I really enjoy shopping. There is nothing better than finding a good bargain. The thrill of the hunt is so exciting. I love sales and markdowns and really hate paying full price for anything. That being said, I do think that sometimes you pay less in the long run when you buy a higher priced, quality item than when you buy something cheap - especially for wardrobe staples. Better to pay more for a pair of jeans or a purse that you absolutely love than to spend $20 over and over and end up with 6 pairs of jeans that don't fit or flatter. And quality clothing often looks better after washing it a lot and wearing it for a whole season (or more.) If you have a few key, quality pieces in your closet, you can fill in with less expensive trendier pieces seasonally.
Here are my top 5 items you need in your wardrobe that you love:
5. An everyday purse
For a long time I tossed my wallet into the diaper bag, but my boys are old enough that I've started carrying a purse again. I just found this steal a couple of weeks ago and I love it. It's the perfect color for my wardrobe. It's big, but not too big and has feet to protect the bottom from getting scratched. I've been hunting for a purse for a while now and am so glad I held out until I found one that I loved. Plus, I really didn't even spend that much on it.
4. A great coat
I really love coats. I have a number of them that I love, but I think every one needs at least one great coat to wear. The weight of your coat will depend on where you live, but for a lot of folks a trench can be a great year-round coat. A trench is perfect for throwing on over jeans and a t-shirt. It makes you look put-together and if it's belted it can be very slimming by creating a small waist. I've seen some really great ones at stores like Old Navy and K-Mart this spring. Plus, if you look now they are probably marked down. If not, look in late fall. Most stores will be making room for heavier coats and selling off the lighter weight, more versatile trenches.
3. A nice black dress
Find one that fits you perfectly. Or have someone alter it to fit you perfectly. Consider a forgiving fabric like a jersey knit that can be dressed up or down with your shoes and accessories. Hold out for that "perfect" dress for your body type and lifestyle. And once you find it, you'll wear it for years and years and years.
2. A pair of flats that go with everything
Consider the color of your wardrobe and everyday purse. Black or brown? Mine are actually leopard print. But I love them. They work with my black dress, jeans, pants and skirts. I can wear them with so many of the clothes I own and they make a statement. Find a pair that fit your feet wonderfully and you'll be so glad you did.
1. The perfect pair of jeans
This is so important for moms. We need jeans that look good on us. Let's face it. Most of us don't get dressed up to go to work anymore. We should feel good about our everyday attire. And for me, that's jeans. If you can find a pair at Old Navy or Target that fit you, that's great. If not, consider spending a bit more to find that pair that fit your body type perfectly. Try on different sizes and styles again and again until you find what you love.
Here are my top 5 places to get quality clothing:
5. Banana Republic2. Target
1. Nordstrom
But just because you are looking for quality clothing doesn't mean you have to pay a lot. My favorite tip for saving money is to head straight to the back of the store or the section. Don't even look at the front of the store unless you are wanting to splurge. Wait until sale items are marked down a further percentage off the sale price. Ann Taylor and LOFT do this a lot. They will mark all their sale clothing down an additional 40%. So does White House/Black Market. I have purchased some beautiful dresses there for less than $50 once all the discounts are figured. Nordstrom can be pricey, but they have amazing shoe clearances and their semi-annual and anniversary sales can't be beat. (Plus shopping there is nothing short of a pleasure. The customer service and liberal return policy can end up being a huge time and money saver in the long run.)
The most important strategy is to find the stores and brands that work for your body and your lifestyle. Once you find them, make friends with the sales clerks. Shop on less crowded, non-weekend days. Ask when things have been marked down or if they have any sales coming up. Buy only clothes that you love and have fun doing it.
Do you think it's better to buy quality clothing or do you buy only inexpensive brands? And where do find most of your wardrobe?
