Dressing for Less November 6, 2013

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday

Tonight I will be teaching the class, “Dressing for Success on a Budget’ sponsored by The Money School of Delaware.  The premise being that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to look professional and how to have a “Champagne Closet with a Beer Budget”

As a self proclaimed frugal fashionista, I usually don’t pay full retail price for my clothing nor do I shop high end department stores or boutiques in a mall. Thrifting at Goodwill or The Salvation Army, hitting a local Consignment Shop, low end retail sales and clearance shopping is much more fun and is easier on my wallet.

Chain stores such as Ross, Marshall’s, TJMaxx, Burlington Coat Factory, Rugged Wearhouse, and Target understands the needs of women who want designer clothing but with lower prices.

I read fashion magazines and blogs and try to stay current with the latest trends but if I can recreate an outfit with thrifted items from Goodwill I most certainly will!

When my sons were younger, they only knew the “Mart Brothers” – Kmart and Walmart!

Shoes are definitely my weakness and I have too many pairs to count, but I never pay full price, not when there are ways to get Reward Points from stores such as DSW or coupons and AAA discounts at Payless and of course the clearance sales at Target!

Christian Sirano for Payless

Fioni for Payless Peep Toe Pumps and Celine Inspired Tote from Ross

JC Penney and Sears may not be top on your shopping list but they should be, especially for their end-of-season clearance sales, remember the Liz Claiborne jeans I found for a dollar? Kohl’s is also another great place to shop for clearance deals.  Mixing thrifted items with new pieces can make a perfect outfit.

Dress – JC Penney // Shoes – Payless

Thrifted Top – Goodwill // Skirt – JCPenney // Purse – Ross // Shoes – Rugged Wearhouse

Top – Ross // Skirt – Goodwill // Sandals – The Salvation Army Family Store

Shoes – Rugged Wearhouse // Dress – Boscov’s // Tote -Ross

Also, don’t sleep on the cheapie cheap Dollar Stores either, places like Family Dollar, Dollar General and even Dollar Tree oftentimes have great accessories like leggings, tights, hats and scarves.  Remember this Fedora that I bought last summer from Dollar Tree!

Dollar Tree Dome and Sundress from Rugged Wearhouse

There are also great deals and bargains to be found online and from catalogs like eShakti, Spiegel and Avon all of which are my favorites.

Dress – Avon // Shoes Goodwill

Dress – Avon // Pumps – Goodwill

Top – Rugged Wearhouse // Skirt – Old Navy

Totally Thrifted outfit from Goodwill

Walmart Sundress covered with thrifted blouse

Thrifted dress with scarf purchased at a “Purse Party”

Rocket Dog Peep Toe Pumps from The Shoe Dept

Studded Shoes from Rugged Wearhouse

If you are attending a fancy soiree, try a high end online site such as “Rent the Runway” or “Beg Borrow Steal” and in a pinch go to a Consignment Shop located in a high end neighborhood which is how I found a gown for a Ball that I attended last year.

Dressing for less doesn’t mean you can’t afford better, nor does it have be an embarrasing event, however, I must admit that it can be addictive, especially on $2 Tuesdays at Goodwill!

Where do you shop for your bargains?

Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!

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