10 Tips for Saving Money Clothes Shopping

This post is a long time coming! For months, if not almost a year, I've been writing down the ways I've saved money clothes shopping. I'll confess, I'm one of those who loves to tell people the awesome deal I got on something I'm wearing when they compliment it... it always sounds something ridiculous, like this:

Friend: Love that ___ your wearing.

Me: Thanks, I got it for only ___ bucks!

Friend (amazed, or just rolling her eyes): Wow!

Yep, it still sounds ridiculous. I digress.

The truth is, I do find amazing deals; so today I'm sharing my money saving tips with you including a very pin-able infographic!

1. Don't focus on name brands, but rather the quality of the item. There are many lesser-known brands (especially at department stores like Kohl's, JCP, and Macy's) that have great quality and are completely under valued.
2. Write up seasonal wish lists. I always include things that I need but also add some things I'm interested in for that season, usually not longer than 10 items. I don't always get everything, but if I have that list in mind while I'm out shopping I can spot deals much more easily!
3. Resist impulse purchases because of some flashy display or so-called sale. This took me a while, but now that I'm used to it, I'm much wiser with money. I will often find those "new arrival" items a few weeks later on huge discount or clearance (see #8). Score!
4. Search for "look-a-likes." I love JCrew, Anthropologie, and Madewell just as much as the next gal, but I certainly don't have the moo-la. I've learned to pin looks that I love from these places, and keep my eyes peeled for similar looks for less! It's a great trick to keep your look fresh and modern.
5. Search for clothes that are versatile. If you can mix and match many of your pieces, then you'll be saving money by keeping your wardrobe small yet efficient.
6. Set a budget and stick to it! Last winter, I made myself a winter wish list with about 10 items on it. I was able to get 9 of the 10 items and keep it all under $100. That was a good winter!
7. Part of the reason I was able to get those 9 items for under $100 was because of thrifting! It's an art. You'll win some and lose some, but I guarantee you'll find a few things if you keep sifting!
8. When you're not sure if you love something enough to buy it right then or pay full retail price, it's best to wait a couple weeks. If you forget about it entirely, then you didn't really love it. If you keep thinking about them, then go for it. And if you time it right, you'll also find it on sale!
9. If you buy things like coats and swim wear during the off-season, you'll find them deeply discounted. I love snatching up a new coat during spring when they're going on sale, because I can still wear it for a few more weeks (but that's what happens when you live in Idaho).
10. Last, but definitely not least, online shopping! Online shopping has promoted competitive prices by cutting out the middleman, offering many discounts that you don't find in stores, and giving you a wide inventory from your home. So pull out your computer or tablet and search around a bit, just remember to look for coupon codes before you check out. A quick Google search and you'll be saving. 

I might make this into a series of posts by expounding on some of these ideas a little more, specifically: writing wish lists, finding look-a-likes, thrifting, and online shopping. What do you think? What would you like to know more about?