How can I get fashionable clothes at a good price?

For those of you who are bargain hunters, there are always places to find discounts and good bargains. Unfortunately, if the item you buy hangs unworn in your closet it may not be a bargain after all.

Instead, I advise my clients to shop smart. The goal of any good wardrobe is to get as much wear out of the clothing as possible. The way to do this is building wardrobe capsules. The basis of a wardrobe capsule is clothing basics. Clothing basics are pieces that are in neutral colours and in colours that won’t date themselves too quickly. Choose clothing pieces in a colour scheme and in compatible styles, weights and textures that can be worn together. This will allow you to create many outfits for less money. Even if the item costs more initially, it will save you money in the long run.

Once you have established your capsule, it’s time to add a few fashion items. When choosing your fashion items, bargain hunting can play a role. However, plan ahead, thinking about what you have in your closet and which items you wish to incorporate into your wardrobe. Determine how versatile the item is. The more you can wear it the more valuable it will be. If it’s a fad, spend as little money as possible and plan to let it go at the end of the season.

For the quality of your image, you should invest in the best quality clothes that your budget can buy.

Actually, investing in a high quality item is always cheaper. You can use it on many occasions and over many years. Simple math of cost versus how many times you will use this item, and for how many years, will show you that it is cheaper to invest in the quality.

I understand, sometimes you only have a certain amount of money at one time. You are right, but wait for the discounting to come instead of impulse buying.

I have been shopping in second hand shops for well over 12 years now. Today, these stores are known as vintage shops.

At that time I was on very tight budget and when a friend introduced me to the stores, at first I did not want to go. To me it was for people who were poor. Actually, that was the original idea. I am glad I put my pride aside and went. I recall when I first started buying, I could purchase beautiful fur coats and fur hats for only $5. Dresses and jackets, pants, sweaters and blouses for $1 or $2. I would select quality fabrics and items that were in mint condition, and believe me there were plenty of them.

Even though you had to rummage through stuff at the time (stores were not arranged like they are today), I quickly discovered many beautiful clothing items and was very surprised that they were in perfect condition. I was thrilled to find beautiful clothes at such ridiculously low prices. I literally dressed my daughter from head to toe from the age 8 until she was about 12 years old and she always looked great.

It was amazing to me that women gave away these clothes, season after season, that were in such beautiful condition: like new.

Back then, when I would get complimented, I would not dare say that I bought it at a thrift shop. I would just say thank you and say I had owned it for a while. Today, you have women of all classes shopping in second hand shops for clothes and accessories.

I have been referring my clients to my favorite vintage shop. The owner has new and nearly new designer fashions for women (labels like BCBG, Jones New York, Olsen and more). Most of my accessories also come from her shop. I just purchased the other day a nearly new 100% silk BCBG Jacket at a fraction of the price I would have paid in the store. Her shop is truly a treasure trove with something for everyone.

For women who would like quality and vintage items, seek out those shops nearest you.

Go shopping on Wednesdays if possible. Weekend sales figures are analyzed on Mondays and markdowns are assigned on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You are sure to find better parking, more sales help, organized racks and bigger bargains to be bagged on Wednesday mornings!