Fashionable on a budget

My friend's daughter is a big fashionista. She constantly looks out for fashion brands, which digs a big hole in her parent's pockets. And it's not only her. Since they are already in a store few more unnecessary things would make their way into the shopping card.

A few basic items add up whether you're shopping for clothes for yourself or a family member. It's easy to leave a mall or department store with little more than anxiety over the money you just spent.

Thankfully after a couple of these anxiety sessions, my friend asked me for help. Below are some options we discussed and implemented to get her spending on track. I hope this will help you as much as it helped my friend's family.

Here are some fantastic tips for clothes shopping on a budget.

Make a list 

Always remember to spend your money wisely whenever you go shopping. Make a list of what you need and how much you will spend on each item. Like when you go to the grocery store, making a list helps you stick to your budget. 

Small items quickly get into your bag when you shop without a list. Adding the amount you're willing to spend gives you a reality check when you're ready to buy. It forces you to evaluate the logic of your purchase.

Bring only the exact amount of money you need to buy your items.

Compare Prices

It would be best to compare prices from different stores before buying an item. Do not limit yourself to just one store. Some stores offer the same quality but can have a lower price. A smart thing you may do is be attentive to the prices of the items you buy regularly when shopping. There are instances that a store has an untimely change of prices on different things.

Save and splurge 

This is particularly effective when you're shopping with brand-conscious teenagers. You can purchase a few name-brand items that their peers will see and then buy store-brand items to cover the rest of their bodies—for example, a Hollister t-shirt and Target jeans.

Hit the resale shops and consignment stores 

There are some genuinely wonderful resale shops around the country. In fact, the people who brought 'Once Upon a Child' to the mainstream also opened a store dedicated to teens called Pandora's Closet. 

These stores sell brand-name items only and must be in good shape. You can take your brand-conscious teenager there and help them fit in with their peers while also meeting family budget needs.

Look for coupons, cards, and discounts before you buy

Many stores now offer loyalty programs. Each month they'll mail or email their current promotion. If you know you will be shopping at those stores, save the coupon or promotion code and shop during the specified days. 

Additionally, before you hit the mall, do a quick online search for any ongoing promotions or coupons. Many websites are devoted to aggregating promotion codes and other membership sites with local money-saving or group shopping opportunities. These can be a great way to save money.

Don't forget the discount stores and outlet malls 

You can save a bundle by shopping at outlet stores and discount stores like TJ Maxx. Try to find discount stores that offer quality items with discounts and can offer a very affordable price on your desired item. Yes, it can take some time to wade through all the clothing racks; however, saving a few hundred dollars is worth the effort.

The prices in discount stores may vary depending on the season of the year. These stores can be located in large shopping areas like malls and shopping galleries.

Shop post-holiday or season 

It is recommended that you do your shopping at the end of the season. Prices of many items, especially clothes, are meager and affordable during this time of the year. You can save money, for example, on back-to-school clothing, if you shop in October. You can save money on swimsuits when you shop for them in June. Store seasons generally start about a month or two before people actually need to wear the clothing. 

Ever wonder why they're selling swimsuits in February? Save your shopping for after the season or holiday rush. Buy kids' snow boots a size bigger for the next season in June. You'll save a bundle!

Clothes shopping doesn't have to be expensive. With a little shopping savvy, a strategy, and a bit of patience and planning, you can get way more for your money. 

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