Ever since this post about Clara’s clothes, I’ve actually gotten a surprising amount of requests for a post about how I save money on my own clothes, what my staples are, and how I generally get by without spending a ton of my momdrobe – er, I mean wardrobe. And although I’m hardly a fashion plate (that idea makes me snort-laugh) I do love a deal, so here’s a rundown on how I save money when I’m shopping for myself along with some sneaky sale tricks I’ve learned along the way and a few general dressing rules that seem to work for me (slash keep me from buying stuff I’ll regret/never wear/stare angrily at in my closet).
And I’d love to hear from you guys when it comes to how you score deals and try to resist buying things you don’t need/wear – so please drop in on the comments with all of your wardrobe words of wisdom!
Tip #1: Just ask. About a year ago I found a dress with no price on it at Old Navy. I asked them how much it was and they said it was an online-only return that ended up in their store, and they could sell it to me for 50% off. Just like that, a $30 dress was $15 – plus I could stack another mailer coupon I received on top of that. So worth just asking about it, right? Note: Please pardon this crazy face. I do that sometimes. Gathering all of the pics of myself for this post was beyond awkward.
Tip #2: Organize your clothing coupons. I use this method, which helps me know what I have and use them before they expire. Definitely helps me save some loot.
Tip #3: Know the rules. Many stores have special deals that run for cardholders. For example, you can get 10% off every Tuesday when you use an Old Navy, Gap, or Banana Republic card – on top of any markdowns from other coupons, discounts in the store, etc. I recently spent around $25 at Old Navy to get $65 worth of stuff. How? Well, first I used something they call Super Cash (it’s like Old Navy bucks that they give you after you buy stuff to put towards your next purchase, so I had a $20-off voucher to use if my total was over $50) but I also was shopping on a Tuesday so I got an additional 10% off, plus I was buying one item that was an online-only return, so that was 50% off plus 10% off on top of that! In the end I saved $40 just stacking discounts, shopping on the right day, and remembering to use my Super Cash voucher before it expired.
Tip #4: Figure out your favorite haunts. That’ll help you learn their store/sale policies, and it’ll also save you time since you’ll get to know:
- what sizes work for you in those stores (for faster shopping/fewer returns)
- which cut of jeans you love/wear most (and which ones you don’t so you can avoid them)
- when their end of season sales will be (and what they might have there, based on what you found the previous year, etc)
We’re also huge fans of outlet shopping, so when we go to the beach (usually around Memorial Day and Labor Day) we hit up the outlets where it’s not unusual to get things for 50-70% off. If I were forced at gunpoint to make a list of my favorite haunts, they’d be:
- Gap (great for staples like jeans)
- Old Navy (I usually love their tops)
- Banana Republic (I troll their sale rack for tops, skirts, and dresses)
- Banana Republic Outlet (this is where I grab long-term quality items, like a black trench coat)
- J Crew Outlet (I got a great pair of teal skinny jeans there for $35 thanks to tons of sales)
- DSW (nearly all of my shoes come from there)
- TJ Maxx (they’re awesome for discounted designer bags that last forever)
Tip #5: Don’t water down your wardrobe. I like to look at it as an “overall closet average.” Say I have ten outfits I love love love in my closet. I’d call them all favorites and on a scale of 1-10 I’d score them all a ten. That makes my overall closet average a ten. Then say that I see a sweater I kind of like (let’s say I’d give it a seven). And it’s on sale, so it’s tempting. The way I completely resist grabbing that sweater – which I’m guaranteed to like less than everything else in my closet – is to think of my closet average. Right now my overall closet average is a ten. If I get that sweater and it’s a seven, it’ll bring my entire closet average down, and I can just picture myself choosing other things on my hanging bar over and over again since it wasn’t something that I love love loved from the start. That helps me hold out for things I really truly love and stops me from grabbing anything I probably won’t wear or appreciate as much. Everyone loves a good closet GPA, haha – and it keeps that dreaded closet-clutter at bay (you know, when you have a bunch of stuff, but feel like you have nothing to wear).
