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Extreme Budget Shopper

Sarah

All of us have a clothing budget, but they are all different. I grew up in a family that basically shopped for clothes at Wal-Mart, Target, Khols, JC Penney, Dillards, and Jones Store (now Macy’s in our area), and then we only bought things on sale. As a result I tend to buy cheep clothes. However, I also was able to spend all of my own money on clothes, so I just saved it up and spent a ton at once. I can’t do that now that I’m married.

Right now we have a clothing budget of $100 a month. That is for all of my clothes and my husband’s clothes and includes our shoes, my accessories, and expensive things like bras. My husband suggests that I only spend $50 most months so if I find something special I can buy it. I find myself shopping and coming home empty handed frequently. I’m afraid to buy things full price. In fact, I find it difficult to spend more that $25 on any one item.

I went to a wonderful nearby mall the other day (one I’ve only been to once or twice) and saw so many stores full of beautiful clothes, but didn’t buy any. My current dilemma is the fact that I’m in love with the yellow cardigan Angie posted the other day from BR. http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....ink=372127
But I can’t even bring myself to try it on because it costs $64. Is that expensive? It seems expensive to me, because it’s over 1/12 or my budget for the whole year (assuming I only get half and my husband gets the other half). So I don’t even know if I’d look good in it. It’s not just the cardigan though. I’m trying to update my wardrobe and shop at nice stores like BR and Nordstrom, but I’m not sure I can afford it. Any suggestions? Do these stores ever have sales that bring items down to under $25?

Shopping

33 replies

Latest reply was from Sarah

LaurenNK

I'm having the same hard time Sarah...

Growing up my mom only ever took us to Target, TJMaxx, Ross, Kmart, etc. I thought the other stores were for rich people who cared too much about their looks.

Of course now I really enjoy clothes, want better quality with a longer life and pieces that actually will fit and flatter. I just have it in my head that nothing needs to cost more than $30. Plus, I make very little money... everything goes to bills. I have about $50/month in personal fun money (to include dining out, clothes, makeup, skincare, music, etc) Everything but the basics.

Right now I'm completely overhauling my wardrobe (you might have seen my ask Angie post with that title). I checked out all the sites for shopping that the gals here mention and was shocked and depressed by the prices. So, I made a list of the brands and headed to eBay. I set up recurring searches for each brand in my size and within my budget to alert me when new items that match are added.

You'd be surprised how many big names can be found on eBay, most of them appear to be in very great, if not unworn, condition. I'd kind of like to know what everyone else thinks of going secondhand in order to afford things like this...

or maybe we should just plain save up and then only really get maybe 3 or 5 nice things per year???

Tanya

Veteran

I hear you, I'm in a similar situation: am in grad schools ( loans etc), and used to have around $100 or so monthly budget that I would typically go over (I do love clothes and have waay to many). But next month my BF and I are moving in together so the rent will be double of what I pay now so I'll have $50 max montly as well.
Here are some of my strategies I've learned trough grad school:

1) The best combo is sale+ coupon code . Most of them are for online purchases but it works sometimes in real stores as well. Coupons can be found on few good websites ( I can post some if you're intersted) or you can google them for your store. If you sign up for their emails ( you can have a separate yahoo/google account for that only) a lot of stores will email their promos. Some places (like BR) will allow you to stack codes, like for % off and free shipping. So I'll try the item on I the store, and if I like it, check on it online to see when it goes onsale, and if I have coupons available I'll go for it. It obviosly requires a lot of luck, sometime the item will sell out in my size, but sometime you can score a lot. Their is a website (I can post that one if you 'd like) where you can sign up for daily/weekly email alerts about sales, where you pick your brands and sizes. Most of this works for online tough, so you'd have to roughly now your sizes in those brands, and be ready to ship it back if you don't like it (does not fit).

2) discount stores like TJMaxx, Filenes Basement etc.
3) outlet stores (e.g. Nordstrom rack)
These are hit or miss, but you have to visit them often. A lot of outlets will also let you sign up for some kind of VIP status where they will email you additional coupons/alert you about sales etc.

