Team Full Price or Team Bargain Price

Cynthia

Nah, I’m like you. I’m size 12, which runs out quick in places I like to shop, and if I really truly want a striking item that I’m not sure will stay in stock, I will buy it full price.

But the majority of my clothes are stuff that I’ve waited and bought on sale because it was “like”worthy but not “love”worthy.

March 31, 2011 at 3:15 pm

skirtgirl

Active Member

For me it doesn’t matter whether it’s a bargain or full price, I will buy it if I really like it and really want it.
But if I buy a full price item, I have to feel that it’s worth the price and not exorbitant.

March 31, 2011 at 3:17 pm

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

I’ll lead the way on Team Bargain price! It’s how I’ve made most of my purchases particularly as in the last couple of years I’ve been replacing lots of things thanks to YLF and discovering a sense of style.

It’ll be interesting to see if I’m still on the same team in 5 years time, though. I aspire to a pared down wardrobe made up of killer pieces and good basics. My theory is that when I can identify those reliably, it’ll be fine to buy at full price for the same reasons as Angie. Until then, bargain is the way to go and what fun I’m having!

March 31, 2011 at 3:29 pm

peach451

Active Member

Team Bargain Price!

Mostly because the stuff I really LOVE, tends to be from designers that I could never afford at full price so I’m constantly checking out sample sales, etc.

March 31, 2011 at 3:37 pm

Queen Mum

Veteran

hmmm, without actually taking a poll in my closet, I am guessing that I am on team bargain. I don’t object to paying full price, but it seems that in the stores I shop in, there are always tons of mark downs and bargains. But of course, you have to question whether some of these mark downs are truly mark downs…. has anybody ever payed the full marked price for ANYTHING at Kohl’s?

March 31, 2011 at 3:44 pm

mamark

I’m on team bargain, mostly, but pay full price for shoes more often than not because of my ailing feet.

I definitely like a bargain after-season, but I’m pretty good at finding ways to get at least 20% off during the season. Being loyal to only a handful of stores helps.

March 31, 2011 at 3:50 pm

Aziraphale

Veteran

This has come up before — in fact I started a forum thread on the topic! — so I’ve definitely thought about it. I am on team full price all the way. Part of this is because the small sizes always sell out, so if I find something I really like and it’s flattering, I get it right away. Part of it is because I’m always suspicious of things on the sales rack. Why are they still there? Why does nobody else want them? I know, on an intellectual level, that there are good reasons why not, and it often has nothing to do with the quality of the items; but there you have it. I’m obviously the suspicious type.

There is a third factor. I hate — absolutely HATE, with a fiery passion — the “feel” of bargain stores. They’re big, the fluorescent lighting is dreadful, the clothes are all a jumble of colours and textures all over the racks, half the time people toss clothes onto the floor or leave them hanging half-on, half-off the hangers, you have to hike halfway across the store to find the changeroom (or the loo) and there’s never a salesperson around when you need them. It just makes for a horrible shopping experience for me, and I’m not a fan of shopping at the best of times! The massive jumble of colours is probably the biggest issue for me….if you looked in my closet, you’d see all my clothes organized by colour, either folded neatly or hanging on hangers that all match. I like things organized.

March 31, 2011 at 3:51 pm

Joy

Veteran

Right now I’m on Team Bargain because most of what is in my closet was purchased that way as I lost weight and experimented with style. In fact I’m not even the first owner of most of the items in my closet.
However, I’ve been spending full price more and more as I’m more sure of my size and what looks best and finding that my size sells out almost immediately. Almost nothing at Kohls fits anymore or the quality makes me reject it. I’ve gotten picky and that’s a good thing.

March 31, 2011 at 3:54 pm

Amanda

(website)

Team Bargain Price! I think the only item in my wardrobe which I’ve purchased at full price is my trusty black double breasted winter jacket (which I’m planning on getting years of wear out of) – everything else has been on sale.

I’m a size 12-14 too, so those sizes do tend to go in the styles I wear (largely conservative), but it just means that I can control my shopping urges when there’s nothing on sale that I can fit. It makes every successful bargain purchase of something in my size and style that much sweeter – probably more sweet than purchasing the same item at full price!

March 31, 2011 at 3:59 pm

Christie

Team Bargain since most of my stuff is thrifted.

But I’m beginning to see the value in just shopping. Need a cardi? Go to Macy’s and buy one, rather than spend the time browsing Goodwill to *maybe* find a gem in the midst of the pilled or dated ones. I think I have a pretty good eye for those goodies so don’t settle even when I’m spending a few dollars.

So, I do see what you’re saying Angie. My wardrobe would be verrrry small if I bought full-price at Macy’s, but I would definitely be more discerning and only buy 10s in fit, color, style, fabric.

March 31, 2011 at 3:59 pm

MsMary

Veteran

Generally I’m on Team Bargain. But I will pull the trigger at full price under the right circumstances. *cough* pink shoes with striped heels *cough*

March 31, 2011 at 4:05 pm

slythwolf

(website)

A Slytherin never pays full retail unless she absolutely can’t avoid it.