Tip #6: Know what works. I’m a whopping 5’2″ – and I have the opposite of a long model-esque neck (it’s short like the rest of me) so I’ve learned that I look best in a v-neck. Somehow it makes me look like I have more of a neck and lengthens me in general, so I’ve learned what works for me.
Knowing that helps, because when I see some high-necked sweater or a boat necked t-shirts, I save myself the time of trying them on (and hating them) and I save myself from any temptation to buy something because it’s a pretty color/print/fabric or has a certain alluring designer name (or seductive sale price) since I know I’ll completely regret the purchase if it doesn’t actually flatter my body type. Heck, even my favorite swim suit has a deep V.
And we can’t forget my purchased-48-hours-before-the-big-day wedding dress.
Tip #7: Think about what you can pair things with. This is sort of like decorating. I try not to grab something that won’t go with anything in my closet, because much like buying something that matches nothing in my house, it would necessitate buying lots of other things to go with it. One great trick I have is to remember a few of my favorite outfits or pairings. For example: a denim pencil skirt + black t-shirt + leopard heels. If I see a pretty red pencil skirt when I’m out, immediately in my head I can think about the black shirt & those leopard shoes and know that it could be subbed in for the denim skirt for a different look with a similar silhouette (which I know I already love).
I try not to be as boring as buying the same things in a bunch of different colors, but I also go back to tip #3 (know what works) and remember that I tend to love a few silhouettes since they’re easy for me to wear and work well with my body type (ex: pencil skirts that aren’t too long for my short legs, skinny jeans, v-neck shirts, etc). Here’s another example of how I might grab something that can work with a variety of things in my closet. Take this coral tank top, that I have under this brown jacket…
Here it is under a black blazer at Haven (thanks for the pic Rhoda!). Little staples like colored tank tops seem to be inexpensive and easy to layer, so they might be less specific than a big patterned sweater or something.
Here’s another one in dark plum. For a girl who wears a ton of black, colorful tanks are a nice low-cost way to add some color in without breaking out in hives. Ooh plum, look at me. I’m a rebel.
Tip #8. Pick quality for things you’ll wear all the time. It adds up to longevity. For example, I’m extremely cheap. But in the purse category, I usually buy one and wear it for 2-3 years. Sometimes even longer. So I’m happy to splurge if it means something will be better made and will last that whole time without looking all murky and disheveled. When I say splurge, I don’t mean $500, I mean something in the $120-180 range. I know, it probably sounds super high to some folks, but I actually think if you figure out your cost per wear on a cheap purse, it might surprise you.
For example, say over three years you buy/wear four $30 purses from Target. That actually works out to the exact same cost as getting one great Michael Kors or Cole Haan bag from TJ Maxx for $120 and wearing that for three solid years (something I’ve done for over a decade now, without any issue of things getting worn out or me getting sick of them- you just have to hold out for something you’re truly obsessed with and that love goes on and on). So I guess it goes back to my whole “don’t water things down” theory (tip #5). I just like to buy one great purse that I’m enamored with and wear the heck outta it. It usually takes me about a year to find “the bag” though, so I don’t rush into anything (a few years is a long enough commitment that I take it super seriously and refuse to settle). And then I take a cell phone pic of it and text it to my BFFs to celebrate my purse victory. Dork for life.
Another example of how I try to go for quality would be with coats. I got this trench for $80 at the Banana Republic Outlet (marked down from $150+) a few years ago, and have worn it like crazy. Spring and fall for at least two years now, and it’s still going strong (no ripped lining, buttons popping off, etc). I used to try getting cheaper jackets at places like Target & Old Navy, but learned that they didn’t last as long, which ended up being more money in the long run, so for things like bags and coats I try to go for quality (but I look for that item in an outlet or discount store like TJ Maxx to try to keep costs down).
