| While the economy continues to tank, fashion moves | | | | counter person for a discount. He or she will usually |
| on. No amount of penny-pinching can stop it. Styles | | | | give you a few bucks off without a second thought. |
| change, your clothes go out of season or get worn | | | | 4. Stock up well in advance: You know those |
| out, and the next thing you know you're in need of | | | | end-of-season sales that take place every early spring |
| practically a whole new wardrobe. But we can't all be | | | | and early fall? Next time the winter is coming to an |
| millionaires; on the contrary, most of us can only set | | | | end, take that opportunity to stock up on on-sale |
| aside a very small clothing budget. So, what is there to | | | | clothes for the next winter, and do the same at the |
| do? If you're not the most savings-savvy person in the | | | | end of summer. Don't unwrap the clothes you buy; |
| world, try these ideas. | | | | keep them in the store bag, and put them away |
| 1. Thrift shop: Thrift stores get a bad rap for having | | | | somewhere dark and airtight. |
| nothing but cheap clothes rejected by the pricier | | | | 5. Stay out of enticing stores: This one may be rough, |
| vintage boutiques. But taking a run through the thrift | | | | but let's face it-we all have a store that causes us to |
| store racks can't hurt. Even if you only come across 1 | | | | lose control. We walk into the door, and we |
| or 2 gems, your trip will have been worth it. A pair of | | | | immediately want to purchase every single thing they |
| pants, a dress, and a shirt for $15 total is pretty | | | | have. Shopping at these places is the easiest and |
| good-and nothing to be ashamed of. | | | | quickest way to rack up a huge bill. So just avoid them. |
| 2. Care for your clothes: If you don't already know | | | | It may be painful, but it's for your own good. If you |
| how to sew, waste no more time. Get started today. | | | | want to get more creative, leave all your credit and |
| In the long run, being able to patch up your own clothes | | | | debit cards at home, and go into the store with exactly |
| will save you big money. Plus, being able to alter | | | | $100 cash (or whatever figure is smart for you). |
| clothes lets you expand your scope during those thrift | | | | 6. Exchange with friends: Organize a clothing swap for |
| store runs. | | | | you and all of your friends. In the recession, these |
| 3. Ask for discounts: Sometimes, all you need to do to | | | | events have become quite popular. Encourage |
| get a discount is to ask for one. Of course, this is | | | | everyone to bring all the clothes they no longer want, |
| much less feasible at big corporate chain stores, but if | | | | and have a clothing-swap free-for-all. Make a party |
| you do shop at one of the more expensive boutique | | | | out of it. |
| vintage clothing stores, don't be afraid to ask the | | | | |