"I am not a label snob and have learned that the thrill of shopping can be just as great, if not more so, when you find a bargain." -Sophie Kinsella
I often have people come up to me and compliment me on what I am wearing or ask me where I got said item. My favorite part about these interactions is being able to tell them what a bargain I purchased the item for. Most shirts I purchase cost between $2 and $10 and pants close to the same. My clothes are almost never second hand (although I do love me some consignment) and are always in style (my style at least). So how do I find such good bargains? Here are just a few of my personal ways to finding great clothes at minimal prices. Personally I believe that this is a talent in which I have spent a few years perfecting, however, I hope that this can help you during holiday sales this year.
1) Have your own style
I have been told many times just how unique my clothes are. Can I rock it? Usually. Can most people? No. Since my style is so diverse, finding deals is cake. When you know what you like, how can you not find clothes to match it?
2) Keep your eyes open
I don’t just look for the sales, I look for stores that I like, then I look in clearance. Soon I find “super” clearance, and boom, a $2 lingerie top (true story). Deals are always around you, sometimes in the most unusual places and often where you wouldn’t think to look.
3) Don’t be afraid of second-hand
While most of my wardrobe does not contain such, I love second-hand clothing. As long as it is lightly worn, you can’t beat the price or the vintage feel.
4) Don’t do name brand
I am sure if I tried really hard I could find a $100 shirt for $25, but that isn’t really a bargain to me. I dress with the trends, not with the label. If a $5 shirt looks just as good as the $25 one, why waste the money?
5) Have the time
Or rather, make the time. I make the time to go into a store and spend two hours in it. My friends hate me for it but my pockets thank me. The more time I spend rummaging through racks the more clothing I am tend to find.
6) Grab it all
If I think I may like it, I try it on, regardless of the shape or fit. Clothing often looks different from what the hanger displays, so I go into the dressing room with an open mind. Be that annoying person who takes 30 items into the dressing room (sorry retail employees) and only comes out with 5 things you like; at least you tried.
7) Ignore the size
At some stores I am a size 7, at others a size 11. I've learned how articles will fit just by looking at the length and width on the hanger alone to determine whether or not they will fit. This saves both time trying items on and my self-esteem when that size 9 just won’t squeeze.
8) Always check the price tag
Sometimes items will be priced differently than their clearance announcement states (i.e. the sign above). I have found $5 items in $15 racks out of pure luck.
9) Spend more... sometimes
I have become so obsessed with smart-shopping that when I come across a $30 dress that I adore, part of me dies inside. I could get an entire outfit for $30, shirt, pants, shoes, you name it (no joke). My point being, if you fall in love with something you just have to have, buy it. Every wardrobe desrves that golden sparkle. I recommend taking a picture of it and sleeping on the purchase in question first though.
10) Accept defeat
Sometimes I will go out to a specific store because they are having a massive sale just to walk out empty handed. I find that the best sales are the least advertised. You won't always find that killer deal, but when you do it makes the win all the more sweet.