March 31, 2011 at 4:09 pm

tracy

Active Member

Team Bargain. I almost never buy anything unless it’s on sale or relatively inexpensive to begin with.

March 31, 2011 at 4:20 pm

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I guess I’ll sit this one out. I love sample sale sites and sales, but I also buy stuff at full price.

March 31, 2011 at 4:29 pm

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Team Bargain Price, but that isn’t a surprise!

March 31, 2011 at 4:35 pm

Kyla

Team Full Price. In the last few years, I’ve gone from “making do” to only buying clothes that make me feel and look fantastic. My wardrobe is much smaller now, but I’m much happier with it. The downside is that I can’t wait and hope something will go on sale, because if it sells out before then (and let’s face it, the best stuff never makes it to the sale rack) it can be a long while before I find something perfect again.

March 31, 2011 at 4:47 pm

Kristine

Veteran

I’m team bargain, although I do buy more things full price than I used to (which used to be next to none!).

March 31, 2011 at 4:55 pm

mamark

Question for those of you who pay full price: how do you feel when you later see the same item on deep discount? Do you feel regret or remorse? That’s what happens to me, and sometimes – like when I’m buying early in a season but the weather hasn’t really turned yet – I haven’t even worn it yet.

March 31, 2011 at 4:57 pm

nancylee

Veteran

I’ve recently transitioned from Team Bargain to Team Full Price. It’s a matter of control, interestingly enough. When I was a bargain shopper I found myself controlled by the merchandise that happened to be on sale. I wore what I happened to find at a good price, or what “came close” to what I was looking for…..rarely was it the perfect item.

As a full-price shopper, I feel I’m more in control of what I buy rather than the clothes being in control. This is a powerful feeling, and one I’m really starting to enjoy! I buy less, but I really LOVE and WANT everything I buy There are a lot fewer mistakes in my closet now.

I will still jump at a sale price…but only if it’s something already on my wish list.

March 31, 2011 at 5:10 pm

dash

I pretty much only buy things when they’re on sale. I really hate seeing things go on sale if I bought them full price and only wore them once since then (or worse, not at all). I generally do buy things and then not wear them for a while, so it’s not an uncommon occurrence. It also helps that I’m very hooked into sales and coupon codes and have been known to wait a few days for a coupon code so that I can order a desired item. I also like things that are priced a little high for my budget, so realistically, I do have to wait for them to go on sale. If I shopped at places with lower price points, I’m sure I wouldn’t be as much as a sale-stalker as I am.

March 31, 2011 at 5:13 pm

Becky

Veteran

Definitely Team Bargain. My budget is limited and I’m frugal by nature. I love finding a gem at a consignment shop (or even Goodwill) or marked down items at Nordstrom Rack that I had envied at full price. I also shop ebay for items when I know the exact brand, style, and size of something I want. That said, I do see the value in shopping full price when something is a “10” and also because I’m on the smaller end of the size scale where items sell out fast.

March 31, 2011 at 5:13 pm

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Team Bargain……… sort of; most of my closet right now is beyond my financial reach if I bought things at regular price. I will buy things at fast fashion stores for full price (with membership discount and other coupons as much as possible) because my size (small, 2-6) usually sells out first, especially for super cute things!

March 31, 2011 at 5:21 pm

Laura

Team Bargain – sorry I can’t help you out, Angie! I do buy at full price, especially if it’s for a good basic that I know will be a workhorse (trouser jeans, premium denim, Frye boots). But usually I stalk items until they go on sale — I love the thrill of the hunt.

March 31, 2011 at 5:41 pm

lynn

Veteran

Mostly team full price. My favorite store is not close by and it’s an event when I go. If I wait too long, my size is often gone. I do love Target though!

March 31, 2011 at 5:42 pm

rosee

Veteran

Team Bargain — by default, as most of my stuff is thrift, consignment or discounted. I still shop with a “list” but I bend the rules when a “treasure” shows up.

I do pay pull price sometimes, but then I usually stalk the item for a little while first and if it looks like a bargain isn’t going to happen, I just buy it. Rarely do I regret it, even if I notice a sale later.

March 31, 2011 at 5:50 pm

Jonesy

Veteran

I think I’m slightly leaning toward Team Bargain. I do pay full price for some things (and never look back, nor do I care when it goes on sale) but I tend to purchase more on sale, I’d wager.

March 31, 2011 at 5:59 pm

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

Oh I’m hardcore Team Bargain. It gives me a special kind of joy to score something i love, be complimented on it and be able to squeal out, “it was only $4!!!!!!!!!” (because that’s pretty much how i talk in real life). I think it just gives me a feeling of pride to know that even on a budget i can put myself together nicely, still be on trend, etc.

I am usually Team Full Price when it comes to accessories though. For some reason i just feel when i see an accessory i’m REALLY drawn to, i should always get it? Well within reason of course.

