Saturday, October 19, 2013

Learn How to Look Great for Less




Between reality shows and high fashion magazines, it can seem like you have to spend a fortune in order to have a stylish wardrobe. While plenty of people do spend significant amounts of money on clothes, we're going to cover why a big budget simply isn't a requirement for looking great on a daily basis:

There's Nothing Wrong with Gently Used Clothing

The most common reason people spend more than they should or can actually afford on clothes is because they think they have to buy everything new. But just as with cars, you can save huge amounts simply by opening yourself up to the possibility of buying items that aren't brand new. Keep in mind that since many designer items are only worn a few times before being consigned or sold, gently used items provide the same quality as brand new ones at a much more appealing price point.

Know When and Where to Shop Great Deals

Although fashion magazines make it seem like seasons are set in stone, the reality is that unless you're on the runway, you're still going to look great in clothes that are technically from "last season." Since you don't have to worry about having a panel of fashion insiders evaluate what you put on every morning, you can use that to your advantage when you want to buy something new. By hitting both online and offline retail locations just before a season ends, you'll be able to scoop up great deals that are being closed out.
And even if you need to buy something and it's not at the end of a season, you can still find lots of great options by checking out places like Ross, TJ Maxx or Nordstrom Rack. Even though it can take a little digging to surface exactly what you're looking for, the big savings make the extra effort well worth it. 

Don't Underestimate the Impact of Coupons

Everyone knows that they can use coupons to save money on clothes. However, a lot of people don't ever use coupons when they purchase clothing items. The most common reason is they don't think it will have a significant impact. But when you stop and crunch the numbers, you'll find that coupons can actually make it possible for you to save quite a bit. Not only is it easier than ever to find really good coupons, but the cumulative impact of using at least one coupon every time you purchase any apparel really adds up.

Give eBay a Shot

If you're like many people, you may think that eBay is still a site dedicated to obscure collectibles or buying items in bulk. While you can still find and bid on all of those things, the site has greatly expanded beyond where it started. Fashion is one area where the site has experienced absolutely explosive growth. Not only can you find great deals on all kinds of clothes and accessories, but it's amazing the prices you can get on luxury items from top designers.