Clothing

Fashionistas may feel limited when they’re forced to live on a strict budget. No matter the reason, we all need to scale back once in a while, but that doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to suffer for it.

Shopping at thrift stores and consignments shops doesn’t come with the stigma it once did. Celebrities like Mary-Kate Olsen have lauded thrift store buys, so much so that vintage clothing items have seen a resurgence like never before. If you want to embark on the exciting adventure of thrift store shopping, keep these tips in mind:

Ask the employees what days the inventory is stocked. Some shops restock their products twice a week; others restock daily. If your thrift store puts out inventory daily, try to get there on a Wednesday or Thursday before the weekend rush when the inventory is more likely to be wiped out.
Try on the outfits. Checking the size won’t matter because used clothing may be stretched beyond the size on the tag. Vintage items also tend to run small.
Double check the item for any tears or stains. This means turning it inside out. Pay close attention to the underarms for any sweat stains, as these are difficult to remove.
Learn how to revamp vintage items. If you love to sew, buy thrift store clothing and recycle it to make your own creation. Buying second-hand items and using them for fabric is much cheaper than buying it off the bolt.

Give bargain shopping a try. Chances are, you’ll be hooked on your first visit.

Do Brand Names Matter?

Image by The Style PA via Flickr

Branding is an important concept in our society of consumers. Instant recognition of a brand name communicates ideas, and this extends to the way people perceive us. If we wear brand name clothing, we are associated with the ideas surrounding that brand name. But does the name on your shirt tag really matter?

Spending a little extra on brand name items usually equates to higher quality. If you buy brand name for the sake of longevity, doing so is a smarter idea than buying from the local discount store. Keep in mind, however, that thrift stores and bargain flea markets also carry brand name clothing. These items are second-hand, but still retain that high quality without the price tag.

If you buy brand name for the sake of fitting in, it may be time to reevaluate your situation. Some people only buy clothing from the most expensive department store but they clearly lack a sense of style. Personal style is more important than any brand, and a confident woman wearing nothing but vintage bargain buys may have a more put-together style than one who superficially bases her style on a designer catalogue.

The better route is to wear what flatters your figure in a style that you love. Many people opt to wear designer brands for fear of being judged or ridiculed if they don’t. What really matters is who you are as a person. Your clothes, no matter the cost or label, will reflect that. You’ll feel much better about yourself and confident in your creative abilities to think beyond the current trends.

Fashionable Bargain Shopping

Do Brand Names Matter?

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