March 31, 2011 at 6:04 pm

Mellllls

Veteran

team bargain. back in the day i didn’t have enough money to buy things full price. now that i do, it’s hard to get out of the bargain habit. but these days, if it’s something i really want/need/is perfect then i will spring for the full price. but there’s not that much that i need for the most part so that makes it harder for me to justify the full price. i am not very trendy. right now, if i found cropped leggings, a denim jacket, a dark denims pencil skirt it would buy it full price
i hate thrifting or consignment though. is that weird?

March 31, 2011 at 6:19 pm

Yardshark

I’m on Team Bargain. However, in the last year I have moved toward bargain new and away from thrifted, because of the better selection in new for specific types of things I’ve been looking for, as well as a decline in thrift selection combined with their price hikes. There is no way I’m paying $10.99 for a used dress when I can get a new one that really fits me for $8-$20!

I totally understand those who buy because their size sells out fast. As a size 5.5 or 6B in shoes, I feel ya! But, because of the sheer volume of new stuff that comes out and the speed at which lots of prices get slashed, I’d rather maximize my funds these days and either wait for a price cut or just let it go. Plus, if I’m shopping wisely, I’ll still end up with things I’m happy to wear for more than the season it comes out in.

I know what shoes Mary K bought without looking at the forums…

March 31, 2011 at 6:39 pm

Vera

(website)

I used to be on team full price until recently. I am petite so my size definitely goes first, but I realized that there are way more garments out there than I could ever afford, so I just wait it out and shop the sales. I don’t even waste my time pining away for things that are full price. There are so many great clothes out there and many of them are on the sale rack.

March 31, 2011 at 7:05 pm

cloud9

Veteran

I am queen of bargain price! I am not opposed to pay full price on a select few items that have staying power, like coats, boots, shoes. I don’t typically wait for an item to go on sale, I usually go to discount stores like Rack/TJMaxx, etc. I pay full price there. My reasons are as follows:
— The stuff I *really* like I cannot justify the cost. Usually they are designer. I am just waaay too frugal to spend $100 on one article of clothing, like blouse/pants.

— One time I decided to fill a particular wardrobe hole (LBD), willing to pay a decent amount for it. Nothing makes me want to spend the money even when I am ready! I guess my expectation goes higher if the price tag is higher too. Today’s quality is really not what it used to be. Very few things makes my heart pitter-patter. If they do, they are probably in the $1k range.

— I get bored of stuff fairly quickly. I like to try trendy things. So I treat majority of my closet as disposable. But quality really matters to me. I am picky about stuff not looking cheap. My motto is “I don’t need things to last forever, I just need them to last until I am tired of them.” I want quality yet disposable, only way to do that is buy discounted stuff. Majority of pieces I own are under $20.

— I am also on a weight loss quest. I am making progress, but slowly. I have already gone down 2 sizes. I don’t want to spend top $$ on transition.

— I am getting pretty good quality/variety of clothing doing discount shopping, so I don’t feel I need to spend the extra $$ for full price.

March 31, 2011 at 7:17 pm

Kate

Veteran

Definitely team bargain price!

March 31, 2011 at 7:35 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

And there you go. Team Bargain Price is well in the lead. Kind of happy I have *some* company on my Team

Mamark, by the time my stuff goes on sale, I’ve spent months, sometimes years wearing the items already. I am 100% not bothered seeing my stuff go on sale on the very odd occasion that I see it reduced and my size is still available.

March 31, 2011 at 7:41 pm

Refugee

Veteran

Team bargain. But what being a member of that team means (to me) has changed. Being part of team bargain used to mean shopping at certain stores, and a certain price point. I spend more on individual items but I (for the most part) do ont pay full retial price. Now, I find items I want and will stalk them until they fit my budget.

March 31, 2011 at 7:48 pm

CayceP

Team Full Price. I’m a small size, so I’ve learned to snap things up at the beginning of the season.

However, I do buy things on sale when I can. I’ve noticed that I can often still get significant discounts (30%) right at the start of the season, especially using coupon codes. (A lot of petite clothes are available only online.)

March 31, 2011 at 7:55 pm

Amrita

Team Full Price for shoes and, sometimes for fine jewelry and leather goods. (But I do expect these things to be top quality and last and last.) Other than that, well, I guess it depends on my mood. Sometimes I enjoy the thrill of the hunt, as another poster put it; but, sometimes, plowing through racks and racks of merchandise hoping to find a gem or two just seems too much like work for a problematic reward.

March 31, 2011 at 8:01 pm

tracina

Team bargain. I have fantasies of a limited wardrobe all fantastic designer items that I love. Sometimes my closet has just too much stuff in it and I just don’t have the lifestyle to wear any of it……but, I always find sooooooooooo many fun, wonderful, new or almost new items second hand that I can’t stop myself. The great part is that I find things that I would never have thought of wearing that I love. I have tried over and over to change my shopping habits, I go out with a plan of what I’m looking for and it is exhausting….I never can find anything in regular stores. Maybe it’s because like you said in a different post that the small sizes sell first.

