September 28, 2012

Balancing the Hangers



Congrats to Cryastaley 73 for winning last week's giveaway of 
Turtle Soup. Happy reading!

I may not be an extreme couponer, but I save a fortune clipping those little lovelies as I've posted here on TBW before. The same goes for clothes shopping. I'm not exactly a clothes horse, more like a clothes pony. Since I work from home and only dress up to go to church on Sunday, I don't have an extensive list of needs. I do like to have a few things somewhat on trend with each season though, and my casual clothes have to be in good condition and feel comfortable.
Jones New York Dress; $6

Nothing makes me more sick than picking up some cheap quality shirts at a discount store and realizing I still paid twice what I would have on consignment or off the clearance rack of a designer store like The Loft or Banana Republic.

The majority of my clothes come from a couple of local consignment stores, my favorite being the Red Door consignment boutique situated in Tyrone, Georgia. If I catch their sales on the right day at the end of the month, I can get consigned clothing for 75% off the asking ticket, which averages out to two or three dollars for name brand jeans, blouses and sweaters. I also pick up discounted jewelry for whatever's in for the season at places like Khol's, Cato or Claire's. Altogether, I'd like to think I save my poor family a fortune in clothing dollars. After shopping for an upcoming book signing this weekend at several discount chains, I realized once again, I really do. 

Soft wool boho hoodie; $1
Clothing really isn't that great a bargain at places that offer low prices on everything you could possibly be looking for in one shopping trip. They usually are poor quality, don't hold up after a wash or two, fade, pill and stretch out. I can't say much better about some designer clothes that look terrible after going through the wash machine the first time, but in general the old adage "You get what you pay for" does hold true.

Google consignment shops in your community or well-to-do areas of town where people tend to go through money like tissue paper. You'll be amazed at how much you can save on classic outfits and will have plenty of change left over for a few trendy baubles to accent your looks.


Trendy Amethyst Cords, The Loft; On Clearance
Another tip: Always search Google for a free shipping code or other coupon when buying anything online. Most stores offer these on a regular basis. You just have to find them!  

What's your favorite way to save money on clothes?

Stay Balanced!
~Danielle Thorne












5 comments:

Patty Froese said...

I'm all about the discount stores, too. I got a whole new wardrobe of clothes over the summer from Olsen Europe's discount location when my parents live. I can't afford their clothes ordinarily, but when you take 75-85% off, I suddenly can! :)

DanielleThorne said...

I love 75% off sales anywhere. It's like Christmas! I'll have to check out the store you mentioned and see if they are online. Sounds cool. ;)

TJ Mackay said...

Aw, a woman after my own heat! I'm a demon of the coupons, but had not really considered consignment stores. I think I'll be checking a few out!

TJ Mackay said...

Ok, guess I need to spell check the spell check... NO, I'm not in heat - that word was supposed to be "heart!" (Sheesh, how embarrassing!)

DanielleThorne said...

hee hee, TJ! I knew what you meant. And yes, I love finding great outfits through consignment. They are in much better condition than thrift shops and the price is right!