For example, a few years ago I snagged a pair of Banana Republic jeans for around $5. Since then the lowest price I have ever seen them is $20-30, and even though to some that might be a great deal, for me it's hard to pay that price again. Recently I found out that one of the Aeropostale stores in my state was going out of business, so I made my way over and came out out of the store with two pairs of jeans, two pairs of sweatpants, one sweater, and four pairs of socks—a $250 retail value—for about $50! Yeah, I think I scored pretty well that day.
When I go shopping I always have to keep a few things in mind though:
Do I need it? Am I just purchasing this because I think it's a great deal and it's something I want, or is it really something I need? If it's just a want I try to only purchase it with my personal spending money or money I've been gifted. If I always purchase items because they are a great deal, they can easily become a lousy deal because I spent money on things I didn't need.
Will I really wear it? In the past I have been guilty of purchasing items that I needed, but maybe they weren't exactly what I wanted. Like the time I bought a pair of jeans that were really cheap, but I didn't like how they fit, and in the end I didn't wear them much. Now I try to make sure that not only is it a good deal but it's something I feel comfortable in so that I'll get my money's worth out of it.
For Christmas my awesome husband gave me a pair of purple fleece-lined leggings, and after wearing them for a day—and LOVING them—I saw an ad online for six pairs for $29. Leggings might not be "trendy" for long, but I don't care, I'll keep wearing them until I've worn them all out!
With these three thoughts in mind I am able to better use our clothing budget, buy items that we need and will wear, and consider whether or not the investment is worth it.
Do you have any secrets to great deals, or things you keep in mind when purchasing clothing? Leave us a comment to let us know!
Keep Pinchin' :-)
I just say, "Can I fit any more "stuff" into this house that is packed to the gills. When you live in a place 40 years you accumulate a lot of stuff - even though I've had massive clean outs .. more keeps coming in. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a good one too! Not one that I thought of because I have two levels of a house that are empty, so not a problem for me! Some of my friends do well with having a goal of getting rid of something in their closet every time they buy something new, that way their closets don't explode :-)
DeleteThese are great points Dani!
ReplyDeleteLast week I headed out to shop for clothes (something I don't really look forward to). I saw a shirt that was $5. It wasn't my favorite, but it was a fabulous price. I couldn't decide whether or not to buy it. Then it hit me. If the shirt wasn't on sale, I probably wouldn't even be looking at it. I was only looking at it because it was so cheap. That sealed the deal and I walked away.
I totally agree with your comment - "once I've gotten them for a great price it's hard to ever pay close to whole price again."
I do the same thing. When I went to the store closing I had to keep reminding myself not to just buy it because it's cheap, but because I like it, it fits me and I need more of that type of item.
ReplyDelete