Biblical Womanhood: Frugal Fridays: Beauty on a Budget

Friday, May 04, 2007

Frugal Fridays: Beauty on a Budget - Part 3: Clothes

Last time we talked about some simple ways to have a great wardrobe on a miniscule budget. Today I want to talk specifically about where to buy clothes (or obtain clothes, as the case may be) inexpensively.

As Christian women, we are representatives of Christ in the way we dress. A sloppy, shabby appearance does not glorify the Lord. This does not mean we need to be models, but I do believe we should spend at least a small amount of time on our outward appearance.

In addition, if you are a wife, you represent your husband in the way you dress. Seeking to be attractive to our own husband glorifies the Lord. My husband's tastes are different than your husband's tastes. Talk to your husband about his preferences in the way you dress, do your make-up, fix your hair, and so forth and seek to honor him in this. It's a way you can show him love. Some men care more than others about this (my husband happens to be one of those types of men and I love him for it!), but I think all men would prefer that their wives take a little time to look neat, clean, and presentable.

Having said all of this, you don't have to break your budget to dress presentably. I know because I wear almost exclusively name-brand clothes in good condition and probably spend a maximum of $50 a year or less on clothes. Here are just a plethora of things which work for me:

1) Before you go shopping to buy new clothes, go through your closet. I don't know about you, but it seems every few months I hit a "I don't have anything to wear" thing. I'm not sure what it is, but the urge is there to go out and buy a few new outfits as I feel tired of everything in my closet. Sometimes, I really am in need of some new clothes, but much of the time I've found that if I go through what I already have, I'll re-discover a few items I didn't remember I had, or I'll come up with a few new ways to wear or accessorize things and I realize I don't really need any new clothes.

2) Pray before you shop. Pray about clothes? Yes, that's what I said. I believe that God cares very much about us - even the small little things like the clothes we wear.

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Ask God to provide for your specific clothing needs. I've seen Him be faithful in this time and time again.

3) When shopping at retail stores, always shop the clearance racks first. Honestly, I can probably count on one hand the times I've bought something at a retail store in the last few years which was not marked down at least 50%. Unless I have to get something very specific, I don't even bother to look anywhere but the clearance racks. Find out what stores in your area routinely carry clothing you like and when their best sales seasons are. I often get brand-name stuff for 80% off or more - sometimes even just a few dollars each - by doing this.

4) Shop at used clothing stores. Yes, I know, some people really don't like these places. But if you want to spend less on clothes, you need to start realizing the treasure trove of goods you can buy here. A large portion of my wardrobe has come from used clothing stores - most items being less than $2. Yet, I doubt most people would have a clue. Just because you buy used clothing does not mean you need to look like a pauper. I've found many brand-new, name-brand tags-still-on clothes at thrift stores for literally pennies on the dollar.

However, when shopping at thrift stores, do be extremely cautious that you don't fall prey to the "this is such a good deal that even though I don't need it I'll buy it because it is such a good deal" mentality. If you don't need it, I don't care how inexpensive it is, unless you are an eBay whiz and planning to resell it making a large profit, don't buy the thing!

My personal rules for thrift store shopping: Item must be like-new, high quality and a good brand, in my color, must fit right (always try it on before you buy and do not buy if it is in need of any type of repair before you can wear it), must be something I like and need and have matching shoes/accessories, and must be a good price. If I'm at a thrift store, I expect to pay thrift store prices. This means that I pretty much refuse to pay over $3 for any item of clothing at a thrift store and prefer that it is in the $1-2 range.

Many thrift stores have half-off days or dollar days. These are the best times of all to shop because you can come away with super good deals! Check with your local used clothing stores to find out when their sale days are.

Also, I've found that some thrift stores routinely have a better selection of clothing. Check out all your area thrift stores and figure out which ones are the best in this regard and then stick with those few. Time is money, too, so if you are having to dig and dig and dig for a few hours and only coming up with a couple of things, don't bother going there. It's not worth your time and effort.

5) Another place for bargains: Garage sales. I'm sure most of you already do this, but I can't pass over mentioning the great deals you can find on clothes at these. The only drawback is that you never know exactly what you might find or not find, prices can vary widely, and you can't try anything on. Because of this, I do less shopping at garage sales for clothes for myself and have mostly shopped for Kathrynne at garage sales. Children's clothes seem more plentiful and you don't have to worry about trying them on. Once again, though, I stick with the same rules as above for garage sale shopping, only I won't pay as much at a garage sale as I would at a thrift store. (Maybe that sounds weird, but I expect garage sale clothing to be under $1, preferably more like $0.25.)

6) Make your own. Of course this is another great alternative for those who sew well. However, don't forget to factor in the time involved to make sure it is worth the effort. Also, be careful because fabric and notions can be so expensive these days! Once again, make sure to get the fabric and notions when they are on a good sale or on clearance. If you can't sew, consider bartering with someone who can.

Those are just a few simple thoughts from me - probably nothing new for most of you. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this and where you find the best deals on clothing for yourself and your family.