Tip #9: Spice things up with accessories. Most of my formative learning-my-style years were spent in NYC (I lived there for six years, through college and those first-job years afterwards) so I definitely have an affinity for the “New York look” (lots of black, a big handbag, long lean jeans, blazers, black sunglasses) but I also have always loved to spice things up in two areas: jewelry and shoes. One of my first pair of fancy pointy toed shoes were a pair of pink Nine West heels that I loved with all of my heart. And I’d pair them with a black blazer and jeans for a little dash of color without feeling too matchy-matchy (which might happen if I paired them with a pink sweater of the exact same color). I also had a pair of lime green Roberto Cavalli sandals that I scored for cheap at Century 21 (an awesome outlet-ish store in downtown Manhattan with a ton of clothes & shoes that are marked waaay down). Still to this day I love wearing a navy or black top with jeans and bright red peep toe heels…
I also love bright earrings, so it’s not unusual to see me in a black shirt, jeans, and some big coral or emerald colored earrings. John got me these guys for Christmas and I love them.
Here’s more dangly earring evidence (this shot is from back in NYC when we first started dating).
And here’s Exhibit C, with even more earring action going on. It’s just a quick way to add some “I’m-trying-a-little” to my usually questionable mom uniform. Haha.
It might not be a perfect equation for everyone (big bold earrings + basic black shirt + skinny jeans + some sort of shoe that works for being a momma but still doesn’t look too frumpy & is occasionally a bright color or print) but that seems to be the sweet spot for me.
Tip #10: Don’t try to make everything the star. I think this is sort of a sister tip to the one above, and it’s also one of those tips that rings true for how we decorate our house. Much like you don’t want every item of furniture and accessory competing for attention (you want some to fall back while others are free to be the focal point), you probably don’t want everything on your body to be vying for attention. It’s why I love slipping on my favorite pair of skinny jeans and a plain black top, just so my big crazy earrings or bright shoes can be the stars.
Another way to interpret this could be that if you have an awesome printed dress, a nude shoe could be a nice way to play it up. And we’ve all heard the “you shouldn’t wear a big statement necklace with big statement earrings” rule, which definitely seems to ring true for me. The way this tip saves me money is if I have an event in mind and I know what dress I’ll be wearing and I’m searching for shoes or jewelry, I can pin down whether the dress will be the star, and if it will I’ll get shoes and jewelry that won’t compete (instead of coming home and trying everything on together and hating the outcome).
Tip #11: Do your own thang. Don’t follow any of my tips word for word since goodness knows I’ve read tons and tons of clothing advice that might ring true for someone else, but is laughably terrible advice for someone like me with my body type. So while I know it’s incredibly clichéd to tell you to embrace who you are and just wear what you like, but at the end of the day, it’s kind of the best advice of all.
And now since someone will ask for it, here’s a pic of me with my hair down. I do it sometimes, but not often, just because I’m a ponytail girl. It helps me keep the paint and the peanut butter and jelly outta my hair. Haha.
Now it’s your turn. Shower me with your tips and tricks when it comes to stocking your closet on the cheap. Where do you save and splurge? I’m sure it’s different for everyone, so I’d love to hear what works for you guys!
Paige @ Little Nostalgia says
$herdog, I’m in the same boat with a lot of black/gray clothing and pops of color. It’s so easy!
Most of my shopping tips have already been mentioned, but one other thing that keeps my wardrobe in check is regular purging. Even though I’ve gotten pickier about what I buy, there are still things that I end up wearing less than I expected, or sometimes an item will shrink, etc. A couple of times a year I dig through my closet and donate anything that isn’t a #1 pick.
Sarah says
You have some great tips here Sherry! Another one I’d suggest is know what colours work for you. For example, I know that bright reds (most reds, really), look awful with my skin tone so if I see an entire rack of reds, I move right past it.
We’re currently a single-income home with a not terribly high income, so I stick to thrift shops. It’s got it’s pros and cons, the cons being you never know until you try something on if it will fit (due to lack of uniform sizing rules) and sometimes stuff is already fairly worn, but the pros are obviously the savings but also you get to find things that you can be a little more sure you won’t see on anyone else.
I think at the end of the day it’s just about knowing what you like and as long as you’re buying things that you’ll use, it’s worth it!
Betsy says
Second on knowing your own colors! I have a few that I like to wear and I’ve realized I shouldn’t bother with the others: for example, blue looks good on me but not purple. So I don’t even bother with purple things. When I want to mix it up, I find a slightly different shade of one of the colors I already like – for example, some years the blue tank tops might be more teal, some years more cerulean.
