Save money on your wardrobe and look terrific with our help! Beat the credit crunch and still look fashionable - it's the best of both worlds!
Step 1: Throw Out What You Won't Wear
Look at what is in your closet. Throw out, or give away anything that doesn't fit. You might squeeze back into it, but chances are you won't. Throw out anything that is damaged beyond repair as well.
Step 2: Use Accessories
Take a spin through several catalogs and fashion magazines. See what folks are wearing. Take an objective look at what you have on hand and see what accessories you could use to update what you have.
Step 3: Shop At The Cheaper Stores
For those trendy updates you need to shop at the cheaper stores. Quality doesn't count here because these items won't be fashionable for more than one season anyway. Buy the look alike designer purse at Target or Ross Dress For Less. Same with the scarf, and costume jewelry. Factory outlet stores like Burlington Coat Factory offer some great deals too. Target has a great line of costume jewelry.
Step 4: Save On Shoes
Normally I recommend buying quality shoes, but if it's a very trendy/short lived look shop on the cheap at Payless or Wal-Mart. Shop at the end of the day when your feet are at their biggest. For classics check out the Nordstrom Rack, especially at sale time. Ross Dress For Less usually has a nice selection of name brand shoes at a discount.
Step 5: Resale Clothing Stores
Check out the resale clothing stores. The Cancer Society has one in almost every city. There are also privately owned for-profit stores. The Goodwill and Salvation Army in higher income areas can yield some very nice finds as well.
Step 6: Find Those Coupons
Check out websites for coupons to use at the on-site stores, as well as online purchasing. Go through the Sunday newspaper for coupons as well. And don't forget to sign up at your favorite stores to get their special sales circulars.
Step 7: Wait For The Sales
When shopping for basics, go for the sales. Stores in higher income areas stock better and more variety than those in lower income areas, so go there for the sales. Don't buy anything too trendy unless it's cheap, cheap, cheap. Stick with classic looks. Look for those coupons!
Step 8: Buy Undergarments Cheap
Buy your panty hose, knee highs, etc. at Wal-Mart. Those items are identical to the ones in the higher priced stores.
Step 9: Look After Your Clothes
Try to hang dry/flat dry all your clothes and use a mild detergent so you make your clothes last for longer. And remember - dryers beat your clothes all to heck!
