Clothing can be a big money sucker. It is tempting to spend your cash trying to look cool at some trendy store. There are better ways to get a great look and still save some cash.
My favorite is thrift stores. I like Goodwill, but the principal is the same. First find the nearest Goodwill to the most expensive area of town (this is because wealthy people who buy brand name and designer clothing will be most likely to donate there). I have found clothing that still has tags attached (things like a Calvin Klein jacket and even a Marc Jacobs purse). I once bought two designer pants, that Calvin Klein jacket I mentioned and three purses for just $25.00 in total! Next time you are looking for a new shirt or pants or TV set try Goodwill first you will always save money if you can find what you are looking for.
Sometimes buying new is the only option (such as buying shoes, underwear, and other very personal items). Try big box retailers first (like Target and Wal-mart); usually they have the best prices and most of the items last just as long as pricier stores. It is also best to go shopping for things like shoes around August and September during going back to school sales. If a certain store offers a rewards program take advantage. Even if you don’t shop there much coupons are still sent to you either through the mail or email. I do this with Famous Footwear. I will wait for the back to school sales, find a reduced price pair of shoes and pair it up with the typical buy one get one half off sale then pay using a coupon. I have ended up spending just $60.00 for a $60.00 pair of sneakers and a $90.00 pair of heels using this strategy.
Another strategy to saving money on clothing is to take care of it in the first place. Don’t leave clothing littered on the floor where it can be easily stained or torn. Make sure to treat stains as soon as possible with pretreatment, and wash the clothing according to the label’s instructions. If clothing mishaps do happen there are ways of saving the clothing. For a stain that won’t go away consider dying the piece of clothing a darker color. A box of Rit dye and a bucket is less expensive than a new shirt. If you get a tear along a seem either sew it up yourself (nearly free) or spend about $5.00-$10.00 for a tailor to repair it. If you have a pair of jeans that tears and you aren’t into holes as fashion statements, consider applying an iron on patch. Buttons can be sewn back on and zippers can be replaced. Some craft stores offer classes on sewing, or you can go online for tutorials. Sewing, knitting, and crocheting are valuable skills.
An additional alternative is to make your own clothing items. With the investment of a good sewing machine, scissors, needle, crochet needles, and knitting needles you can make your own wardrobe. Even altering a plain t-shirt, pair of pants, or skirt with paint or appliqués will give you a unique look without breaking the bank. The best part of this section of advice is that no one will walk into a party with the same outfit as you.
I’m going to move away from saving money suggestions and back to making money tomorrow. Even though saving money is important (and every dollar you don’t spend is a dollar that can pay for your schooling) it is only half the equation.
