Wednesday, March 30, 2011

How to Be Stylish for Pennies

Learn how to find name brands and designer labels at a fraction of the retail price


6 Tips for Finding Great Clothes:

1.Scout Neighborhoods
Each store's inventory comes from the surrounding community. If you're after higher-end, classic pieces, head to a fancy neighborhood. If you are looking for funkier, more trendy items, check out a college area.

2.Buy Brands You Know and Like
That way you'll buy pieces that work with what you have and will fit as you expect them to. But always try on: The previous owner may have had alterations done, which could turn what appears to be a size 10 into a size 8.

3.Know When to Shop
Mondays (Tuesdays at Trusty Threads) are good, because people clean out their closets over the weekend. And shop often: Most store roll out new merchandise constantly.

4.If You Love It, Buy It
Chances are, there's only one. "I've had people come in, fall in love with something and walk away," "They'll come back, sometimes in the same day, but it'll be gone." If you're on the fence because you found a piece that's almost perfect, don't be afraid to take it to the tailor for alterations. It's an easy way to turn a good find into a great one!

5.Inspect Carefully
Resale stores make every effort to buy clothes in mint condition, but people do make mistakes. Before buying, check for overly scuffed buttoms and try them on to be sure that they still feel supportive. Fabric like cotton and jersey tends to wear then. Hold the item up the light to inspect for worn patches or holes. Check unexpected areas for pilling, like the hips and underarms.

6.It Doesn't Hurt to Bargain
While stores will rarely lower the price on a new arrival, pieces that have been in the store for a while, or have damage from shelf life, like sagging or hanger marks, may be fair game for a markdown.

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