How to Look Like A Million Dollars on A Shoestring Budget

Learn how to dress and look like a million dollars by paying only a fraction of department store prices. I once saw a young college girl accumulate her entire summer wardrobe for less than $50. She had everything she needed from shorts to halter dresses to sandals. You can learn to shop like that too.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Locate all consignment, Goodwill, Salvation Army and other thrift stores in your area. You will be surprised at the items you can find in these stores. I live in Florida and I took my friend who was visiting from California to my local haunts. She went crazy. She had to purchase additional pieces of luggage to take all of the stuff she had purchased on our shopping spree. She had managed to finance the trip to Florida on a wing and a prayer, yet she was able to purchase excellent clothing for herself and her family.
2. Find out when new items are put on display in these stores. Most of these stores have specific times during which they "put out" the newly acquired items. Find out when it is and be there when it happens. One of the local stores that I visit puts out its items at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily. There is always a line formed well before the doors open. Once the doors open, you would not believe the mad rush to grab bargains.
   
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3. Find out when or if the stores run specials. In addition to the already low prices, the stores generally run specials. They may mark down various colored tagged items on a daily basis. One of my favorite shops marks its items down and put them on the clearance rack on Fridays and Saturdays. Guess who rushes in early on Friday mornings whenever the opportunity presents itself?
4. Set aside time to visit the stores regularly. It may be that you visit time and time again without finding anything that you really like. Then on the next trip, you find something that you can't live without. Buy it if it fits you-buy it if it fits your friend. At these prices, you can't go wrong. Being in the right place at the right time could net you a designer item for just a small fraction of the original cost.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for soiled spots, rips and odor in clothing. Most shops examine the clothing and some even laundry it before putting it out on display. However, if by chance damaged item are put on display, you must be on the lookout. Turn the garments inside out if necessary to examine the seams. Look for spots and stains. If the item is washable, you may be able to salvage it. Ask for an additional discount on the item if you see real potential in it.
• You will be surprised at the items that can be found in the thrift stores. Oftentimes, stores donate new items that have not sold as quickly as they would like. Others donate items that they believe to be damaged, but can be salvaged by simply laundering or mending. Their "toss" is your gain. Capatilize on it!