Which reminds me that I totally agree with your tip about tank tops! I really wanted to get in on the fun neon trend this summer without buying something that would be out of style really quickly, so I bought a cheap neon tank top and wore it with jeans and skirts, under sweaters and under jackets, and I was set. :-)
Ronda says
I am also 5’2″ and have the same body type as you. What brand/style of jeans do you find works the best for you? I also like skinny jeans, but my current ones are just starting to fit again (had baby #2 in February, had #1 a week after Clara was born :) but they are low rise and that’s just not working out for me these days (hello, crack.. haha). Thanks in advance if you answer :)
Joelle says
closet gpa is such a great way to keep your closet in check. I find that i deplete my clothes and don’t have time to shop, then i just run into store and end up buying stuff so i have it. annoying. I would say my closet gpa is close to a 3 right now. how the heck am i going to increase that without starting completely over?! Maybe I should go and get rid of everything that is not at least an 8. i really really hate everything i own right now!
Terresa says
“Closet Average” – you are such a nerd!!! and I mean that in a NICE way. you crack me up. I know since you are a blogger it’s your job to put alot of thought into your posts, but I never knew one could put this much thought into clothes shopping. I just buy what I like if it fits:) Maybe I have a whole different attitude about it since I’m 5’11” and have very little time to shop. If it fits and looks good I’m happy!
Amber says
I love Talbots for high quality sweaters and jackets. It is so expensive regularly but a few times a year their outlet/sale prices are 80-90% off via the website. I just bought a dress and 4 sweaters that would have normally retailed for around $900 for $96. They have a nice selection for plus, petite and tall sizes.
Alice says
One of my favorite leather purse that I get many compliments on (even from my male optometrist)I bought from Goodwill for $10. I just wiped it down with a vinegar solution to clean and disinfect. I think purses are the gateway drug to thrift store clothes for me. I have never looked at clothes, but now feel more comfortable (especially after reading all the great deals some commenters have gotten) to atleast browse the clothes at thrift stores instead of making a bee-line to the house stuff.
One tip I have learned from the show “What Not to Wear” is having my clothes tailored. Especially if I got a great deal on it or if it’s a staple, it’s a great inexpensive way to make something that fits a little off, feel like it was made for me. Or if you’re a cheapo like me, you can buy a $5 on- sale craft sewing machine and do some basic hemming yourself. I also use it to make pillows and curtains.
Also, I check online sites of stores because often times they will have better sales of the same item than the brick-and-mortar stores. Plus you can add on a coupon code from retailmenot.com or couponcabin.com to already sale/clearance items.
Alicia says
So my tip is kinda lame, but I really like nice clothes but don’t like to pay high prices for them…so, I got a part time job at JCrew where I get a CRAZY discount, awesome clothes for a great price and bring home a little cash on the side.
Adrienne says
Thanks for the info. It is nice to see how others outfit their wardrobe. One of my best friends sells those Kendra Scott earrings in her store. You should check it out, she has a TON of really cute stuff! http://www.lolettas.com
Swarfel says
I just want to say, Thanks so much!!! for all of the tips and in such great oranganized manner, which is why I love your blog! I follow some of those rules already but, after pitching quite a few things in the last few weeks, ebaying, and consigning (great way to save/ get some of that money back, but rather time consuming) I plan on putting some of the other tips into action! I’m excited to find out some of the deal makers like the 10% Tuesday in some of my favorite spots! Thanks again!
Swarfel says
Oh and I forgot to mention, I went and bought that same Target organizer after that post! And the same color! What can I say, you’ve got great taste and I just love that organizer!
