Monday, October 29, 2012

Frugal Fashion: A Collection of Common Sense Tips

There's nothing more amusing than watching Extreme Cheapskates and seeing the people on the show go on and on about saving money while wearing stretched-out shirts and shorts bought in the '90s. Sure, clothes are often viewed as an unnecessary expense by many, not just cheapskates, but one can live frugally without looking sloppy. Short of learning how to sew, here are a few common sense ways to save money fashionably:

1. Don't spend extra money copying the styles you see in magazines and online. Buy mixable and matchable items, instead.

2. Purchase clothing from wholesale sites like Overstock.com and one of a kind accessories from Etsy.

3. Hand-wash tights, slips, and other delicate things you want to keep for a long time. Let most clothes air dry to prevent shrinkage and wear and tear.

4. Shop at stores that sell cheap, trendy wear, like H&M, Forever 21, and Burlington Coat Factory.

5. Buy wardrobe staples and sensible shoes off-season. The end of July is often the end of the retail fiscal year.

6. Spend big bucks only when necessary, like on authentic jewelry, cosmetics, and durable shoes that will last for years (e.g., Doc Martens and Birkenstocks).

7. Do your hair at home more often and wear protective styles in between salon visits. Go in for important services like color and cuts, but learn to straighten and curl your hair yourself.

8. Make a book of coupons!

9. Take advantage of the good sales you see. If the store is offering 50% off and above, for example, buy more than one thing. Don't forget to calculate taxes.

10. Try storing some of your older fragrances in the refrigerator to prevent evaporation and loss of pungency.

11. Read around the internet for more tips. Learn to stretch your wardrobe.

12. Shop at outlets. I recently purchased a blazer, two pairs of pants, a sweater, and a sequined top for just 80 dollars from a Talbots outlet. A true steal!

No comments:

Post a Comment