4) discount websites like smartbargains.com also work.
5) I have never done this ( I am not comfortable with it) but a few of my friends regularly visit consigment stores in better area of the city and sometimes have amazing finds.

So, this is a lot of work, beacuse you never know what you'll find, but I get about 80% of my wardrobe this way. The rest is full price, but only when I love an item so much and it's flattering, fits perfectly etc. and goes well with my wardrobe so that I don't beed any supporting pieces, than I go for it. But that's rare.

About that BR cardi: I 'd go the store, try it on, and if it works , I'd check out the website regularly for when it goes on sale, google a coupon and get it.

There's a whole book written on this topic, but I am not sure that it's appropriate to post it here on Angie's site considering that the author has a blog as well.

Btw, I think that this is the longest post I have ever written on any forum. sorry for the spelling errors!

Antje

Veteran

Great post, Sarah. I typically spend more money on clothing, but right now I'm on a severely limited budget (due to temporary life circumstances). As I mentioned in a post on another thread, I've found it both challenging and fun to change my habits and spend less money while still indulging in fab clothes. Some of my strategies are:

- going to discount stores as mentioned; I've bought a couple great wrap tops and dresses at Target that I love, and I also check JC Penney's regularly

- shopping at consignment stores. This requires a bit of work - both finding stores that you like, and then finding items at those stores. I found two in the Seattle area that I like and that I usually find at least one item in that I take home, so now I go to both of them at least once a month. I've found some super things at even more super prices. One specific tip I have is to go to consignment stores in upscale neighborhoods, there can be some great finds there including current trends, designer pieces etc.

- buying more accessories and fewer clothes, e.g. to integrate a new trendy color into your wardrobe. A pair of earrings and a belt (or a scarf, a necklace, tights...) in a bright new spring color can totally "update" and brighten your existing outfits

- spending more money on pieces that you'll have for a long time and that are "basic", e.g. jeans, denim skirt, a jacket for the smart casual look at,
and less money on trendy/fun pieces

- buying stuff on sale, as mentioned

- avoiding stores that I know will tempt me with high priced items. For me that's Nordstrom in particular; they have some awesome clothes and I get quite sad walking by them right now, so I just don't go in there anymore

- for online shopping, I factor price into my queries and/or sort the results by price. E.g., I was looking for ballet flats under $50, and queried in a way that I didn't even see the higher priced ones

Hope this helps. Look forward to seeing other tips.
Antje

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I agree, these are all great tips. I especially like Antje's tip on spending more on pieces you'll have for a long time. You can get away with a small, streamlined wardrobe if you carefully plan each purchase so that everything coordinates and there are lots of different ways to combine items to make new outfits. Accessories are a great way to increase the ROI on an item and really change the tone and seasonality of an outfit.

Nicole

Veteran

Hey I love a bargain as much as the next person. But I'm tired of having a closet full of clothes that don't quite fit right but were on clearance. I'd rather have one pair of jeans that fit me perfectly and make me feel wonderful that cost $100, then 5 pair of $20 jeans that don't make me feel good about myself.

I find that I will spend any amount of money on clothes for my husband and kids. Especially if I think the item will make them look great. But when it comes to myself, I was cheaping out. Well no more! I will still look at the sale rack, and will be smart about my purchases...but if I find something that is perfect for me, then I'm going to buy it. Even if it means I can't buy myself anything else for a few months.

I know women who shop constantly. Even if I had the time and money to shop every day, I wouldn't do it. First of all, I hate clutter especially in my closet. Second of all, I don't want to buy just anything. I want to make sure the item I buy is exactly what I want. And finally, as much as I enjoy shopping, I would be very bored if I shoped every day.

Antje

Veteran

I totally hear you, Nicole, and you are right on about buying quality clothes. I think my point about spending money on more "basic" pieces (like jeans) than on "fashion pieces" that you might just wear for a season hits on that.