Marlena says
I decided years ago to not buy anything I can’t wear to work. This has elevated my weekend wear, too. I’m not business casual 365, but if a black tee isn’t even nice enough to pair with work pants or a skirt, I won’t get it. This has saved me lots of “well-it’s-cute-for-the-weekend” splurges. I also shop end-of-season sales, knowing that some items I can put a sweater/jacket over and wear year-round, or wait a few months and wear them again. I’m a true TJMaxx/Marshall’s shopper, and 80% of my clothes come from there. 5% from thrift stores (yesterday I wore Talbot’s silk pants and a new Lane Bryant top to work, and both pieces were from Goodwill and cost me $7). Also, I shop for work basics at Talbot’s when they have their 60% off sale items. It’s conservative, but I’ve had the same lined, wool pants for 10 years. You read that right. 10 years. And a red sheath dress for 7 years and it looks brand new.
Lindsay says
Years ago, I met with a magazine editor who told me about an interview that she did with Oscar de la Renta. He gave her a piece of advice about shopping that she had never forgotten and that I still live by to this day. When you try something on, if you don’t immediately love it, do not buy it. It seems so simple, but how many times have you stood in front of a mirror at the store and gone back and forth about whether you want to buy it? If you find yourself doing that, just don’t buy it! (I find that if I can’t stop thinking about the item days later, I’ll go back and buy it. This rarely happens, though).
Oxana says
Great strategy, YHL Momma! I am too a very proud owner of a momrobe with items that have served me close to 10+ years. I stick to trusted brands when it comes to basics and scout “spicy” things when out and about. I have a red BR coat circa 2003 that is still in perfect condition :)
Ashley M says
totally unrelated but I was just looking around on shades of light and saw you guy’s bedroom rug for a whopping $949! so you guys got a steal (which you already knew, but wow!)
http://www.shadesoflight.com/floating-medallion-hand-tufted.html
YoungHouseLove says
Woooooot!
xo
s
Katherine says
The most impressive thing you wear is your vivacious smile – it really is million watt. You are a beautiful young woman.
Olivia says
omg…. i love your blog! I love DYI projects and all things pretty…. and you seem so happy and lovely~
http://chocolivlovelaugh.blogspot.kr/
-liv
Jenna says
Love these tips! I also love a good pair of shoes but some of my favorites, especially colored flats, have come from Target. I wear them till they literally fall apart. I wish I had bought them in a higher quality version.
I also believe firmly in the jewelry tip. Great earrings can turn boring into put together.
Your post makes me feel so normal. Thanks for sharing!
Angela B says
Great post and you look absolutely lovely with your hair down.
I shop for clothes like I shop for groceries. I know it sounds terribly boring but it works. I go through my closet on a regular basis and figure out why I am not wearing something. It is normally because it needs a belt or the shirt that I used to wear with it has holes in the armpits. So I make a list and then go shopping, the fun part.
Emily L says
Great tips! Here’s mine…..my in-laws live in Chesterfield, and when we visit, I hit all the Goodwills there for clothes. I especially like the ones on Hull Street Road and on Alverser Dr. by the Chesterfield Towne Center. I live in a small town, and the clothes at the local thrift stores aren’t that good, but I’ve found that in big cities (where there are nice clothes), I can get my favorite labels (Ann Taylor, especially). I can even accommodate my particular needs (like Sherry’s v-necks) at thrift stores.
I saw that someone who commented above me mentioned that outlets usually have a cheaper line for their stores, which I absolutely believe to be true. They mentioned that there’s a true J. Crew outlet in Lynchburg, and I fully intend to try that next time I pass through. If anyone is going through or lives by Cincinnati, there’s a GAP clearance outlet in Hebron, KY, right outside of Cinci. It’s a true outlet as well, and you have to dig, but you can get marvelous buys — t-shirts for $0.99, and other stuff that’s slightly damaged for just a few dollars. According to the employees there, it’s the only true outlet (where actual damaged and out of season stuff goes) that GAP has.
Grace says
I appreciate you writing this post just so I can say “I do that too!!!”
In the 90’s I read a little book called ‘Simple Isn’t Easy: How to Find Your Personal Style and Look Fantastic Every Day!’ and it helped me figure out a ‘uniform’ of sorts. I always wear dark jeans,pants and skirts (mostly black)but I wear bright tops,sweaters etc.