March 31, 2011 at 8:08 pm

rae

(website)

Veteran

Definitely team bargain. I rarely ever buy anything at full price – come to think of it, I rarely buy anything new, and even my splurges rarely top $100 (usually some kind of boot). tracina has a very similar story to me… there’s so much fun stuff out there from past seasons, long forgotten about. It’s a treasure trove! I don’t know what I’d do if my $1 clothing sources ever dried up. o_0

March 31, 2011 at 8:40 pm

taylor

Veteran

I am more often team full price!
If i love something and it fits I will pay what I must!! Wait for it to go on sale??? GOOD luck finding my size…retailers only stock one or two in my size so they are looooong gone when sale time rolls around!

March 31, 2011 at 8:49 pm

Lena

Active Member

I was going to say I will stay on the sidelines for this one.
I agree with Angie that paying full prices makes one a very picky shopper. I think that’s why I’m attracted to sales: I let myself relax and experiment a bit

However, I’m definitely team full price when it comes to footwear.

March 31, 2011 at 8:50 pm

Maya

Veteran

When I could afford to be on Team Full Price, I was. Now I’m on Team Bargain by force.

March 31, 2011 at 8:54 pm

Antje

Veteran

Actually, I find this one hard to answer. I’m sure you think I’ll bet for team bargain full-on, because I sure love to get things cheap, and I also have a tendency to go for quantity over quality (which is NOT a good strategy, I’m quite aware; buying three blouses I like instead of one I love is usually not the best way to go in the long rum.) I’m also an avid thrifter, covering the whole spectrum from Goodwill to upscale consignment stores.

All that said, though, when I do go to retail stores – including Nordstrom which is certainly not a “bargain” store – I am not drawn to sales racks at all. I might browse them at the end of my visit, more as an afterthought, never with purpose. And when I find something I like, I definitely buy it straight away rather than going home empty-handed and waiting for it to go on sale. However, I should also say, though, that I don’t really look at things that are “out of my price range” (like $200 designer blouses or $500 dresses; I’m pretty disciplined in skipping over pricy items very quickly). So in that sense, I don’t really face tough decisions about pricing very often.

I guess that in summary, I don’t mind paying full-price for an item and could never subject myself to the vageries of holding out for a potential sale. But buying at retail is not my exclusive and possibly not even my primary shopping strategy. I love thrifting too much, because of the lovely combination of low prices and “interestingness” of the items I come across (especially in well-edited trendy consignment stores).

Just had another thought and that is that at consignment stores, I don’t browse the sales racks, either. Now does that make me a “full price” shopper, even if the items are “discounted” already?

March 31, 2011 at 9:09 pm

mamark

@Angie – thank you for answering my question. This most frequently happens to me with Fall/Winter items, because here in the SF Bay Area, we actually get our summeriest weather in September/October, yet I start buying F/W items in August. Then it’s too warm to wear them for at least 6 weeks, and they get marked down in the interim.

That’s one reason I love the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! I can get very current merchandise at a discount, so I don’t feel bad if I can’t wear it for a while. It won’t get any cheaper until November. No remorse!

March 31, 2011 at 9:19 pm

Angela

I’m with NancyLee–used to be Team Bargain, transitioning to Team Full Price, for all the same reasons and with all the same results.

Example: I have around 75 pairs of shoes I’ve bought over the last decade and still have. Ridiculous. There is something wrong with about 60 of them: they’re falling apart, they pinch, they don’t provide arch support, or a myriad of other problems that all stem from them being CHEAPLY MADE.

I got sick of it and decided that 2 pairs of shoes for a grand total of $18 at Ross or TJ Maxx is not in fact a bargain if I don’t absolutely love the shoes and feel great in them. I recently bought 3 pairs of shoes for around $150 and they are absolutely perfect: totally comfortable and go with everything that’s actually in my wardrobe right now (not just what I imagine my wardrobe could be like.) These shoes are high quality AND on sale (total value was probably around $300.)

I now look for good quality stuff at a discount whenever possible, but if it’s perfect, I buy it even if it’s not on sale. And because I’m looking for really good stuff, I actually spend less (like you, Angie) because I’m not tempted to drop $15 bucks at every turn on any little cheap thing I see.

This was a great question, BTW. I immediately thought I’d be Team Bargain, but once I started reading your post and the comments, I realized I’m not.

March 31, 2011 at 9:24 pm

Kristie In Auckland

Active Member

I haven’t read all the other posts, but I have to say I am sitting with you on Team Full Price. I don’t want to run the risk of missing out on something by waiting for it to go on sale. And I think if you’re an average size like me – things that you want go in a flash (when in the sale)

And it depends what it is too. Shoes (where you can see them clearly) are great to browse in the sales. But clothing (all over the place and in a big mish mash) – I am too lazy to trawl through!). I prefer the more organised full price stuff where you can see everything clearly….

