Dress Like a
Diva on a Thrift Store Budget
by
Kimberly Danger
It’s a common misconception that you have
to sacrifice style while on a budget. As a long time
fan of fashion and all things frugal, I’ve never
believed that. For as long as I can remember, I’ve
found ways to create the looks I wanted at prices I
could afford. If you’re truly a frugal fashionista like
me, you’ll find a way to have your cake and eat it too.
 On my
most recent fashion finding trip I picked up a bag full
of name-brand apparel including labels like Michael Kors,
Tommy Hilfiger and Tahari – for over 90% off retail. I
didn’t hit the consignment stores or thrift shops. No
secondhand clothing this time -- my deals were brand new
with the tags still attached. I got nearly $700 worth
of clothing for only $20. That’s less than I would have
spent at the thrift store! I walked out of the store
with jeans, a dressy jacket, a fun swing top, and a
casual blouse. That trip wasn’t just dumb luck. I’ve
had similar experiences each and every year. I’ve
stumbled upon sales so often that most of my wardrobe
has been purchased like that.
Timing is everything. The best markdowns
occur at the end of each season. Mid-to-late September
and January are my favorite times to look for clothing
deals. That’s after the back-to-school rush has
subsided and all the Christmas sweaters and outfits have
been returned.
Make sure that the styles aren’t too
trendy and will still look good next season. Since most
of the rock-bottom prices are at the end of each season,
you’ll be socking most of your bargains away and be
wearing them next year. That’s fine as long as you’re
opting for styles that will stand the test of time.
Shop often, but purchase rarely. Scope
out markdowns on a regular basis, but resist the urge to
buy until prices hit rock bottom. Don’t have time to
visit the stores yourself? Let the internet help you.
Visit the Mommysavers
What’s In Store forum to get the heads-up on
great prices and deals other moms are finding in
bricks-and-mortar stores.
Get to know the sales associates at your
favorite stores. Often they will clue you in as to when
their next round of markdowns will take place. Don’t be
afraid to ask them outright; most are happy to divulge
that information. Some may even go as far as putting
some things they think you might like on hold for the
occasion; but you have to play your cards right.
Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean
you should buy it. On my recent trip I removed half of
my carts’ contents before I hit the checkout lane. If I
didn’t absolutely love it or it didn’t fit perfectly it
had to go back – no matter how low the price. It was
hard putting $2 tops back on the rack, but I knew that
they would occupy valuable closet space and not get worn
as often. Keep your willpower in check and realize
there will always be another deal waiting in the store
around the corner.
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