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17 Comments:

Stephanie said...: Making my own is something I'd really love to learn how to do. Until then, I 'll have to keep at the used and clearance! :); 9:32 AM
Anonymous said...: Our local thrift stores has half off every Wednesday! I was able to buy a huge bag of shirts, blouses, new shoes, pants for my boys and husband and a few books for under $20. Our thrift store color coordinates blouses and shirts which makes shopping similar to a regular store! I am so excited that yardsales have begun in the area! This is my favorite time of the year!
Ruth, PA; 9:40 AM
Sherry said...: When you stop by, please scroll down to the next entry about a Strawberry Tea Party. May as well enjoy yourself while the laundry is on. :-); 9:43 AM
stacy said...: Crystal, I appreciate how you consider your husband in all things. Thanks for encouraging others to do like wise.; 10:05 AM
Lin said...: Here's a fun idea:

Once a year I get together with my lady friends and we have a "clothing exchange". The ladies bring bags and bags of clothing - things we've gotten from others, stuff we've grown out of, things we're tired of but are still in good shape, etc. Then we spend an afternoon trying on and trading clothes! It's SO fun for so many reasons: fellowship, trading, stories, and new-to-you clothing. Whatever we don't take amongst ourselves gets donated to the church. I always come away with several new complete outfits, some in combinations I would have never thought of - another benefit, you can get ideas from other ladies on what goes with what.

This idea is great for children's clothes too!; 12:43 PM
Erin said...: I would LOVE to find some thrift stores that sell decent clothing at decent prices, however, the ones around us do not. Does anyone else encounter this problem? In general--though I have been able to find a couple good deals at thrift stores on housewares over the years--the ones near us overprice everything. We're talking clothes that are 5 years out of date in the $5-$7 range. I shop at Ross and buy new, quality up-to-date clothing for $5 and up instead. You still have to hunt for the good stuff, but it's there and about 1/3 the price of typical department stores.; 1:18 PM
Mary Ann said...: I have a hard time finding a lot of good clothing for me at thrift stores. Like Erin said, our thrift stores are quite high-priced for clothes. I do occasionally find a nice piece that will work, but otherwise what I've done is to buy new clothes that fit from Ross or Kohls on sale. I can wear the same jeans, skirts and dresses for at least 2-3 years, so it's been worth the cost to me. I don't tend to buy trendy clothes but just basic stuff that goes with everything else in my closet.; 1:47 PM
Kristy Howard said...: Hi Crystal, I really enjoyed your comments on buying used clothing... it's nice that someone else does this too!! I've always been a "cheap" shopper and have found some amazing deals on clothing and other items! Some of my friends are prone to make comments if I or my little girls are wearing "expensive" clothing ... they look pretty funny when I tell them where I bought it and what I paid for it!! Thanks for the great post!!; 2:26 PM
Alexandra said...: Love those thrifts! We buy all our clothes there, which enables us to remain a one income homeschooling family. Great advice, as usual, thanks Crystal!; 10:00 PM
Anna S said...: Thank you, Crystal!
The first time I visited a second-hand store, I was expecting piles of old, heavily used, unfashionable and unpretty clothes. Instead, I found TREASURES. Yes, like you said - brand-name clothes with tags still on!!; 2:50 PM
Anonymous said...: Are you going to write an article on men's clothing? This seems to be an area where we struggle to make savings.
Annaelisabeth; 4:33 PM
Bethany said...: For young women who prefer to dress more fashionably, there is Plato's Closet, a consignment store that sells only popular name brands no more than one or two seasons old. You can visit their web site for store locations. Also, if you take your new or gently used name brand clothes there, they will pay you for them.; 10:41 PM
Linda said...: I have bought clothes for myself at the op-shops the past few years. I found one shop that tended to have clothes my size. The best buy was a suit that I would never have bought myself otherwise, so I was very blessed. It was a perfect fit.

MyThreeDaughters; 10:44 PM
Martha said...: I have found that sometimes consignment stores are better than some second hand stores. I think some second hand stores have decided that since they have become a source for people to buy things and resell them on ebay, they should be able to get ebay prices. $1 for paperback book? $5 for a used skirt? I have gotten brand new stuff at Ross or on clearance at JC Penny's for the same or less than I have paid at a second hand store. The other problem I have is usually when I buy new I have to hem it up or take it in or something at times.
I do sew and am really excited because I just got a new machine. One thing, if you sew do not buy poor quality fabric. Just because it costs more does not mean it is better quality and just because it is cheap does not mean it is poor quality. JoAnn's when they change out the fabric all the time will mark their fairly nice dress fabric that cost $9 a yard down to $4 in the bargain fabrics, then often they have 50% sales on this fabric. I have gotten beautiful fabric for .50 a yard! I got a rayon/linen blend that was so pretty for that price one time as well as others!; 5:24 PM
Anonymous said...: I have found some fantastic deals at Christopher and Banks many a time. My best find was a long daisy skirt for $0.98! It's kind of a hit and miss situation, but usually well worth the trip! My problem is that I'm a little too good at finding good deals on clothing, my closet is exploding! :0
Laura, MI; 10:58 AM
Martha said...: For mens clothing every year around Valentines Day or a little before, JC Penny here has a huge sale. They mark mens clothing down really, really low! Once a year we buy shirts, pants and sweaters if my husband needs them there. This is $30-50 shirts and sweaters for $1.88-$2.88 every year. He bought a really nice denim jacket for $5.88 this year that was a good brand also. I just bought new cotton shirts for my boys, short sleeve, button down the front shirts for $1 each at Walmart. Ture they do not last as long there, but they grow so fast, and they were nice shirts! just a couple of ideas!; 2:28 PM
Kathy Aprile said...: Mom friends in our area bring by one another's houses large bags of clothing in very good condition, to see if anyone in each household can use something. Often what's "in the clothing exchange bag" is an answer to prayer! We also try to be sure we all share videos and DVDs our families own, that others might not own. That way, we've already "screened" them, so we all know they are "approved." God is so good! He lets us have friends who care about us, each one! God bless you all! Kathy Aprile kathy@utmost-way.com http://www.pureapproach.com Our family's site: http://www.utmost-way.com; 12:19 AM

Friday, May 04, 2007

Frugal Fridays: Beauty on a Budget - Part 3: Clothes

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