A few more thoughts: I did realize after submitting my post that my situation might be different from Sarah's. I have a pretty good wardrobe already (thanks in part to Angie's help, whom I had hired last spring and then again last fall for wardrobe consultation and to go shopping with me), and also because I'm 40 and my size has been pretty constant (except for a year and a half during and after pregnancy), so I've accumulated more clothes than someone in her 20s; I also have had more disposable income to spend on clothes due to being in the workforce for a long time. I have an increasing amount of good basics like jeans that fit well, versatile little jackets, a good selection of flats and boots, a quality spring trench and a good winter coat, etc. So at this point, I'm often looking for additional "fun" pieces that are more current (without being overly trendy), like trying out new colors, but I don't need or expect all of them to be loved for more than a year or two. For those items, I absolutely believe in bargain shopping. For basics, it is admittedly harder and maybe less advised to bargain-shop. For that third category, the "statement pieces" (which I consider long-term purchases as well) it's a hit or miss: I've found statement pieces in good consignment stores, but also splurged on some at boutiques in Germany where I go shopping with my mom once a year...

I just wanted to add this to express that I realize your (Sarah's) needs and situation might be different from mine. I hope some of the tips are still helpful, but you might also think harder about what basic long-term items you save up for, per Nicole's good advice; it's definitely worth it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

If you have a budget, you have to make it work. It's as simple as that. It’s a bad idea to be irresponsible about your finances. You have all made excellent suggestions on how to be bargain queens.

BUT, no matter what your budget, you need to be discerning about what you buy. I can’t tell you how many closets I review that are riddled with bad sale purchases and cheap, nasty clothing. That's wasting money.

You need to know where to prioritize. If you’re busty, spend money on bras. If your feet are fussy, spend money on shoes. If you wear specs, get the best that you can afford.

I believe in a small, versatile and efficient wardrobe. Think of “style instead of stuff”. Rather get fewer better-end items than lots of bargain shoddy rubbish. And make good choices. Do not be seduced by sale racks if the item is not perfect. Don’t blow your budget on 10 okay pieces if you can 3 fabulous ones for the same price.

The best wardrobes are built over time. Key pieces at a time. I blog daily to assist people with these choices because that’s how you save money with style.

Becky

Veteran

Here's another vote for consignment, Sarah. My clothing budget is similar to yours and I have scored some great new and like-new pieces at consignment shops for next to nothing. The overall quality does vary from shop to shop, so check out what is in your area. Consignments also have end-of-season clearance sales, and everything goes on sale if it doesn't sell right away. My latest finds: a straight gray wool skirt (hemmed to the right knee-length by me, with help from my aunt) for $2, and a black faux suede skirt (already the perfect knee-length) for $4. I have had pretty good luck finding skirts and woven tops at consignment shops. Some pieces I have not had good luck finding at consignment: jeans and knits.

Antje

Veteran

Angie, I'm curious what strategies you recommend for someone who is on a limited budget (e.g. $50/month), is starting out with a very small existing wardrobe, and wants a "make over" over time. E.g., are there certain pieces you suggest buying first, like a pair of great fitting dark blue jeans, before moving on to tops and cardigans? When do the shoes come in? What about (outerwear) jackets, which tend to be amongst the most expensive items? How would you tackle this?

While this doesn't match my personal situation, I'm curious about this, since I've seen several such inquiries lately, and while we all give what I think are good tips, I don't know if they always match the reality of the budget limitations like $50/month.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You'd have to start off with the best bra that you can afford. This is where great style starts. I'd then take into account lifestyle and prioritize items. Jeans may not feature until later if it’s not a personal preference. It’s hard to formulate a general plan that is not personal, Antje.

There are loads of blogs that tackle the topic of “budget fashion” effectively. I can point you to them if you’d like. The budget fashonista, the budget babe and the bargain queen are to name but a few. They locate unbelievable fashion bargains that will stretch your $50 farther than you’d ever imagine.

