The best way to buy clothing is to buy them second-hand. A lot of people will not shop second-hand because they prefer their clothing brand new, but guess what? Once you've worn your new outfit once or twice it is now used! Since I've come to that realization it's been a lot easier for me to shop at second-hand clothing stores. And the money saved can be phenomenal.
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Don't only think of clothes for children. Think jeans for $2-$3. Mens shirts for $2-$3. I bought a CHICO jacket for $3.00, Jones of N Y tinsil slacks $4.00,etc, plus got senior discount on all. Need extra wine glasses for .25 each, check out the thrift stores. The big problem with thrift stores is that if one size does not fit, there is probably other size in that syle.
I buy used clothing for my children all the time. They look very well dressed. You can find those "name brands" so cheap and I always seem to find ones in still like new shape.
WHEN MY KIDS WERE SMALL (THEY ARE NOW GROWN) I ALWAYS BOUGHT CLOTHING AT GARAGE SALES AND CONSIGNMENT SHOPS. THEY HAD PLAY CLOTHES AND GOOD CLOTHES AND I DIDN'T HAVE TO SPEND A BUNDLE. THIS WAS A GREAT HELP AS A SINGLE PARENT TRUST ME ! THEY DIDN'T KNOW NOR DID THEY CARE.THEY GREW SO FAST ANY WAY.
I GREW UP IN A FAMILY OF SIX. NEW CLOTHES WERE FOR BIRTHDAYS ,CHRISTMAS AND EASTER.
I STILL TO THIS DAY PREFER GOING TO GOOD WILL BEFORE I SHOP A RETAIL STORE. I CAN GET A GOOD PAIR OF JEANS FOR $5.00 THE CHEAPEST PAIR I CAN FIND AT WALMART IS $10.00 SO THIS MEANS I CAN GET 2 PR AT GOODWILL FOR WHAT I SPENT AT WALMART FOR 1 PR AND... THE JEANS AT GOODWILL HAVE BEEN BROKEN IN AND ARE SOFTER FROM WASHINGS.
OH, AND I USED TO ALWAYS BUY OFF SEASON.I WOULD BUY A SIZE BIGGER THAN WHAT THE CHILDREN WERE WEARING AND PUT IT UP FOR THE NEXT YEAR
Can you say "The Emperor's New Clothes"! I have been doing this for years, much to the embarrassment of my husband!
I love to watch all the "Real Housewives of...." anywhere series; but I gagged at one the other day where the husband paid $600 for one pay of jeans!
It is simply ridiculous to think that there is anything wrong with clothing that has been pre-worn. I shop at resale stores that demand what they sell be clean, and in good condition, the only thing I won't buy used is shoes (my grandmother told me never to wear someone elses).
When my children were in school, a long time ago, I sewed extremely well, which gave me a knowledge of what the price of garments really were. But now prices for patterns, yardage and notions have also gotten out of hand, making sewing almost as expensive, if not more, than buying!
I have no problem with spending my money on facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, haircuts and color; and I can do all those things I love because I'm not paying the retail prices for my clothing.
Consignment stores might be OK, But what I have found in the thrift stores where I live, is that after just a few hours on the rack, the necks of the t-shirts are stretched out of shape. But my budget can't even afford thrift store prices where I live, I'm further ahead shopping at WalMart, and getting new.
I agree. There have been several times that I have even gotten "new" clothing - original tags were still on. There's nothing wrong with buying "second-hand"! Kudos!
I have always shopped at the Salvation Army. I have bought dishes, pots / pans, lamps, clothing, books, socks and sheets. I guess the only things I buy new are panties and bras! I always try on the jeans but other clothing, I just critically look at the seams or buttons etc.
My husband and I have recognized a real problem with the Salvation Army stores in our area. DH and I have frequented many of their stores in our area and all that we've seen for sale is just plain JUNK. So I emailed their headquarters and told them that my husband and I do not need a degree in rocket science to figure out what the problem is. I also said in the email that the items that we have seen for sale need to be thrown out in the garbage. I received an automated response from the Salvation Army, but never a personal email addressing the real problem. We can't prove it but we think there might be a lot of theft in their stores by their own employees and by the men who unload the trucks. My husband and I have seen the workers unload the trucks but where are the donations going?
