Like I said above, I love shopping also on Ebay and in thrift stores. If I can look at a certain item, say, from Gap, or BR at their site, or store, and then shop for it on Ebay, knowing what it looks like and having a general idea of how it will fit, then I can save big by buying it that way. Become an avid shopper, constantly looking for great clothes and bargains, but not buyer. Even if something is a great bargain, or on sale for $2.99 refuse to buy it if you don’t really like it. Don’t fill your closet with clothes that you really hate wearing!

If you don’t have very much money then you definitely know that you can’t afford mistakes! Too often, I will buy something and not like it as much when I get it, or later on regret what I bought when I realize that it only goes with ONE skirt. Instead of a printed shirt that will only be in for one season, buy a solid color shirt that coordinates with your skirts and your jeans.

It’s also okay to have less clothes than your girlfriends! The trap that I often fall into is constantly wanting more, or every season thinking that I need a completely new wardrobe. My bank account doesn’t hold up under that strain very well. It’s very daring to wear the same thing twice!

Or a car!

Thanks for your post, Anna! I really enjoy reading them. Fall is my favorite season in which to buy clothing, but I need to use my money wisely this year. I’m not sure I’ll get out to the stores much. If you ever want a shopping buddy, call me up and I’d love to accompany you!

Thank you, Emily! I want to write another post about quality and quantity of clothing. You want to make sure to buy well-fitting, quality basics, and it pays off to invest in some things, but not in others, but that still doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune, some designer $700 jeans can look just as trendy as something from Target, while $50 dark denim jeans from BR or Gap can look great and classy every time you wear them, and last for a good year or two.

Unfortunately, some items like sweaters and t-shirts, or knit tops, wear and stretch out at the same rate as their counterparts from a less expensive store. I like to buy my Banana Republic clothing from Ebay because I’m really a cheapskate at heart! But I also just bought a pair of $80 trousers from Boden. You don’t want to sacrifice style and fit, even if it is less expensive, but some things only do last for a season, and the difference between buying t-shirts from Old Navy, and t-shirts from Nordstrom can be taken and put toward buying something more lasting, maybe a jacket, or a nice skirt.

I have a whole post cooking on this subject which I want to put up soon! Long story short, don’t worry about buying trendy, cheaper pieces, but don’t expect to keep them around for more than a season.

Thanks for writing!