Monday, October 5, 2009

My clothes shopping rules for myself

When I go shopping I have a few things in mind price wise. 

*  For me, shirts should never be over $15-$20 unless it is a very special shirt that's versitile.  I think if its versitile, fun, and different, then you will get your monies worth for spending over your desired amount.  For example, I bought a shirt similar to this in navy from J.Crew for $30.

I felt it was justified because it was a shirt I would wear often since it had ruffles and was a common color I wear.  I wear it with cardigans, shorts, jeans...everything.  If the shirt is plain or something that I won't be able to wear often, I really try to stick with $15-$20.  That's just me though :) 

* Every girl can find a good solid pair of pants for $30.  We all have different styles or needs depending on your lifestyle.  Some need more work appropriate clothes and others need more casual.  If you need more work appropriate clothes then every girl needs a good pair of black pants that will last a long time.  I've had great luck at Gap, Banana RepublicAnn Taylor, and LOFT on sale for around $30.  If you shop around for long enough you'll find some great deals. 

*  Jeans should be a girls best friend.  I try to spend less than $100 on my jeans.  I know, I know, I am all about great prices and $100 isn't a great price.  The only reason I splurge a little is because I wear them every single day!  (can you tell I am trying to justify spending that much money on jeans???)  They serve 2 purposes, so you need a great pair that are really comfortable. They are your casual everyday wear + your get dressed up and go out wear.  I need jeans that will last a long time and will be dressy enough for work.  Plus I only buy 1 pair a year (ok maybe 2 on a special occasion)...so the splurge goes a long way!  My favorites are Sevens, which can be found for a great deal at the following places:
 - Off 5th - around $120 instead of up to $200+
 - T.J. Maxx - around $80-$90 instead of up to $200+
I also love the prices on IT jeans and Vigoss. I found both of those at Nordstrom in the BP department for between $50 and $60.  They are great because they don't stretch out too much like most designer jeans.  Nordstrom will also hem your jeans for free on any regular priced jeans.  Which definitely makes buying them there worth it. 

These are Vigoss and they are my favorite right now.  They are on sale for $54 at Nordstrom right now!


*  Shoes are another MAJOR favorite of mine.  I hate my love for them, but I love it at the same time.  I don't spend more than $20 on them unless they are for athletic purposes or something that can be worn every single day...like brown boots. 

*  Purses for me are another love/hate relationship.  I like having one to put everything, but I hate carrying it around.  I would much rather put everything in MR.P's pocket.  He doesn't love that.  So, I usually won't spend more than $15-$20 on my purse.  I do have a very sweet friend that gave me a great purse and it's definitely my favorite. 

*  Stylish/trendy pieces are definitely something I try to get for a steal.  My favorite place to shop for those pieces is Old Navy.  You just never know when it's going to go out of style. 

These are just the rules that I go by.  I have to go by these rules because sometimes I need quanity over quality.  I love purusing the clearance at J.Crew and finding the good deals.  But I can't always afford to spend a lot on each item.  I do have friends that are really good at waiting until they find exactly what they want so they are able to spend a little more on each item.  They have the patience that I don't have:) 

Spending less on clothes is just one way that I try to serve and honor my husband as well as the Lord.  You see, I struggle in this materialistic world.  I love beautiful and pretty things and always want more and more.  I struggle to remember to be thankful for what the Lord has blessed me with (family, friends, house, WONDERFUL HUSBAND).  Spending less helps me to be thankful for what I have been given and thankful that I can even buy a few things here and there. 

What are your frugal shopping secrets??

9 comments:

Naomi said...

I agree! It was exhilarating to "rack up" at a few yard sales this weekend, spending my husband's money wisely. My aim is to be like the wife described in Proverbs 31, knowing that I'm doing him good and not harm, and that he (and God) can trust me.

Southern Aspirations said...

This was an interesting post- thanks for sharing! I always debate how much I should be spending. And I'm working to move over to quality over quantity- simply because I know I have a tendency to "hoard" for lack of a better word. Totally agree with you on top prices- especially for tees. Cannot see spending $60 (or more!) on a t-shirt!

Design A-Peele said...

@Southern Aspirations I wish I could be more like you and go towards quality over quantity. I try that first for deals and such (found a $150 sweater fpr $20 at j.crew!). But sometimes Oldy Navy is my best friend ;)

sharongracepjs said...

I need new jeans soon - I should check out that sale! Do you know if Nordstroms will let hems out as well, or just take them shorter?

Amanda and Stephen said...

@sharongracepjs Nordstrom's will do any alterations you need as long as you bought them there! Thats why that store is fab :)

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I have to say that I agree with you. Except that, I don't wear jeans every day and usually spend less than $25.00 on mine {or tops $25.00}. I did just get some new slacks though and got them from Victoria's Secret on sale and clearance. They were under $30.00 a pair. As far as tops, shoes and handbags ~ I'm with you.

Design A-Peele said...

@kathy@ creative home expressions so glad to hear you've found some great stuff! Love your blog!

abby @ tales and trials said...

I agree with you about good jeans. I too love Sevens!! I wear them almost every day {except for the summers here in GA} so I like to have a pair that fit really good. I only get jeans every two years or so.

One thing I recently did was to take in some older pairs of jeans to get altered. One pair has been too big since i bought them {five years} ago so I finally decided to pay $8 to have the waist altered. I also had a pair of jeans I loved but they were a little too flared at the bottom. I asked the seamstress what she could do and she is going to alter them so that they are more straight leg. Voila!! Now I will have two "new" pairs of jeans.

Love your blog by the way!

Kendra said...

Hi! I just found your blog and I love it! I know how you feel about loving nice things and staying on a budget. Thanks for your encouraging words!