YLF is not a bargain fashion site. I concentrate on how one can learn to have great dress sense and style. I hope to help you make savvy decisions when you buy clothes, shoes and accessories. I refer to mainstream fashion retailers and post pictures from mainstream fashion houses. I make a point of never posting pictures of designer wear or budget wear because I have chosen this mainstream approach. I talk about ideas, and stress the point of “Style vs Stuff”. Once I’ve planted a seed, it’s up to you to find the item that suits your pocket. And this could be at Saks, Macys, H&M, Ebay or on consignment. An effective wardrobe can be built on a budget over time. It’s all about making the right choices.

AntjeH

That makes total sense. Thanks for this background Angie. It's true, you never post about either designer wear or budget wear, but I had never thought about this being a very deliberate editorial choice; it is right on, of course in that it seems to perfectly meet your readership's needs - this very engaged forum community is proof of that.

I just got a little worried that some of the advice we have been giving out in response to questions on how to start building a new wardrobe on $50/month was not on target, since we often listed a whole bunch of items that seem essential building blocks - and which seems to require a bigger upfront investment. But I guess the key is just to be patient and as you say, build the wardrobe one piece at a time and make sound choices - which you are helping all of us with superbly.

kiki

Member

I have found Kohl's has that awesome Vera Wang line. The line is almost always on sale. They also have another Modern line by Elle. DSW has a great clearance section..I can even find the basics. Target has great jewerly...I find them on clearance all the time.

Eva

Isn't the World Wide Web wonderful! You can find loads of information tailored to what you need. Over the holidays, I was surfing one of the fashion budget bloggers and saw an entry about putting together the perfect holiday cocktail outfit very inexpensively from Target. Each blogger has their target market. Angie, I love your focus. It fits me perfectly!

HannahMichelle

Another discount shopper here. I'm hesitant to invest very much in my wardrobe at this point in life (early 20s) because I'm still figuring out what looks good on me and my style tastes are all over the place. Most of the time I'd rather just spend less and replace as needed each season. Works for me.

I also shop higher end like Macy's, but hardly buy anything that's not on sale (regardless of the store), and I don't spend in the higher range unless I'm pretty certain it's a piece I'm going to love for awhile. I think the most expensive items in my closet (other than shoes) are a $40 dressy lace top and a $50 long denim skirt. (That I adore and wear like crazy every winter.)

I also have no problem shopping second-hand, like Plato's Closet (gently used brand name for teen/twenties)...I figure as long as I don't LOOK like it (ratty and outdated), no one but the pocketbook will be any the wiser. Just last week I got a pair of dark wash Ralph Lauren bootcuts for $14! It's also great for trendy accessories, esp. purses.

Yesterday I was in J.Jill and the cashier and her apparently clothing-observant husband were complimenting my outfit of a Walmart skirt, Old Navy tank, and $4 funky denim jacket from a hole in the wall second-hand shop. And guess what, I felt fab.

Of course at some point you have to look at what your time (and gas) is worth too - sometimes it's cheaper to pay more in money and save on your sanity.

HannahMichelle

One more thing - I have to add a "hear hear!" to Angie's point of style vs. stuff. Being on a budget is no excuse for "settling" for clothing that doesn't fit right or you don't love. Keeping those two criteria in mind whether it's $5 or $50 has proved VERY helpful.

shiny

Veteran

Admittedly I have the exact opposite problem. I could afford to spend all my clothing $ in a place like Bloomie's or Saks. But, I just can't bring myself to do it!! Part of that is how I was raised (similar to you). But not all of it is that.

For example, I'd heard that Theory makes the best suits. So I went to Bloomie's and yeah... the jackets were very nice (although needed alterations to shorten the sleeves). But the pants.... they were cut great, but they weren't even lined!! For that price, they *better* be lined... who wants to itch??

The other thing I noticed during that Bloomie's excursion was that most of the things I saw were not timeless classics! Most were instead trendy items that I feared would go out of style much too fast... and if it's too trendy, I prefer to go inexpensive.