There was an article in the local newspapers several years ago about three sisters who all had jobs in their thrift stores. The sisters were eventually caught stealing donated goods and the police found the stash in their houses. So we started shopping at the Goodwill Stores. We read this sign at several of the Goodwill Stores. Please don't ask for a discount because we would be stealing from our employer. The last three times we have shopped at the Goodwill I have found several items that I really needed. So what does that tell you?
I used to work in the back room of a Salvation Army Thrift Store, and the general employees didn't do the stealing, the manager and the stock man, and the lady that worked up front got first pick of the merchandise that came in. If stuff came in when the manager wasn't present we couldn't go through it until she got there even if it was for a day. One day a furniture store donated a new recliner that had a small flaw in it and the manager looked it over and said it was a little smaller than the one she had so they would just trade the chairs, but her old relciner never came in, and I asked her about it one day and the reply was some immigrant lady had needed one so she just took her old one over to that lady. Yeah right! All the employees did get first pick before the stuff went out on the sales floor, but we had to pay for it, other than I am assuming a few certain employees. However, certain furniture that was donated also went directly to the Captain's house. Also in that same city, the local grocery stores would donate out of date baked goods, and the stock man would take the truck and go pick it up, then bring it to the back room of the store and he, the manager, and cashier got first pick, then the rest of the employees, then it was taken to the lobby of the church for low income people to help themselves. There were only three of the employees that ever got to pick pies, cakes, rolls, cookies, etc. The rest of us got bread, buns, etc. I would be willing to bet all thrift stores operate the same. Nobody knows what goes on in the back rooms.
This is all part of recycling which is something we must all partake in. I haven't convinced everyone I know yet, but I'll keep trying. And maybe some of these overpriced manufacturers and stores will start lowering their prices when they realize we aren't buying their goods as rapidly as we did in the past. There is so much overpricing that I can't justify paying those prices without feeling stupid and foolish. Such a rip-off. And people are getting rich at our expense. I just won't do it! I'm no longer a sucker! I know it's easier to feel this way at my age (61) than it would be for someone who's in their 20s or 30s but it's always good to point out options to others. I have a beautiful condo and beautiful clothes; all acquired on a thrift store budget! I love it!
I've purchased fine second-hand clothing, just being careful to inspect for missing buttons or other flaws. It is rewarding when others compliment me on what a nice coat, shirt or other item I have.
How many people have tried on the new clothing in the store? Once they've been tried on, they are not new.
At many second hand clothing outlets you can find clothing that still has the original price tags attached. I purchased a pair of $45 jeans for $3.99. Because of the bed bug problem in most of North America. If the clothing item can be put in the dryer do so on high for 20 minutes. or freeze it in the freezer for several days, this will kill the eggs. Wash/dry clean throughly afterword.
My daughter and I went second hand shopping last week. Here in Ohio we have Savers. Very, very nice. Everything was organized nicely by color and size. Found several items I was looking for. They are priced a wee bit highter than Good Will. After going to Savers, just down the street we went to Good Will and it was so disorganized and so cluttered we barely looked. It would have taken hours just to find the sizes. It was a huge mess. So, I think I'll stick with Savers. I'm on Weight Watchers, so this is a good deal for me since I'm still losing weight but need a smaller size.
I'm very familiar with Savers. Years ago when DH and I lived in Tucson, AZ we shopped at Savers. It's a shame that the Goodwill Store in your area is in such a mess. It has a lot do with management. In our area the Goodwill Stores are very attractive and well organized. It's the Salvation Army Stores, that really look lousy.
Several years ago I discovered that I could afford good clothes if I bought at St Vincent De Paul's, Goodwill, Salvation Army, or the Handycapped Vet's place. I feel like I'm helping helping someone who needs it. Got some great shoes too.
Another good place is Ebay to buy second hand clothing. Recently, I bought 5 spring dresses for $82 including the S&H. They were name brand designer dresses, lined and very well made.
I love to shop thrifty shops. Our church ladies are going out on Sat. for the entire day. I find some great clothing also I found an American Itty Baby in perfect shape for $1. Fun, fun.
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