I have found that New York and Company has very stylish yet classic clothing at an affordable price. I am on their mailing list and get amazing coupons in the mail! They also send out emails about sales and sometimes they have everything in the store half off! When you combine that with a coupon they're as close to thrift store prices as you can get. I got $250 worth of clothes for $45 a few months ago. I think the clothes hold up well and when they're that inexpensive, I don't mind buying new clothes every few years!

I've done the clothing swap, too- and that was great!! Gotta love free clothes and getting rid of my closet clutter all in one.

I am more willing to spend higher amounts on a few basics that i will wear "forever" like great jeans, little black dress, nice pants. Of course- nothing at full price even then. Then I can get cutsey tops at Old Navy clearance and such. I have actually had really good luck with Old Navy clothes, both mine and kids, so always try and hit the clearace rack when I am in need of something. If a trendy $2 top will last me a season or 2 I'm okay with that. When you have a quality "base wardrobe" its easier to change out looks cheaply to keep up with trends etc.