I agree with you. I always say I used to be cheap and now I am frugal. It took me a while to learn that if I was patient, I could get quality clothing for less. I now keep a tiny notepad in my purse with a list of clothes I need (or want) and then I'm not running out at the last minute to purchase a cheap pair of jeans just because I need jeans. Last weekend I found a flattering pair of Levis - my size - at Macy's for $15 (orig. $44) and I was very happy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with quality over quantity. I am devoted to Lands End for that very reason. When I buy something from them, it lasts forever. My last coat was from them and I wore it for 12 years before finally replacing it.
ReplyDeleteI'm a minimalist with most everything, so it makes it easier to wait for sales. My problem is that I sometimes wait too long and the items are gone in my size or just gone period. Almost all of my business wardrobe has come from the awesome sales racks at the Loft, which also includes petite sizes! My casual clothing used to be mostly from Old Navy but I've found that almost all of their clothing has decreased in quality over the past few years. My current maternity wardrobe has a lot of items from Old Navy, and all are cheap quality, but unfortunately I haven't found many alternatives that are within my budget and I just don't have the time to wait for certain items to go on sale. We had a Gap outlet nearby in Tennessee which is where I found the best fitting jeans of my life - here's to hoping they're still the best fit post-baby!
ReplyDeleteIt can definitely be hard to find quality maternity clothes that are affordable. I do buy quite a bit at Old Navy, but it doesn't last more than 1 pregnancy. I've had pretty good luck with sale items at Babystyle.com, GAP maternity online and Mimi maternity. Even LOFT has started carrying a maternity line, so you can watch for sales there -especially online. Paying for shipping can be worth it if you are getting an item you will wear a lot or for more than one pregnancy. Anyone else want to weigh in on good maternity clothes on the cheap?
ReplyDeleteI recently searched and searched and searched for the perfect pair of <$50 jeans. Well, nothing fit, so I went back to the GAP and splurged. They fit my body when nothing else would, and like you said, jeans are my everyday wardrobe! But I did find them for $40 at the GAP outlet!
ReplyDeleteI agree about Land's End clothing...high quality and it lasts. They just put out a new line that is more fitted than before. So I am wanting to head to Sears (they put LE stuff on sale!) and get some new stuff.
As for maternity clothes, I have lots of Old Navy stuff (I did wear scrubs everyday, so my stuff will be around for the next pregnancy). But Motherhood (often coupled with Mimi Maternity which is high priced) is very affordable. You can also find less expensive maternity clothes at Sears, JCPenney, Target, and Kohls.
I just bought a new pair of jeans at Target last week. My last Target pair has lasted quite a while (Mossimo brand). I like them.
ReplyDeleteI bought some maternity clothes at Burlington Coat Factory for a pretty good price. I also like shopping the clearance at Target but you kind of have to "plan ahead" with that...
Some of my favorite clothes have come from Target, and lasted! Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft were my favorites when I was working and needed business casual, and banana republic is my go to for anything I wear when we aren't painting, using glitter or glue.
ReplyDeleteJeans are always Calvin Klein's they just fit!
Oh, I am so with you on this one. There is nothing that would convince me to purchase clothing at Wal-Mart or another cheapie store. Having something that will last through a few seasons and that flatters my figure -- I mean actually *fits* -- is so important.
ReplyDeleteI *love* Ann Taylor Loft and often shop at Christopher & Banks. Even Macy's and Kohl's can have some nicer clothing. But the key is for me to take my time (alone or with a girlfriend) and try on lots of styles to see what really suits me.
For purses, I shop our local TJ MAXX. They have a good selection of higher quality leather purses and totes, so I know they'll last. And you can't beat the price.
Thanks for the post! - Julia at Midwest Moms
Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft are a couple of my favorite stores. I always wait for their sales and only occasionally splurge for something new to wear that season. Their clothes are great because their classics that don't go out of style. I also purchase the majority of my wardrobe at New York & Company because of the great coupons and sales that they have.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, and less is more. But, I so need to go shopping... ha!
ReplyDeleteI am starting to do this as well.
ReplyDelete:)
Christopher & Banks has a rack in the back of the store that has great bargains!
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