The point is, just because it has a high price tag, doesn't always mean it's a better choice. Sometimes, it just means it has a certain label or it's the hot trendy item du jour, that will date you tomorrow. So don't get too hung up on that part. Learn what makes a quality garment, and what is timeless and classic, and spend your money on that.

The exception, I've found, is jeans. Yes, there is a big difference between premium denim and cheaper denim. Unless your jeans are just for doing housework, camping, or gardening, this is one place it pays to spend a little more and go for quality. Poor quality denim shrinks and stretches out and fades too fast.

Otherwise...

I agree with consignment shopping, although I have never had much luck finding clothes there, because I'm petite. However, I have had great luck finding practically new designer brand purses for very little $. I have a Coach bag I got for $20 and a Kate Spade purse for $5. And they are real - I had them checked out. Belts, gloves, scarves and jewelry are other great consignment finds.

I also wholeheartedly agree with Nicole. I also would much rather have one pair of perfect jeans at $150, than three ill-fitting ones at $50. I always consider cost-per-wear when I make my purchases. Looking in my closet, I have black dress slacks, pinstripe navy pants, and camel dress slacks that I bought from BR years and years ago, and they still look as good as new, because I've treated them carefully. Yet I have worn them enough that cost-per-wear is a mere pittance.

Same goes for my knee-high boots, my black dress pumps, my nude round-toe pumps, my black patent leather driving mocs, my furry leapard mules. And same goes for my jeans, which are only three months old and have already paid for themselves!

As for sales, BR, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft all hold very frequent online sales. If you get a credit card, they will also send you coupons in the mail. Ann Taylor Loft is less expensive - just be very wary about the quality.

Sarah

Lauren, I’m trying to overhaul my wardrobe too, so I know where you’re coming from. It’s not like everything in my wardrobe is bad, but unfortunately most of it is either too big or dated. And I too was shocked at the prices of stores like Nordstrom, Banana Republic, Bebe, and J.Crew. Searching for your size on ebay sounds like a good idea. The problem is that not all size 4s or 2s or 0s (or whatever size) are created equal, and I hate to buy things I can’t try on. With ebay, if I purchased something that didn’t fit I’d have to resell it. So I think it’s a great idea once you find brands that you generally fit; I just haven’t found any for myself yet.

Tanya, I’d love to know which websites you find coupons on! I get email promos from a few stores, but not usually coupons. Pretty much the only way I buy clothes online is when I can try them on in a store first. Even then, there are usually so few in my size that I hate to risk waiting for a sale. I guess my main complaint about shopping online is that most clothes I try on don’t fit me, and that really stinks when you have to pay shipping both ways (or even one way) and don’t buy anything. I used to shop at outlet malls fairly frequently; maybe I should start doing that again. I’ve also had some success with one consignment store in our area. Thanks for the advice. I’ll try on the cardi the next time I’m at that mall.

Antje, shopping on a low budget is definitely a challenge. I’m not so sure I’d call it fun though. : ) Discount stores are mostly all I’ve shopped at; they just take a lot of patience to find something fab. As I mentioned above, I do have one consignment store that I like. I need to check it more frequently. Buying more accessories is also a good idea. I don’t do that nearly enough. I’ll also try to spend more on timeless basics. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to afford anything trendy this year though once I’ve updated the basics. It’s going to be hard for me to avoid Nordstrom, since that is the only place I’ve found a bra in a 30C. Searching by price is a great idea; then I won’t be tempted by the nice stuff I can’t afford. Yes, your situation is a bit different than mine. I am still trying to get some fab basics to replace my drab and dated wardrobe. I do have a lot of clothes for a 22-year-old, since I’ve been pretty much the same size for ten years. But that doesn’t mean I have good clothes. Right now I have a fab winter coat and spring trench, and a few great tops but that’s about all.

Ana, I have a hard time finding pieces that I can mix and match easily. For some reason most of my clothes that mix and match well are boring, and the fun pieces only seem to go with one or two things. I will try to focus more on accessories though, especially this year.