March 31, 2011 at 10:14 pm

Marley

Veteran

I’m having a difficult time choosing teams! I used to always be Team Full-Price, but my taste in clothes changed, my economic situation changed – and over the past say, 2 years I have done more bargian/sales shopping than ever before. But, I don’t go out of my way to compare prices, never look for items on e-bay, HATE the large discount stores (and avoid them at all costs!), look at the sales racks last when I am in a department store, etc. However, I have discovered a thrift/consignment store in my neighborhood that I love – before this one, I couldn’t stand thrift stores. So, because my style is a mix of vintage and modern/trendy – I buy both full-price and bargain price. Have I made myself very clear hear? I think not. Ok – if I have to choose – I’ll say Team Full-Price!

March 31, 2011 at 10:30 pm

Steph

Veteran

I’m not sure where I fall here. I buy things at full price a lot. However, I am kind of the opposite of Angie and never wear things immediately. I tend to wait a very long time before wearing, and I leave the tags on. That way, if the item goes on sale and my size is available, I will purchase it again and return the item I originally bought. This happens to me a lot–even though I wear a size 4, which apparently sells out quickly, I scour websites and have a lot of success finding the items for less eventually. The way I see it, I get the best of both worlds–if the item sells out in my size, I already purchased it at full price. If it goes on sale, I return the full price and get to benefit from the sale. So I guess I’m on the bench?

March 31, 2011 at 10:55 pm

Aunty

Veteran

I am team full price but….. I always look out for the sales at my favourite shops!
After a quick look at the wardrobe I have a 50/50 split. Does that mean I am out of the game:(

April 1, 2011 at 12:13 am

RoseT

Team Full Price. When I want something badly, I want it NOW. Fortunately it’s not that often and I know what I can afford.

April 1, 2011 at 12:21 am

Irene

Veteran

I am more into full price, to be honest, but try to buy not very expensive stuff -since I shop in shops targeted for youngsters, they tend to have more or less nice prices. I will wait until sales though, to buy pieces of clothing that I find a bit silly and difficult to wear, or that I’ve never thought about before. Also, it used to be harder to buy on sales when I was three or four sizes bigger, but now is pretty easy. These winter sales I have bought quite a lot, for being me, anyways. I even bought a black version of my camel coat. The fact that it was 50 euros cheaper (from 70 euro to 20…) makes me feel angry and a bit stupid, though. But I was in the need of a coat when I bought the first one, so I guess I had no other options!

April 1, 2011 at 1:14 am

JuliaInGermany

Active Member

I’m Team Full Price. If I like it and I have the money at that time, I simply buy it. I usually don’t regret it if it gets marked down later. But then I usually don’t even notice because as a (slowly recovering) shopophobic I go shopping very rarely.

April 1, 2011 at 1:46 am

Scarlet

Veteran

Team full-price! I am also glad I am not completely alone. My size goes quickly–often there is just one to begin with. Besides that I like to have new things in the beginning of the season and I only buy the things I just can’t pass up. I wear things right away and this brings me a lot of pleasure. I think I make bad decisions when things are on sale, so I just think of my budget and not the bargain.

April 1, 2011 at 2:43 am

firefly

Active Member

I’m on Team Bargain by default at the moment. Financial pressures mean most of my recent purchases have been ebay or charity shop finds. However I’m still quite picky when it comes to fit and quality issues – if it doesn’t tick most or all of my boxes, it’s left behind without a second glance.

I do aspire to a wardrobe of well-edited killer pieces, and hopefully will get here in a few years, but while I’m still developing an eye for that I figure this is a pretty good place to be.

April 1, 2011 at 4:08 am

Inge

Team Full Price. Not that I don’t love a good bargain, I do, but there aren’t as many sales in my neck of the woods to begin with. Once the sales start, the selection isn’t as broad as it is in the US I think, and my size is often sold out quickly too (also: I don’t have the patience to rummage through stacks of clothing that aren’t neatly arranged onto hangers;-) And, like you, if I really love something and it pops up in the shops, I want to be able to wear it right away, so if the budget allows it, I just go for it.

April 1, 2011 at 5:38 am

Sara

(website)

Active Member

Team Bargain Price! As an avid thrifter (Goodwill, St. Vincent DePaul, etc.) I find even consignment store prices to be high. That being said, I love digging through all the stuff at secondhand stores. If I didn’t enjoy going all the time, I’d probably be Team Full Price because I’ve found it nearly impossible to find what I’m looking for in one visit. I keep a list but sometimes stray from it if the perfect item pops up in my size. I find it very rewarding to find what I’m looking for without spending much, however, this doesn’t stop me from occasionally drooling over brand new items

April 1, 2011 at 7:28 am

Sihaya

Veteran

Full price. While I love a good bargain, I find that I have to go a lot more often to discount stores to really find what I want. Whereas I am almost guaranteed to find what I’m looking for in a few full price stores. My time is my most precious commodity so I optimize for my time vs. my dollars. I don’t take the time to go shopping often enough – when I do go, I want to leave with what I came in to buy. That said, I won’t pay outrageous prices (ok, maybe for some pairs of shoes!) for items and will certainly look at the sale racks but won’t wait it out and go multiple times. By the time the same item is on sale, I either don’t see it because I’m not at the mall or my size is almost certainly gone or the color I like it in.

