After having friends compliment my clothes, ask where I shop, and claim I have "expensive taste," I have decided to share some of my Bargainista philosophies. They're not revolutionary secrets, of course, but they might give you some ideas on how to dress for less. And I'd love to hear your tips, as well!
Shop at secondhand stores. These places are great for window-shopping because they can be hit-or-miss--you never know what you're going to find. While these kinds of shops are not your best bet if you're looking for a very specific item, you can find hidden gems if you keep an open mind. This same advice applies for stores like Nordstrom Rack, Marshall's, and Filene's Basement and even for sample sales. I found adorable Coach wedges at consignment shop Poor Little Rich Girl in the fall for only $40. This leads me to my next two points....
Buy out of season. This shopping technique has two benefits. First, you can buy everything on clearance. Why pay full price when you can pay 75% off? Second, you will be less tempted to buy into of-the-moment, fleeting trends. Sure, over-the-knee boots were all that a few months ago, but can you imagine yourself buying and wearing thigh-highs this fall?
Shop with a purpose but don't be too specific. Don't go shopping with the willingness to buy every single thing that sparks your interest unless you have unlimited funds and unlimited closet space. You'll end with lots of unnecessary crap that looks a lot like the crap you already own. On the other hand, don't go on a shopping trip with the express goal of coming home with some specific item you really need, like mid-calf black leather high-heeled boots in size 7. Otherwise, you'll wind up frustrated if you don't find exactly what you want, and if you do find something, you'll be willing to pay way beyond your desired price range out of desperation.
What you should do when you shop is have a broad idea of what you could use. This way, you'll be less tempted to buy useless stuff, but you won't blow your temper and wallet scouring the stores for a perfectly-fitting suit for your interview tomorrow.
Don't limit where you shop. I have trouble answering the question of "Where do you buy your clothes?" because I'll buy stuff from anywhere, as long as the price is right. Express X2 Denim Laboratory jeans are my favorite, but I would never run straight to Express if I needed jeans. I got the two pairs I own for $15 from T.J. Maxx and for $5 from Savers. You'll never know if your dream pumps are sitting in Target if you only buy shoes at Aldo.
With a bit of patience, self-restraint, and an open mind, anyone can become a Bargainista. You don't need to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks. Happy shopping!
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