Agreed Nicole, shopping every day would get boring. And one great item for $100 is much better than 5 for $20 each that aren’t quite right. I just need to tell myself that when I shop. My closet is cluttered, and I’m still in the process of weeding it out. I’ve been doing that little by little since January, but being a college student it takes too much time to do it all at once.

Thanks for the response Angie. Yes, I definitely have to make my budget work. My closet is mostly full of bad sale purchases. It just may take me a while to change that on my budget, but I’ll keep working on creating that small versatile wardrobe. Seeing poor decisions made just because something is on sale as a waste of money should help me. I’ve already got one great bra, and should have two or three more in a few months. I’ll have to check out those budget fashion sites.

Becky, thanks for the vote for consignment stores. They take patience and a lot of visits, but the prices can be worth it.

Thank you for your advice Kiki, Eva, and Hannah Michelle. I’ve also been complemented on Wal-Mart outfits. And thank you Shiny. It’s good to hear that high $ doesn’t always equal best quality and that I can find the things I’m looking for within my budget.

Thank you everyone. You have all been very helpful. Sorry about this very long post, but I wanted to respond to everyone’s comments.

Nicole

Veteran

Sarah, since you found a bra that you love, I suggest that you Google that brand and size on a regular basis. If I'm looking for a specific size and brand of something, I always google the specs. Usually a website that specializes in price comparision will find the item and give you prices at different places. And if you find that bra in your size on sale somewhere, buy 2 if you can swing it. You never know when you'll find it at that price again.

Tanya

Veteran

Sarah, I have found http://www.retailmenot.com the best website for coupon by online stores. I hardly ever buy anything online without looking out for coupons there. Another one is http://www.reesycakes.com/deals/. If that does not work, I also google, say 'banana republic coupon code', and bunch of stuff will pop up, most of which are not useful but you never know.
A useful site is thefind.com where you can search for particular item, say 'Franco Sarto Obey ( you type in the brand and model name, in the example above is for the yellow shoes I'm thinking of buying), and you get all the online places that carry that item. I look at say three with lowest prices, check out the coupons for those sites, and pick the lowest combined price .

Nicole

Veteran

Kind of off topic here, but what does SS mean on ebay listings?

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm...in what context, Nicole? Maybe it means Short Sleeved.

Nicole

Veteran

Oh that could be....thanks.

Maya

Veteran

I'm coming close to finishing my wardrobe overhaul, Sarah. It evolved from buying only what I need. "Need" is defined by thinking of a certain piece or item several times a week, or being unable to wear one thing until I get another (i.e. I can't wear these boots until I get super skinny jeans). I started off with the basics: a black cardi, straight dark jeans, a plain A-line skirt, a nice "going out" dress, etc. Then from those basics I started to incorporate more and more of my personal style.

So once I have determined what I need, I prioritize my (actual physical) list. Shoes always get priority because the are my biggest problem. I can't pass up on comfortable shoes or I will regret it. If it means bumping something down on the list, so be it. The reason I keep a physical list is because it keeps me in check and prevents me from straying.

I basically just get one new thing a month (well I always buy a ton of stuff initially but only end up keeping one thing). I have been doing this for a few years now. It's hard and frustrating, but I would rather buy one AMAZING new thing every month than several not so fab things, as others have stated.

After I'm done, I plan to take a long hiatus from clothes shopping to just enjoy my new wardrobe. I'll still allow myself room for accessories though, especially jewelry because that's my weakest link. But I think I'm good with clothes until they wear out or don't fit.

To me this was just one of many steps in transitioning from being a kid to being an adult. My wardrobe is SO different than it was when I first started overhauling clothes and it shows. I feel a lot more confident and it's nice to not have people mistaking me for an undergraduate, or worse, a high school student.