I am 56 and still do the same thing but due to menopause it’s impossible for me to wear synthetics because they don’t breath!!! I’ve had no trouble finding tops in Cotton,Linen, Silk or Wool as replacements! Opps TMI!!!
Love your Blog…You and Your Family are Amazing!!!!!!
Eliza says
AHHH! Century 21! I am from Brooklyn originally (in Raleigh now) and perhaps my BIGGEST score from Century was my bridesmaid dresses! Yes, I found three Laundry by Shelli Segal cocktail dresses on the rack there for $69 each back in 2000!!! My friends loved me for that one, and I have to admit I was pretty impressed with myself. Now I hit up TJ Maxx and Marshalls for purses, dresses, and home decor. Thanks for your tips, Sherry!
NinaE {ninasquared} says
LOVED hearing about your wardrobe! I myself have a hard time leaving items behind at the store, but the biggest help for me is to (1) walk around the store with said item and see how much I love it after the giddiness dies down or (2) walk away completely. If I keep thinking about the item after I’m at home and keep thinking, “that blazer would’ve be perfect for this ho-hum outfit I have on” THEN I’ll go back when it’s on sale or with a coupon. I actually busted out major dance moves when I recently got Jessica-Alba-inspired bell bottom jeans from Banana for $8!!! And a $30 cooler for $6 at Target the same power-punched weekend! {http://ninasquared.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/shopping-anyone/} Ah! I love saving!!
Carmel says
This post is so timely as I just posted about whether a larger closet would be better than having a tub in a master bath. The closet gpa thing is flat out genius!
Barbara says
So, you’re saying that I will be able to wear dangling earrings and necklaces again someday post-baby?! My 15-month-old pulls at my jewelry every.single.time I wear it, so I’ve given up for now. I miss my accessories! Great post!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, yes, yes! Clara has learned to be really gentle! Just a few “don’t pull, that hurt’s mommy!” reminders thankfully did the trick.
xo
s
Lindsay says
I love accessories as well, they really expand your wardrobe! Also, I LOVE the tips you gave in your post about Clara’s clothes, especially not buying pieces unless they are together in an outfit and trying to rotate 8-10 outfits! My girls clothes are out of control! I am taking this into consideration for myself as well. One of my fav’s for shopping clearance is Ann Taylor Loft, I always find great “flowy” tanks for less than $13.00 that can be worn alone,or under denim jackets, blazers, and sweaters…this is great because it cuts down on seasonal shopping. Thanks!
P.S. Been thinking about printing pics of outfits I love on Pinterest and trying to put them together at stores like TJ Maxx, I think that would be so fun and cut down on searching for the perfect outfit!! What do you think?
YoungHouseLove says
I like that plan! You guys are all so much fun to chat with about this! Love all the tips.
xo
s
Jovi says
Thanks for keepin’ it real, sherry! I follow other design blogs that have occassional fashion posts but they seem to post about threads that require you to be in a higher tax bracket to achieve the look. $200 for a top? No thanks, would rather spend it on a new rug fo sho!
Sydni Jackson says
I would have NEVER guessed you were 5’2″ – definitely thought you were taller! That v-neck thing is workin for ya! I love a good ponytail myself. Does your hubby like your hair better down or up? Thanks for all the tips! I need to try the simple outfit + big earrings thing. Do you have any advice on what KIND of earrings to wear with a statement necklace, if not attention-grabbing ones?
YoungHouseLove says
My favorite earrings to pair with a statement necklace are just something small and neutral, like a small gold ball or a tiny coral stud. And as for if John’s a hair down lover, he likes when I switch it up, but has confessed more than once that he loves my ponytail. Thank goodness!
xo,
s
Rachel says
I’ve learned that I need to pay attention to the care clothing needs. I’m a wash and wear type person, so I have some things I love, but because they need ironed, hand washed, or dry cleaned, I hardly wear them. (Though I do have items labeled hand wash that I wash with the rest of my clothes, and they seem to be fine.)
heyruthie says
at an early age, I sustained a back injury, and, as a result, I can’t wear heels. and i don’t mean just “high heels.” I mean any heel. i have to wear flats, and really they have to have some support, so even ballet flats are not an option. this would still be ok, except for one tiny problem: I’m 5’0″. Five foot nuthin. For years, i was so, so sad.
