factor in your shipping costs to make sure you aren’t spending too much. It’s a good idea to have a rough estimate of what retail is on the items, to make sure you are getting a significant discount.
4. Thrift Stores
Thrift stores are usually benefiting some sort of charity, so they are always a good way to go. You get some amazing bargains, and a charity benefits-everybody wins. Be sure to check out a variety of thrift shops in your area; you’ll have the big ones like Goodwill and Salvation Army, but be sure to check out the smaller charity shops and any that are affiliated with local churches. Every thrift store has a huge variety, so be prepared to dig around a little, but you will find some cool, fashionable and cheap clothes. They are always getting new donations in, so check in periodically. Great times to go are right after long weekends or any holiday-this is the time most people clean out closets.
To find your local Thrift Shops go to Thethriftshopper.com
5. Yard Sales/Craigslist/Freecycle
Yard sales and similar classified services like Craigslist are great ways to find designer duds at amazing prices. With yard sales, the best time to go is first thing in the morning-before all the good stuff is gone. As far as Craigslist and others-check periodically for what you want or post a “Wanted” ad if you are looking for something specific. To find the most fashionable clothes in the best condition-narrow your yard sale searches to the wealthiest neighborhoods in your area. You’ll be more likely to find the name brand goodies and even brand new stuff as well. Typical yard sale/Craigslist prices are as much as 90-95% off retail! Meaning a $200 jacket will run you about $15-20$-amazing prices, indeed.
Some advice on buying used clothing:
Look for quality, name brand clothes and try to avoid clothes that are missing the “care” labels. No sense in buying something if you have no idea how to launder it.
Take into account any minor issues that are fixable, like a missing button-check inside and you may find the extra buttons are still sewn inside(so many people forget about these buttons) or a pair of paints with a torn hem-can you fix the hem? Can Grandma fix it? Don’t pass up something you really like because of issues that are easily fixed. If however something is in terrible shape-pass it up.
While some people are completely mortified at the idea of wearing “used” clothes (I was once one of those people), it is not as gross as you may think. Really, all you need is laundry detergent. Properly laundering any used clothing you buy should be enough to make them like new again. Besides, how many other people have tried on those new clothes you just took into the dressing room? Those have NEVER been washed. Ew.
I hope I have given you some great ideas on where to find some amazingly frugal and fashionable clothes and stay tuned for my next post on finding NEW clothes at rock bottom prices!
Happy Shopping, Happy Saving!
Topics: Finance & Money, Life & Family, Shop Smart |
February 18th, 2008
I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Chris Moran
February 18th, 2008
LJ.. I have done ALL of these.. for my clothes or the kids clothes. I send them out to be dry cleaned or run them through the laundry twice. I have saved a ton of money doing this..esp because the kids grow out of clothes so quickly!!
February 18th, 2008
Kim-
I know! The kids go through clothes like CRAZY! It is a great idea for the kids too, plus for us Mommies, we can dress really “cool” for really cheap and what could be better?!
Take Care
February 19th, 2008
LJ - These are some great suggestions! I think buying used is a hang up for some people, but it sure can save you a lot of money. Oftentimes, the clothes look just like new as if they were never worn. I think it is a neat way to save.
February 19th, 2008
Great tips. I use to buy alot of clothing from ebay but have noticed that recently it is becoming harder and harder to find a good deal. Alot of the brands I like are now being sold with a ‘buy it now’ price similar to what you would pay at Macys. I think ebay is a dying breed for finding good deals!!
February 19th, 2008
[...] 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 [...]
February 20th, 2008
I swear by the goodwill store, the salvation army, and freecycle! I love garage sales, but they are seasonal at best in the midwest.
I was at walmart and got some darling khaki and army green culotte style jeans for 3 dollars a pair in the dead of winter, and they match all of my summer stuff!! I cant wait to wear them! You watch the sales, and you get BRAND NEW at cut rate!! GREAT post!
February 26th, 2008
[...] Mommy Gets Paid writes about being frugal and fashionable. [...]
February 28th, 2008
What I’ve also found is to go to the thrift stores in nicer areas of town. Whenever I need to buy clothes, my first stop is the Goodwill near the richest part of the city - they have high-end brands, are in great condition, and tend to have more variety (i.e., dressier items). I’ve gotten some of my favorite things I own there!
March 1st, 2008
[...] up, I participated in the Festival of Frugality hosted by No Credit Needed. My article Frugally Fashionable was among the submissions and there were a lot of other great articles, check it out if you [...]
March 26th, 2008
[...] Fashionably Frugal [...]
April 6th, 2008
I love your blog.. Thanks for sharing;)