April 1, 2011 at 7:47 am

Diana

Veteran

Team Bargain 100%! I think I’ve probably only paid full price for about 5% of the (numerous) items in my closet. I LOVE the feeling of getting a killer piece for a bargain price. And, to be honest, I have just as much luck, if not more, at bargain places and sale racks as at full price stores.

Interestingly, though, I don’t ever thrift or buy used clothing. Accessories, sure, but clothing and shoes, never.

April 1, 2011 at 8:27 am

Lauren

I’m definitely Team Bargain. It pains me to pay full price. I don’t have it in me. I bought shoes full price earlier this week because my heel broke and I needed a replacement pair immediately, and I was so upset! In fact, I can’t think of a time when I actually paid full price for an item of clothing!

April 1, 2011 at 8:32 am

Meredith

Active Member

You know I’m Team Bargain. How I adore a good deal!

April 1, 2011 at 9:20 am

Aida

Veteran

I love a sale as much as the next gal but for actual spending most of my wardrobe falls under Team Full Price, though I make a lot of purchases from lower-end retail. (I’ve made my fair share of “ooh look this is on sale, what a good price and how can I pass THAT up?” purchases, though.) Now that I plan to improve the quality of my clothing, I’ll still be staying on Team Full Price because, as you said, those smaller sizes never show up on the sale racks. And I also like wearing things now!

April 1, 2011 at 9:29 am

Gourmet Girl

I would say I’m 70% Team Bargain, so it’s not like I NEVER buy full price. But yes, you can safely call me bargain shopper. If I love something too much to leave it behind, I’m prepared to pay the full price, but it still hurts if/when I see the price reduced a few days later and I haven’t even worn the item in question. Here’s why bargains work for me:

I hardly ever wear anything as soon as I buy it. I’m mystified as to why this is, but I just let the item sit in my closet for a few days before I wear it. Also, my clothing size (UK 8) and shoe size (UK 3.5) are generally available easily in the sales and in thrift shops. Although, even in the sales, I just won’t buy anything because it’s cheap – I will only buy it if I truly love it.

April 1, 2011 at 9:49 am

Debbie

Veteran

I’m probably team full price. If I think it is a killer piece then I’m willing to pay full price for it. If I see on sale later I’m OK with that because I got to wear it first.

I do like a bargain though!

April 1, 2011 at 11:20 am

Stacy Jo McDermott

I’m in both camps. It really depends on what I need (vs what I want), current budget (things are a little tight right now) and can I really justify it. Well fitting shirts & shoes justify the full price. A fun little T shirt for the weekend? Team Bargain.

April 1, 2011 at 12:00 pm

LuAnn

Active Member

I’m definitely team bargain. I rarely pay full price for an item due to my budget. I’m real big on store coupons but don’t feel obligated to buy just because I have one. Because I’m petite and am on my feet most days I will pay full price for petite length bottoms and good shoes.

April 1, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Carrie

(website)

i’m team full price. if i shop bargains i always end up with stuff that i don’t really like or that doesn’t really fit right because i thought it was a good deal.

April 1, 2011 at 12:04 pm

Bianca

Veteran

Since there is no batting for both sides I will side with you Angie with full price….ah, ah, ah…..let me explain how a mom who doesn’t work with a very frugal husband does it:

Like you said, the good things go fast! I do not like to fill my wardrobe up with “junky items” just to be seduced by a sale. However, still bring my coupons/promo codes, etc with me when I hit the mall. Also if it was an expensive item then goes on sale a couple weeks later, I have no problems asking for a price adjustment (Did I mention I don’t work?).

I will also shop at various price points, heck sometimes Target and Old Navy have cute things at FULL price.

I usually don’t do well at Marshall’s and T.J. Max. They remind me of a clearance rack and there is too much rummaging around. I want what I want and I want it now. So Full price it is!

April 1, 2011 at 12:08 pm

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Right now I’m one hundred percent team bargain, it’s the only way I can buy quality items on my teeny budget. In the past I have batted for the other team and probably will again in the future.

April 1, 2011 at 12:27 pm

Jjsloane

Veteran

I am also 100% Team Bargain. I always wondered who paid full price. I’m so accustomed to bargain shopping that It always seems like those prices (full) are made up to make me feel better about not paying that much. I prefer quality items for a good price and have been known to visit the Rack 3 + times a week. It’s a sickness. I don’t enjoy Marshalls or TJ Maxx much anymore since most of what I see seems made for them and not really worth a higher price to start. I only buy online with a coupon, free shipping and some rebate like ebates etc… It’s the thrill of the hunt for me and so far there’s nothing I’ve fallen that in love with that I can’t take my chances on finding a better deal on or it’s just not meant to be. There are so many options for clothing – something new is always just around the corner.

