Counting Pennies

Since we’re talking about extreme thriftiness this month, I thought I would touch on the subject of finding cheap clothing. This is an especially important subject for those who work in an office (as opposed to those of us who work from home). The truth is that buying new clothes should be pretty low in your list of priorities, especially if your budget is tight. However, there will come a time when you need to replace a pair of shoes or get an additional shirt and that’s when you need to sit down and work out a strategy.

Buy used. There are few items that you won’t be able to find at a thrift store or second-hand shop. I have reservations about wearing used shoes, but clothes can be washed and made look like new in just a few steps. If you can’t bear the idea of wearing somebody else’s clothes, buy them anyway (focus on brand names), sell them on eBay and use the profits to buy yourself something new.

Exchange items with friends. I know a group of women who participate in a “closet exchange party” once a month or so. They simply meet for an afternoon or food and wine and bring along clothes they no longer want or fit. For it to work properly, you need to get a minimum of 10 people, preferably all of a similar size (this is not discrimination, but a practical decision; you don’t want to invite people who are all smaller or bigger than you and then find out nothing they brought fits you), and impose a minimum number of items that every person must bring. Then set all the items together in a pile, count to three and let people go at it. It’s a lot of fun, a great chance to enjoy good company and a great opportunity to nab something good.

Buy on eBay. Have your heart set out on a particular brand or item? Look for it online. Bid only as much as you would be willing to pay for the article, and don’t get carried away. If you end up paying the same as the item costs in stores, you’re paying too much (you still have to factor in shipping prices).

Trackback URI | Comments RSS