Shopping Tips

In the real world, people often ask me where I get my clothes, so I'm going to share some of my experience with shopping. Some people may be appalled at where I get my clothes, since I often shop at thrift shops and salvage stores, but I would not have an extensive wardrobe if I did not shop at these places. So here is my list of shopping tips. Consider this list a living document and check back for changes and additions.

1. Don't be afraid of thrift shops.
Yes, the clothes may smell funny, but that's nothing a good wash can't fix. Clothing is very expensive these days (Believe me, I got sticker shock at TJMaxx, which is a bad sign.), so if you want to have more than an outfit for each day of the week, I suggest looking at thrift/consignment shops. Personally, I'm on a college (and soon to be graduate) student budget, so thrift shops are where I do most of my shopping. You can actually get really nice stuff at thrift shops. I have gotten clothing that is new with tags on more than one occasion.

Believe it or not, shopping at thrift shops is also a good way to stay on trend in an affordable way. Fashion works in cycles, so you can often find what is in style now, but from the previous time it was in style. Some people call it vintage, which will give you more hipster cred. People also donate stuff that is current for a variety of reasons.  Finally, thrift shops often benefit good causes and if you're at all concerned about the environment or sweat shop labor, shopping at a thrift shop can mitigate damage to the environment (the clothes have already been made and worn) and to people (ditto).

2. Pay more for quality on some items, if you have to.
For trendy items, it's okay to shop at stores where the quality is less than awesome, but for items that you will wear for several years, it is better to buy high quality garments, even if they cost more money.  Examples of items that may be good investment pieces include the "little black dress," a black cashmere sweater, a high quality, simple leather purse, simple (not trendy, always in style) leather boots, sturdy shoes, a beautiful white oxford shirt (my favorite garment if made well), camisoles, slips, or a good pair of sneakers for working out. If you can find these things at a thrift shop and they're in good shape, great. But if you can't, they are worth paying more for if the quality is good because you'll wear them often for many years. If you see one of these items on sale and you don't already have it, buy it, even if it's a sweater in the middle of August

While I do think investment pieces are worth paying extra money for, there are places where you can get them for less. On the internet, there are places like Ideeli, and in the real world, I would recommend TJMaxx or Marshalls for shoes and Ross for dresses. If you live in Hattiesburg, New Orleans or Nahsville, I suggest you check out United Apparel Liquidators, which is basically Saks Fifth Avenue at a much lower price. Lands End is good for staple items as well, particularly sweaters. If you can get away with paying less for staple items, then do it. Otherwise, cough up the money. It's worth it.

3. Be prepared to dig.
At any of the stores I have recommended above, you have to be ready to dig through tightly packed racks of clothing and often through a lot of stuff that is worn out or hideous, but I promise you, it is worth it. In order to  make your shopping/digging experience more pleasant, I suggest that you don't go shopping while tired and that you go shopping on a full stomach. Digging requires energy and can be an unpleasant experience if you're hungry and/or tired.