April 1, 2011 at 12:45 pm

Dana

(website)

Veteran

I’m team full price for all of the reasons Angie stated (except the small size thing.) I buy things on sale from time to time, but oddly enough things lose their shine to me when they hit the sales rack.

I am with Mamark…it’s like driving a stake through my heart when I see something on sale that I’ve bought and haven’t even worn yet. I have to admit, last year I bought a Milly sundress at Nordstrom pretty early in the season. Typically, the Via C department doesn’t carry very large size runs…I fell in love with the dress and bought it at full price, a fairly high price for what it was. When I saw it on sale for less than half price, I returned and re-bought the dress at the sale price. I normally wouldn’t do that, but truly when the dress was on sale, the weather had just started being warm enough to wear it.

April 1, 2011 at 1:02 pm

carrie

(website)

Active Member

Bargain all the way!!! I can’t even remember the last time I paid full price for something.

April 1, 2011 at 1:28 pm

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

I’m pretty committed to team bargain price, but I could see adding more full price items as I work out my style as others above have noted. But I pretty much do my due diligence before I make ANY purchase, which is why I just paid about $55 for kork-ease sneakers at 6pm.com even though a full price pair from Nordstrom.com or the Garnet Hill catalogue for $120 was on my spring shopping list. The places I’m most likely to indulge in a full price purchase are the small local boutiques that make up the north bay’s local economy. With my growing daughters we have 3 fashionistas under one roof, plus a husband who has to go out in the world and look presentable as well and keeping myself on team bargain price is how I maximize our chances to all get a little of the good stuff! L

April 1, 2011 at 1:52 pm

Sara

Active Member

Bargain. I hate paying full price for things. Especially when I go back to the store later and see it at a discount….

April 1, 2011 at 2:28 pm

Irene

(website)

Active Member

Team Bargain mostly. Sometimes I pay full price for item, mostly bras, shoes or jeans, but mostly my clothes comes from “50% off or more” shelves. I dare say, I’m almost always content with my clothes, sometimes they’re perfect event if my intentions during time of purchase were totally wrong, but mostly I like them all. I always tell myself – if it’s MY item, it’ll wait for me! But if I see that item is seriously attractive, and my chances for bargain are weak, I can make some sacrifices.

April 1, 2011 at 3:00 pm

Allison

Active Member

Bargain price! I will rarely buy something full price but I am seeing the value in snatching up wardrobe necessities that I love before they are sold out. The thrill of a good bargain will win every time for me though.

April 1, 2011 at 4:15 pm

Krys

Active Member

I almost always shop with a list in hand so the deciding factor in the purchase is rarely the price. Buying something randomly for me is false economy because if it doesn’t fill a gap in my wardrobe, it often becomes an “orphan” without mates to pair it with. I guess that places me in the full price team.

April 1, 2011 at 6:04 pm

Melody

Active Member

I would qualify as team bargain as I rarely pay full price. I do 90% of my shopping on-line, and usually browse when prompted by promotional e-mails. If I find something I like, I’ll browse with model numbers or upc numbers to compare prices. I also like Kohl’s alot and they have great sales prices.

April 1, 2011 at 6:56 pm

path2

Active Member

Definitely full price. For all the reasons Elisabeth stated. Plus I get very little shopping time between work and kids so I like a salesperson to help. Their job is to know where to find things so I can get in and get out. I appreciate them so much!

April 1, 2011 at 7:12 pm

Heather

Veteran

Totally Team Bargain. It is the thrill of the hunt that I love! I definitely will pay full price is I must have it. =)

April 1, 2011 at 8:06 pm

cheryl

Veteran

I am definitely team bargain. I dont own too many things that i have paid full price for. Its getting to the point where i can find better sales/clearance prices at stores than i can thrifting. For example today i bought a cardigan at Goodwill for 3.99, but got a pair of straight leg cords, at JCPenney, regularly $40 on clearance for 2.52 I love a good sale

April 1, 2011 at 9:11 pm

Mari

Team bargain.
I have one favorite shop where I almost buy all of my clothes and shoes.
They belong to a small chain of stores, where they sell medium to high priced stuff. An in “my” store they sell the “left over things”. It is a paradise for me.
I could never afford European designer brands like Boss or Strenesse at their real price.

April 1, 2011 at 11:08 pm

Saretta

(website)

Active Member

I’m definitely a bargain hunter. More for economic necessity than anything else, unfortunately. I only buy things full price at places like H&M where full price is already low-price, and even there I prefer the sales!

April 2, 2011 at 12:08 am

Dusty

(website)

Team bargain price, for sure! I rarely even pay full price at Goodwill – part of the store is 50% every week (rotating) and I usually only grab things to try in that category.

April 2, 2011 at 3:45 am

Velma

Veteran

Team bargain! I’m a committed thrifter–partly because I love older and unusual things, and partly because I’m a natural tightwad. I also look for bargains on ebay (mostly shoes and jewelry); I do make some mistakes that way, though–such as a great pair of Keens I just bought that turn out to run half a size large–so I am slowly moving away from ebay purchases.

