How to Shop for Quality Accessories on a Budget

When your clothing allowance leaves little left over for accessories, don't despair. From secondhand scarves to reduced-price handbags, a few dollars can go surprisingly far.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dress Socks
• Handbags
• Hats
• Hosiery
• Men's Belt
• Socks
• Women's Belts
• Bracelets
• Diamond Earrings
• Mens' Watches
• Necklaces
• Wrist Watches
• Hats

1. Shop department store clearance and end-of-season sales. Concentrate on the portable tables that have mounds of belts, scarves, socks and hosiery.

2. Head to your local off-price retailer. National chains often get the best deals on high-quality items and pass the savings on to the consumer.

3. Spend a day at an outlet mall. Look to department stores for a large selection of handbags, and smaller specialty stores for costume jewelry and hair accessories.

4. Consider thrift stores, vintage stores and garage sales for secondhand steals. Thrift stores usually have a little of everything, while vintage stores are your best bet for scarves, jewelry and hats.

5. Negotiate on secondhand items, particularly if pieces are slightly damaged, or when buying in bulk.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for clearance tables that offer extra discounts at the register. You can often get an additional 10 to 30 percent off the lowest ticket price.
• Investigate terms of sale before you buy. Sales on discounted items may be final.

[jackie395]

on 10/12/2006 Department store clearance and end-of-season sales can be worthwhile, but there are bargains to be had at designer sample sales. Another tip is to visit sites like the Budget Diva and the Chic Alert at http://chicalert.blogspot.com/ You can save heaps on brand named designer labels as well as new and up and coming designers.

on 11/22/2005 From my own experiences, outlet shopping does not save nearly as much money as shopping at those discount department stores (Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, etc.). I was hesitant to even enter those stores before but once I did, I was awed by all the high quality name-brand merchandise at low, low prices--especially purses!