great post, i especially like the tip about buying a statement piece and wearing it often. i think wearing a completely new outfit every day from head to toe is impractical and over-rated!

Thanks for the sweet explanation, Maya. Words on paper sans the tonal phonics can be misconstrued. I am also opinionated and try not to be rude. Let me know if I’ve crossed the line!

Every time I receive a coupon, reward card or sale notice, I log it into a spreadsheet that is sortable by retailer, start date, and the all-crucial expiration date. I also include a column listing any online code so it’s simple matter of cutting-and-pasting.

I carry the coupons with me in my purse at all times (rubber-banded together – but my GF showed me this really cute zippered coupon holder she carries!) so I’m not stuck without them.

Then I periodically check this spreadsheet. It also has a worksheet set up for “wishlist” items. If a coupon is expiring or a sale is going on, I compare to my wishlist items and instead of buying for sake of using coupon, I buy what I’ve already identified as something needed to fill out my wardrobe.

Recent deals using this system:

1) Ann Taylor $50 off every $100 coupons – went shopping with my GF and we combined our purchases together. She wanted a $150 leather jacket. We walked out with that, plus $150 worth of free stuff for both of us.

2) Used two $10 DSW reward cards, used to buy xmas converses for the teens, combined with Free Shipping offer, and free clutch offer!

3) Banana Republic reward cards plus sale offer plus free shipping with Luxe card (always free for Luxe members) for free scarf for me and free scarf for xmas present for my neice. Also recently used a reward card at the store to get a top that was already steeply discounted for mere pennies.

I do get a ton of Macy’s offers, but have not had as much luck there. And their offers usually contain a very long list of restrictions, such as designer goods. However, if you are really nice – and cozy up to the manager – sometimes they let you use the discounts on restricted items! This is what happened when I bought my Furla bag.

Otherwise, I agree with the consignment idea too! For my DD’s bday present, I recently scored a last-season, plaid hoodie juicy couture coat that was 1/3 off original price *and* still had original tags on it!

Angie – remind me when you are here, I will take you to this consignment shop since it’s near the restaurant…. my MIL is next-door neighbors with the owner, so I have been meaning to meet the woman and see if I can get an “In.” I was told by the store recently that if I’m interested in certain petite items (like a cashmere coat in my size) they will put me on a list to call. Nice!

Another suggestion if you shop at the same retailer for most of your purchases, you can get their credit card. They are free and give you extra coupons, discounts or reward cards. Of course whether this is a good option for you depends on your personal financial strategy.

Nice “fasting” tip Joy!

I’m glad the mere seasonal change has refreshed your clothing style, Sarah. I’m also elated to be back in boots. Giving my ballet flats a rest was much needed.

I’m glad you benefitted from our working together, Nancy. Can’t wait to see you again in Spring.

Karleen and K Lauren, you’re so right about the learning to sew bit. I’ll have to enjoy thrifty creative pieces through you because I am the WORST seamstress. I had my final fashion design show pieces sewn by a seamstress because I was so awful. No hope and no time for me on that one, but a valid tip all the same.

I was going to mention a change in physical appearance Ana, and am glad you brought it up. I’m always for the notion “nothing ventured, nothing gained”. If you’re up to being brave, take on a dramatic hairstyle change. Ana did, and she’s LOVING every second of her refreshed look (and so are we).

Fabulous strategy, Claudia. I’ve done that a few times with dresses and jackets and they made for great cost-effective additions to my wardrobe.