How to Have a Fabulous Wardrobe Under $100

These days folks are looking for frugal means to help them shop more wisely. There is a way to maximize your wardrobe in an inexpensive manner and look fabulous at the same time. Friends will wonder how you are able to look great every day in designer clothing. For instance, brand names like Worthington, Liz Claiborne, Jones of New York, Petite Sophisticate and Ann Taylor would cost a fraction of what you’d pay at regular department stores. A well kept secret to expanding your wardrobe is shopping at thrift stores. Here are a few steps to get you started:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• internet or yellow pages
• store location
• willingness to search through large quantities of clothing

1. Locate a thrift store in an upscale neighborhood.
   
   Finding a Goodwill or Salvation Army in an upscale area will maximize your chances of having a larger selection of designer, new, and slightly used clothing. The internet or yellow pages can be a useful resource.

2. Go to your selected store location and browse their stock.
   
   Some thrift stores charge more than others. Weigh the quality of the items against the price-scale the store has in place.

3. Find thrift stores that offer specials.
   
   Thrift stores often have sales with specific colored tags that represent the percentage marked off a particular item. Some thrift stores offer certain days out of the month where all items are half-off. For example, a designer jacket priced at $4.30 in the store, would be $2.15 after the sale.

4. Get to know the workers.
   
   It is advantageous to develop a relationship with one or two of the workers at your favorite thrift store because it allows you first dibs on the best items that come to their stock. They may even be willing to contact you and let you know they’ve spotted an item that may suit you, per your request.

5. Find out the scheduled delivery dates.
   
   Knowing the dates and/or days new stock arrives helps maximize your selection of the best items.

6. Determine what items you need to enhance your wardrobe.
   
   Stylish jackets, blouses, slacks, shirts and suits, all enhance any wardrobe. Be watchful spending monies on too many trendy items. Look for quality items that will last more than a couple of years, if not longer.

7. Check out each item thoroughly.
   
   When you find an item that you like, with regards to the fabric, look for snags, holes, and any missing buttons. Also, get in the habit of checking the tags for the brand name as well as the size. If they allow you to try on the item, take advantage of the policy. This elevates having to drive back to return the item.

Tips & Warnings

• Although some garments may still have the original store tag on them, it's prudent to wash or dry clean all purchases before wearing them.

[rpmenter]

on 4/5/2009 You go girl. I have been shopping thrifty for years.Sylvia