But a few years ago, I discovered a great thing: cowboy boots! I know it sounds silly, but they come in all kinds of great colors, and look great with skinny jeans. i opt for the non-heel variety (some even have non-skid rubberized soles) and my favorite pair is brown/purple. i love them, and now i get to wear colorful shoes that still help me stay healthy with a bad back. it brought the “fun” back into my shoe department.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, I love that!
xo
s
Renee says
I couldn’t agree more with you about the cheap Target or Kohl’s bag vs the good quality bag. I bought my current purse, a black Michael Kors bag, two years ago at TJ Maxx for $100. I’m on my third season and the bag still looks brand new! I did use another bag for the summer, but I should be on the lookout for a summer bag on sale for next summer! I also picked up a bright fuschia Coach bag this Spring at the outlet’s….$250 bag for $58!
heyruthie says
also, i wanted to say i REALLY appreciate the tip about working with your own body type. i am an ultra-petite, and SO many styles look awful on me. the more i just embrace what works for me, the happier i am. thanks for the encouragement to do that. V-necks are best on me too. why don’t i just stick to them??
Anika says
LOVE this post – great tips (both from you, Sherry, and in the comments!). I especially love the idea of giving my closet a gpa and trying to either raise it or keep it high. Thank you!
Cassie says
Thanks for sharing this, Sherry. I love your style! You always look so cute and its refreshing to know your look is doable on a budget. Great post! :-)
Anne says
Great post! Can you also share how you organise your wardrobe please.
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, I just hang all my tops except for sweaters (which are folded) and all of my sleepwear/painting clothes/socks/underwear are in a dresser in different drawers. Pants are folded with sweaters on the shelf above my hanging rack in the closet.
xo
s
susan says
I love Calvin Klein online-their sales are great, the sizing is consistent, and the quality is usually terrific.
I don’t cheap out on jewelry, bags, shoes or undies.
The only thing I buy inexpensively are scarves/trendy accessories.
Compared to when I was in my twenties, I buy less, but have nicer things-and they do last longer.
Melody says
How do you deal with pants that are too long? I’m 5’2″ and always have this problem, do you have it too?
YoungHouseLove says
I got a great tailor recommendation from my sister in law. He fixes them for $8 a pop!
xo
s
JG says
It took me a while, but I finally realized that the majority of my favorite clothes all come from REI (an outdoor clothing and gear store on the west coast – similar to EMS for those on the east coast). Their clothing is pricey, but I do well shopping the extra mark-down sales of their online outlet (free shipping to the store), and especially their monthly in-store returns sales (“Used Gear Sales”). Since they have a very liberal return policy, great items show up barely worn. And if you can fix a zipper or seam so you can find really great bargains. Since I realize their clothes work for me, I make the extra effort to get to those sales regularly.
Jesse says
I totally agree about splurging a little bit for nicer, long lasting coats and jackets. I asked for a $150 black peacoat for Chistmas back when I was in middle school. I have been wearing that same exact peacoat every winter since then… 10 years and it still looks new!! And yes, somehow I am still the same size as I was in middle school.
Nina says
Hi Sherry,
I love reading your blog it’s always fun, happy and interesting!
Love the closet idea its a lesson we can’t learn soon enough! Working in an office full time I’ve discovered that my most successful savings technique is to put aside all the $5 or $10 that I’d would have spent on a 6 or 7 item then use that money at the end of year sales (here in Austrlia things get marked down 50-75% just after christmas) to replace and of my staples (black pants and pencil skirt, blazers, skinny jeans and handbag) all the big ticket items. Last year I spent around $350 in one day but saved $670 and so far have worn each item at least once a week, but usually more.
So saving up for known sale periods and buying classic styles solves my problem, now if only i could apply that to my shoe collection!
thanks and keep on blogging!!
Diana says
My Grandpa had this saying: I’m too poor to buy cheap. And with cheap, there’s also more time wasted on replacing things I don’t really like. So less is more for me, as in more time, because I go less to the stores.