April 2, 2011 at 5:02 am

gina

(website)

Team Bargain. I purchased a few suits for work at full price but that’s it. Everything else is bought on sale, usually on clearance or at thrift stores. I have a little more trouble with shoes, so I can’t get quite as good a bargain as often, but I shop earlier in the sales for shoes – still a bargain, just less so than most of my clothes and accessories.

April 2, 2011 at 6:48 am

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Team High-end stuff at a bargain. I only wear premium denim and I like cool, pricier brands. I would say 25% of my stuff is full price. I would rather have last season’s 7FAM jeans at a discount (from $170 to $100) rather than this year’s Gap at full price ($70). This means I might a bit behind the times but this is the only way I can afford the quality I desire. I earn less than $20K per year.

In the 90s, I made over $200K per year. 75% of my stuff was full price, the opposite of now. I shopped at boutiques where the owners were basically my stylists.

April 3, 2011 at 12:08 am

TG

Active Member

Team Bargain priced. Actually I often get designer clothes that are barely used at thrift stores because I live in an expensive neighborhood. So these women give away last year’s fashion that is JCrew, Nordstrom etc and I usually pay less than $20 for each piece.

April 6, 2011 at 4:34 pm

Mac

Veteran

Team Bargain. I probably pay full price more often, but I’m happier with an item and actually usually enjoy wearing it more if I am able to buy it on sale.

April 6, 2011 at 8:24 pm

JBK

Neither. Two years ago I decided that I had had enough of worrying about my clothing budget, and of spending time on calculations. I was doing it right, but taking too much time. In particular, I often stock up on several related items at once, like winter coat plus long underwear plus wool socks in one shopping trip, as I might buy those from one place (REI). Then, I will buy nothing at all for several months. Thus, having a monthly budget is useless and keeping track in a spreadsheet in order to carry-over the money to the next month is tedious. So, here is what I decided to do….

I took all of my shoes/clothing receipts over that last year and I figured out my average cost per item. I ended up with an average of $65. I decided that that number was the “tipping point” for me. I decided that items costing under $65 were to be those that, for me, are necessary (just to not be naked) but interchangeable, although not necessarily basics in the typical sense. For example, I recently bought a $30 casual summer dress in hot pink. Not what most people would think of as a basic, but I have been very dissapointed in the cuts for shorts and cropped pants this season and decided to buy that instead of my usuals…. Anyway, the point is that I decided that items which exceeded $65 have to be hard-to-find in a style/size that fits me, and extremely durable, functional, and that I intend to frequently wear, such as boots, coats, etc….

In practice, this rule means that as an “inverted triangle” I just spent “$88” on a clearance Hilfiger coat that accomodates my shoulders, but passed up a lot of cute $80+ swim separates in favor of those costing $20 to $50 to outfit me (as I swim a lot at a pool), since I am fairly easy to fit into a bathing suit, as no shoulder-room issues are involved.

In this example the coat was marked down to $88 and the $50 Land’s End swim separates were full price. What came into play was the combination of absolute price (over or under $65) and also the current level of necessity. I already had several coats that fit, although they are heavier or lighter than the one I bought. Yet I could continue to make-do with layering under/over them, but I decided a great puffer along Angie’s recommendations would do me good so I set out to find one at the best possible price. But I had no swimsuits that fit, and there really is no workaround when you are in a pool, so that was a full-price purchase.

This all being said, reading many archived YLF articles over the last few weeks, I have realized my wardrobe’s current problems stemmed from the fact that I was buying too many tops (knits and jerseys) because they are easy for me to try on, and because I had been unclear as to what kind of necklaces might dress up my existing tops. My mom always tosses on any old necklace, and it drives me nuts to see her look sloppy, so that is what I was trying to avoid. Also, I had not been buying nearly enough bags and shoes, as there are far fewer of those that work for me (fussy feet and shoulders) so I had just been avoiding buying those things as much as possible. So, now I am in the process of adjusting the course of my shopping accordingly…. Angie, thanks for the wonderful blog.

April 23, 2011 at 7:20 am

Mamavalveeta03

Veteran

I’m a Team Bargain kind of girl who really has a Team Full Price heart. (I guess that comes from having Champagne taste on a Beer budget!) I was taught by my mom to always head to the back of the store to scour the sale racks. Even if we didn’t find anything good, my mom would frequently talk me into getting something. I’ll have to ask my shrink about this one…

June 26, 2012 at 8:35 pm

Janet

Definitely team Bargain. I just get such a thrill from the wait and the stalk and the fun of goodwill/ charity shops where the unexpected classic piece always materializes! However, I love to mix it up with high quality shoes and coats, for which I will pay full price, if needed. ( coats once every 2 years and shoes and boots semi- annually) . I would get bored silly wearing what is shown in retail and knowing that everyone can trace the look… So limiting. High quality pieces go on and on, even second hand.

June 26, 2013 at 10:54 am

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