Shopping for Clothes With Your Budget in Mind

I have always been a frugal clothes shopper. Lately with the economy the way it is I find it really amazing that retailers are still charging an arm and a leg for items we need, yet I can't bring myself to pay full price for anything any more. Here are some tips that I use while shopping for clothes.

Clearance: The first place I look is the clearance racks. You can save 50-90% off the retail price. What you have to do is shop out of season. Buy for the previous season. If you have children, buy the size they are likely to wear next year. Some kids this is hard to do for and if you have clothes you can't hand down to the next child, sell it on ebay. Many people will pay more than what you got it on clearance for. Also, for me, I've been wearing the same size for nearly 6 years after having my last child. I can easily purchase winter clothes now for $5-10 per peice for adult plus size clothing at specialty stores like Dress Barn, Fashion Bug, and Catherines.

Ebay: Bid on used lots of clothes, set your personal limit of how much per item in lots. The larger the lot the less you'll pay per item. Don't forget to include the shipping in your per item budget. Shipping charges can sometimes be way inflated to reduce the amount commission the seller is going to pay ebay. This is against their terms but I see sellers doing this all the time.

Shop big sales: Keep your eye out for big holiday sales. Know the prices of items prior to the sales so you can make sure prices weren't inflated prior to the sale in order to make you think you're getting a good deal.

Shop Yard Sales: Now is a great time to yard sale shop in many area's. Here in Phoenix people aren't likely to be having yard sales this time of year. It is getting too hot.

Consignment/Second hand stores: Know your prices before you shop these stores. Many times I have found that the items they sell are marked higher than what clearance items are mark but sometimes you can find great deals. Many second hand stores have major clearance days. Check with the second hand stores nearest you for their sales schedules.

Favorite stores: Call your favorite stores and ask for their clearance schedule. Ask them when their largest sales begin so you can have first picks at the deals.

Coupons: Prior to any shopping trip, look for coupons. Many store have coupon codes, coupons, or email newsletters that will give you a big discount on that shopping trip.

Forums: Find forums that have store realated shopping topics like Hot Coupon World.