When I buy clothes, I always buy on sale, clearance or off price. I know Marshalls and TJ Maxx like they are distant cousins. You can find me at the back of any mall retail store, scouring for a deal. Since taking a vow of frugality, I’ve only bought about four clothing items. The items cost less than $53. I’m a big fan of wearing what’s in your closet or swapping clothes with friends. However, I found out about this site, savvycircle.com. If you tell the site what clothes/electronics/furniture/drugstore items you want to buy, it will alert you when they go on sale. Sounds neat. I may use the site if there’s a cocktail dress that I need for an event. Honestly, I am kind of out of the retail therapy business. Some of you may still shop for clothes. It may be worth a look.
Do you buy your clothes on sale? Do you think it’s better to buy from thrift stores? Would you use an online service to notify you when your favorite items are on sale? What’s the best deal you’ve gotten on a clearance clothing item?
Thanks Elizabeth for the tip.
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
To be honest I don’t have the patience for Marshalls and TJMaxx. I get so bummed when I see something I like and I don’t find it in my size. I find that to be so depressing! lol I like seeing 20 of what I want in S/M/L lol. However, I’m not into labels as much and I tend to buy summer stuff at what I call the cheapy stores lol I spend more on fall and winter clothing because I wear those things over and over again.
The best item I’ve ever gotten on clearance was at Macys! I picked up this pretty black dress and didn’t have a clue as to how much it was.. something happened to the tag. When the cashier scanned it, turns out it was only $3.75! The cashier was even shocked! That’s what I call a DEAL!
I should buy my clothes on sale, but I don’t. Unfortunately, I usually get distracted by the stuff in the front. Sometimes, though, I’ll stalk a dress until it comes down. But that often backfires on me when the price is lowered, but the store is out of my size. I cut back on other stuff, but part of the fun in shopping is that it’s whimsicial and spontaneous.
Just Wondering-Ok, you have me beat. I found a pair of $5 Girbaud pants at TJ Maxx once, but that’s no $3.75 dress. Good work!
Elizabeth-Rummaging is an art! You are missing out! I bet that savvycircle.com would work out perfect for you.
I buy most things on sale because retail prices look plain crazy for me. It’s a real pain for me because I don’t enjoy the sport of shopping. But if I see something full price and I’m still thinking about it days later, I’ll go back to the store and get it.
I am ALL ABOUT sales. That’s the only time I shop. The key is to shop out of season when they are trying to clear out. Right now there are end of summer sales and the Vicky’s Semi-Annual.
Also I made myself develop patience to handle TJ MAxx and Marshall’s. This whole professional journalist thing caught me off guard and with a small wardrobe and not a big bankroll. Lol.
lately I’ve been so broke I’ve only bought clothes that were worn on someone else’s behind first. Sometimes it’s cool when you find something gently worn. Other times it sucks realizing that I work very hard and can’t really afford clothes that haven’t already been worn first by someone else. I second Vanessa on that small journalist paycheck. It’s hard to look professional (and not cheap) on a mid-level salary.
Coco-Sounds fair
Vanessa-Journalism can seem like a high-end working class job, sometimes.
Isis-Your clothes are vintage! And you are being green, saving society from waste. You are cutting edge!
The way forward is recycle your wardrobe from your desktop!! I found this site http://www.bigwardrobe.com and exchanged my old clothes for some new stuff. Totally brilliant & even better its totally FREE
!
When I buy clothes (these days not often) it’s almost always online and I do a google search first too see if there are any online coupons. Sierra Trading Post and Nike (I’m kinda sporty) always give you a little something from free shipping to 15percent off. But I really shouldn’t be buying anything
I buy most of my clothes from Target or Mervyn’s, and it has to be on sale. My 14 yo daughter is even better at scouting out the sales; my mom will buy her non-sale items if she wants, but she is very frugal with other people’s money.
We do buy online sometimes; my son loves AE jeans, so we get notifications by email, and I’ve gotten them for him at a lower price.
The hubby hardly ever buys clothes, but he loves Levis, which cost a fortune these days. We do get them on sale at Mervyn’s now and then.
I’ve had no luck at thrift stores. I can never find my size in exactly what I want, so I’ve pretty much given up. I also don’t like the dusty smell of most thrift stores.
Miss60-Thanks for the info!
Alicia-Yay
Claire-I have a hard time in thrift stores, also
I only shop sales including online sales. Overstock.com is a wonderful site, but you have to be very careful because there are times when the pic’s look better than the real stuff! My 10 y/o daughter loves Limited Too but I have taught her to shop off season and the sales racks. My sons could really care less but since they have been working summer jobs, they too have become frugal as they want to save up for cars.
Now a days, our children are just too materialistic. As parents, we have to do a better job teaching them about the concept of branding and how we make OTHER people rich by buying into wearing someone else’s name across our chest! NIKE should pay US to advertise their brand!
I have been having problems uploading images on http://www.bigwardrobe.com, any one else have this problem??
Interesting article. I personally try to buy in the sale why pay £30 for something you can get for £15