Some things that helped:

-ebay is a godsend. I can't even begin to explain how many amazing pieces I have from ebay.
-Bluefly. It's still expensive but there are some goodies for under $70, like Sweet Pea
-TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Filene's Basement, Century 21 (which I don't know why I'm mentioning since we only have it in NY, NJ, and CT, but if you ever come here certainly check it out).
-credit cards. It sounds dangerous, and you certainly have to be disciplined about it, but it's worth it if you are. I have a BR card and get a lot of $10 and $15 coupons that I can also use at the Gap if I so desire. It also gets free shipping. I used this a lot when I was trying to build my basic wardrobe and getting one or two pieces a month just wasn't enough.
-Promo codes, as others have stated

I got off track for a while and spent a lot more than I should have. I do not recommend that at all. Stay within your budget and be responsible and you'll enjoy your purchases a lot more.

Antje

Veteran

Maya, how do ensure a good fit when buying from Ebay? I've been curious about Ebay but haven't used it at all, since I worry about items not fitting well (or the colors being different than they looked in the photos etc.), and then not being able to return them. I do a lot of online shopping, but only from stores that have easy/cheap/free return policies. And I end up returning a LOT of items I order online. I don't want to be sitting on some fab Ebay item that just isn't "me" after all and doesn't fit great. What are your strategies for doing this so successfully? Would love to learn

Maya

Veteran

Antje, I am pretty deliberate about my ebay shopping. Most of the time I look for items that I have already tried and know will fit but that are just too expensive or out of stock or otherwise unavailable. I also tend to look primarily for brands where my size is very consistent. Every single piece of clothing I own from Banana Republic is a 0 or XS so I feel comfortable buying BR clothes without trying them on.

If it's not something I can try on but I really love it, I always ask for the measurements if they are not already listed. This is still no guarantee, but the nice thing about ebay is that if you buy something and it doesn't work out, you can always resell it. Sometimes the price is so low that the risk is worth it. I recently got a sweater dress for $8 (with shipping), so even if it wasn't a great match I wouldn't be crushed. I could have resold it for a similar price if I didn't like it (but I did, which I attribute to the fact that I knew the cut was good for me). It's not as convenient as a simple return process, but sometimes I even get more money than I paid.

The other good use for ebay is to find one-of-a-kind items. I recently got an amazing yellow kisslock vintage purse that I will never find anywhere else. I like to throw in pieces like that so I don't look like I just fell off the page of a BR/AT/J Crew catalog.

What I DON'T look for are designer names. I would say 90% of all Marc Jacobs, 7FAM, and Diane Von Furstenberg are fake. At least they were a few years back when I did look for these items and learned my lesson the hard way. Not all designers are fake, but the big name/high end ones usually are.

Antje

Veteran

Thanks, that's real helpful. I hadn't even thought of deliberately looking for items that I try on in a store first!
The part about one-of-a-kind items is most appealing to me, which is why I enjoy shopping in consignment or vintage stores. But that's of course also the part where fit is much harder to gauge. Maybe I'll also try this more for accessories like bags, or earrings or scarves, where fit isn't an issue. Thanks for the tips!

Maya

Veteran

There is a goldmine if amazing vintage clothing on ebay and it's usually described in pretty good detail.

I don't like to go "blind shopping" on ebay. I have to have a fairly specific idea of what I want. I don't know how well it would work out if I wasn't clear about what I was looking for.

shiny

Veteran

The only clothes I've bought on ebay are:
1) Items I already owned, but wanted in another color
2) Items that I know already the style will work for me, and that list the measurements of the garment itself.

For example if you have a dress in a similar style, you can lay it out and measure it and compare. This is far more accurate than a size label (those are so ambiguous because they vary from mfr to mfr and season to season!)

I purchase clothing from ebay very infrequently. But I did once score a little black dress that fits me perfectly. Turns out, the seller had had it altered.... to my measurements exactly!

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I'm with Maya and Shiny. I only order things from brands that I am very familiar with in regards to sizing and fabric content, etc. You can message most users if they don't have measurements listed and ask them. I've never had a problem with a seller telling me 'no.' It's nice if you can try something on at the store, and then find it later on ebay and pay less than the store is charging. I've gotten a couple things that way.

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