VV says
My wardrobe went from ‘poor student’ to ‘glama-mama’ in the space of about 4 years – my tips would be to invest more in the staples in neutral colours even if it means shopping less and saving up, learn when the major sales are, and learn what your measurements are and shop online.
Ooh and learn how to properly launder your clothes!!! No point investing in cashmere if you’re going to just chuck it in with your jeans and tank tops – the HORROR. Just taking extra care in the laundering process and maintenance makes anyone look a million bucks!
Margy says
That hiking picture wasn’t from Pilot Mtn was it?? Thanks for sharing the tips!
YoungHouseLove says
It was from a hike we took at Carter Caves in Kentucky.
xo
s
Diane Taylor says
Great tips Sherry – I cracked up at the closet GPA – mine would be close to a flunking grade right now :(
I am also a lover of thrift stores for certain clothing items – we have a great one local to Baltimore and I scored a long khaki London Fog raincoat with the tags on, looking brand new with the zip out lining and all, for a whopping $15! I have had it for 5 years now and it still looks great. I got my son into thrift store shopping and he bought so much of his clothes there.
BTW I bought your coupon organizer right after you put up the post about it (the one from Target for like $8) and it has changed my life. Now I never miss a coupon and I feel so much more organized (even my husband noticed).
Thanks – dt
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, so glad!
xo
s
cappy says
You know….I use to love when Katie (Bower Power) put together her “seasons” waredrobe wish list. She opened my eyes to Target boots that look like they are big $$$. I bought a few pair and I always get asked where I got them. But you give great advice on shopping for your body type! I have made many mistakes this way!!!! Also I love pinterest for outfit idea inspirations.
Whitney says
My husband and I shop on the cheap all the time too, and we love outlets! Lately, I’ve discovered Target clearance though. Lots of Target’s clothes get put on their clearance rack for decent prices, but then sometimes Target puts out coupons for $3 off any Merona clothing item or something similar. So then find a top that used to be $10, has been marked down to $5, use your coupon and then you’ve got a $2 top that is brand new!
Carrie K says
A friend of mine hosted a clothing swap-best idea ever! I have gotten more compliments on the clothes I got from that event than the things I pick out myself at the store! :)
LavandulaLady says
Girl, you are wise beyond your years! I’m nearly 2/x your age and I continually learn something new from your blog. But this just took the cake. This was a great post, thank you.
Meredith says
I love love love DSW, if I’m in the market for a new pair of shoes that is the first place I will go. I too have come to see the value in spending a little more on things like purses, shoes, jeans, and jackets that I know I will keep around for a long time. Although the skinny jeans at target have been good and cheap buys for me, and I have 2 pairs of boots and some peep toe pumps from Target that are still going strong after about 7 years. In general I will try to get things that are cute, but can also be versatile. So with jackets I try to stick with “neutral” colors like black, ivory, or gray (and btw gray/silver is my new go-to neutral for things like shoes, purses, and jackets because it can go with blacks or browns). A lot of the stores you mentioned Sherry I also love, especially BR outlet. I also love Express, Macys, Belk, JC Penney, and a few of my favorite outlets are Ann Taylor, White House Black Market Outlet, and Wilsons Leather Outlet – and let’s not forget Coach Outlet. I have gotten some great coats at Wilsons Leather Outlet, and yes they sell more than just leather. I have gotten a super cute short ivory peacoat, a black military style longer wool coat, and a bright pink trench coat, all for great prices (each was less than $100). Another tip, when I used to have to dress up for work at my last job I would try to buy tops that I could also easily wear with jeans as well rather than having dressy tops just for work and tops for weekend/casual dress. That worked pretty well for me.
Bibiana says
This is all well and nice, but what do you do with clothes that your mom buys for you, that are not QUITE your style? My mom is very extravagant and buys me these ridiculous outfits that I could never wear anywhere. I feel like I can’t just get rid of them because they’re from mom, so they just hang there “watering down” my closet. So how do you prevent this type of lowering GPA?
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh good question. Anyone have any ideas? My mom is the gift card queen. haha.
xo
s