Cheapskate Clothing Ideas

by Hannah Walton aka The Cheapskate Mom

I may be a cheapskate , but I don't live under a rock. I care (too much) about clothing and fashion – and though I've had to say goodbye to my department store shopping days – I haven't said goodbye to being stylish. I read fashion magazines and sites like weardrobe to stay up to date with current trends – and then I apply these to what I have. I try not to buy items on a whim but really get creative and make do with what I have.

A new way to wear my makeup ( I so love Lauren Luke's free youtube tutorials) or a fresh coat of paint on the nails works wonders for how I feel about myself. I also stay in shape to combat the self-esteem blues.

Consignment Shopping
This cheapskate loves consignment store shopping – especially at stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army because I know I'm supporting a good cause while getting a good deal. I literally have five pairs of designer jeans (we're talking $200 + jeans) that I got for around $5.00 a pair. They are all pretty much brand new and I totally treasure them (unhealthy obsession … I know ). Actually, all of my clothes are designer and were very expensive new (save tank tops and undies from Wal-Mart) – and I paid less than I would have at Wal-Mart for new clothes.  I know that it's not quite the same feeling as walking into a name brand store and buying something fresh off the presses – but seriously – the monetary savings make it soooo worth it to shop for pre-loved clothing.

Clothing Exchange Party
Get a bunch of girlfriends together, some tables, some mirrors and some snacks – and make it Bring Your Own Clothes. Everyone brings unwanted clothes and leaves with new clothes from the pool.  Have folks bring accessories too – jewerly, unused make up, half used bottles of perfume or lotion – to really sweeten the pot. Spread the word on Facebook or tweet about it to get as many people to come as you can…. Bag up whatever you don't use and donate it! It's a feel good feeling for everyone. For more, check out this article about clothing exchange parties!

Yard Sales
Summer is the season for sailing ….. yard sailing that is. Get some friends together and make sure to hit up a few yard sales in some choice neighborhoods this summer – you never know what you may find on the fashion front. Don't forget to negotiate for a good price – I even recommend saying you'll pay half the asking price (say it with a smile) … and remember there is nothing wrong with leaving a yard sale empty handed. If you don't love it – it's so not worth it.

Borrow Clothes from Friends and Family
When I was young and naive and terrible at money management (okay – like two years ago), if I had a special event I would simply get my wallet and march myself into department store after department store to find a new dress and purse and earrings and shoes…. I would easily spend a couple hundred dollars on a new outfit This was foolish because I acquired a closet full of one-time outfits I never ever wore again. One day, I'd spent myself broke and realized I had no money for a new outfit for a summer wedding. I was bummed until I put my thinking cap on : I asked girlfriends of similar sizes to let me try on dresses they would let me borrow for the day … then I asked girlfriends of all sizes if they had matching earrings , necklace or a purse I could wear. I ended up with a great outfit FOR NOTHING. It felt awesome and I had a wonderful time knowing I didn't break the bank. I did that exclusively from that day on for any special event or job interview that came up!
 

Buy Clothing Staples, Not Trends
As a former Project Runway junkie, I became totally enamored with everything Tim Gunn – and I remember well his recomendations to buy less  but buy quality. I do this by consignment shopping – I buy less for less – but I buy clothing that lasts forever.  By taking the time to learn about and following simple and timeless fashion advice – you can look better with less expense and less clothing! Check out this article about Tim Gunn's fashion rules!

FreeCycle Fashion
I talk about Freecycle all of the time – because Freecycle is that awesome and you really can find some great items for NOTHING. Freecycle is a neighborhood email group – if someone has something they don't want anymore – you get an email about it. If you want something – you send out an email and maybe someone has it for you. It's that simple. Pretty cool, eh??

Craiglist or Ebay
Try Craigslist or Ebay to find great deals on clothes. Search for specific items you'd like. Using Craigslist, you can try to negotiate for the price you want to pay for clothes – using Ebay, you can set your maximum bid so you don't pay more than you are comfortable with!

CONVERSATION STARTER:
What cheapskate fashion tips do you have? What's the best find you ever made online or at a yardsale??