Stay in Style on a Budget

Style Stop
By Linda Peavy

Staying in fashion does not have to break the bank. You can sizzle in style, from casual to red-carpet apparel, without spending a fortune. Everyone loves a great sale, and there are options where you can experience one every day. Shop resale. Yes! You can buy upscale clothing, designer purses, and fantastic shoes for a fraction of their original cost. Consider resale shops such as consignment or thrift stores to round out your wardrobe. Your wallet will thank you. 

Before you start shopping, these tips will keep you within your budget:

Be Careful of “Dry Clean Only”: Scored a great deal on that consignment store work dress that’s dry clean only? Well, it won’t be such a great deal when those monthly cleaning bills come in! Choose items that are machine washable, especially if you have a packed schedule that won’t allow for hand-washing instead.

Know your Needs: Does your job require you to be on your feet all day? If so, earmark a larger part of your budget for shoes than someone who sits at a desk.

Be Coupon Conscious: Coupon codes can be your budget’s best friend! Besides sales throughout the year, many companies offer a discount for signing up for email newsletters, text alerts, etc. Don’t worry, you can always unsubscribe if they get annoying. Utilize sites such as retailmenot.com and rakuten.com for discount listings and saving for retailers.

The Power of 5: While, of course, everyone has a different income and expenses, spending no more than 5% of your monthly income on clothes, shoes, and accessories is a good rule of thumb.

Be Season Savvy: The best time to buy summer clothes is in winter and vice versa because the demand for these items is lower. End-of-season sales are especially great for finding fabulous deals.

Time-Honored vs. Trends: In this era of social media, fashion fads come and go at the speed of light and will likely be out of style before you even get the bill for them. Invest the majority of your budget instead in good-quality, classic pieces like blazers, jeans, a little black dress, and accessories like hoop earrings. These items will never go out of style and can be paired with almost any garment.

Rent vs. Buy: Are you really going to wear that evening gown after your daughter’s wedding? If not, sites like Nuuly (nuuly.com/rent) and Rent the Runway (renttherunway.com/c/evening-dresses) can save you thousands of dollars on special-occasion dresses. You can even rent everyday outfits through companies like Gwynnie Bee (closet.gwynniebee.com/). These rental options all include plus sizes!

CONSIGNMENT PRO SHOPPING TIPS

1. Make friends with your neighborhood tailor: Consignment stores usually only have one or two sizes available in each item, not a vast selection like retail stores. Still, your tailor can easily hem a too-long dress or take in a too-big blouse.
2. Timing is everything: Weekends are the busiest times, so there’s less chance of finding what you want. Ask the store when they typically restock and plan your shopping trip for soon afterward.
3. Check those impulses: It’s so easy to get caught up in the low prices of each item that you don’t realize how much you’re spending altogether. A good rule of thumb is to decide how much you want to spend beforehand and take only that amount in cash, leaving your cards at home to avoid giving in to temptation. As an added incentive, some stores offer lower prices if you pay in cash because they won’t have to pay a credit card processing fee!
4. Choose quality over quantity: Designer labels, vintage items, or other high-end items can be found at rock-bottom prices if you know how to look. Natural fabrics are usually of higher quality than synthetic ones. For example, jackets with linen linings and wool coats are worth the investment.
5. Don’t get tunnel vision: Start with a walk-through of the entire store, noting where the different sections are located and specific items that catch your eye. This strategy will help you stay focused while not missing out on hidden gems.
6. Bargain: Don’t be afraid to offer a lower price for an item that is slightly damaged (but still fixable). This idea works best in privately owned stores.
7. Be season savvy: Like in retail stores, the best time to buy summer clothes is in winter and vice versa because the demand for these items is lower.

CONSIGNMENT STORES
Consignment stores differ from thrift shops in that they are usually for-profit. Shoppers can also sell their gently used clothes at the store. Once the item sells, the person typically gets 30%-50% of the final price or sometimes a higher percentage in store credit. Everybody wins! Here are a few local stores to try.

Clothes Mentor in Strongsville sells gently used name-brand and designer clothing, shoes, and accessories for up to 70% off of original retail prices. strongsvilleoh.clothesmentor.com/

Lakewood Luxury consignment shop specializes in high-end women’s clothing, shoes, purses and accessories. lakewood-luxury-consignment.business.site/

The Designer Consignor is a consignment resale shop offering men’s and women’s clothing and accessories in the heart of Lakewood. thedesignerconsignor.net/

Cleveland Consignment Shoppe. From Chanel to Louboutin, Cleveland Consignment Shoppe in Woodmere carries all of the luxury and contemporary lines at a fraction of the price. clevelandconsignmentshoppe.com/

Avalon Exchange in Cleveland Heights is a haven for vintage fashion enthusiasts. From its humble beginnings, it has evolved into a dynamic buy-sell-trade resale clothing boutique. avalonexchange.com

It’s So You Consignment shop in Willoughby Hills features high-end second-hand clothing & accessories, plus home decor & furniture. itssoyouboutique.com/

Not sure how to style your consignment store scores? Ask Linda in the comments section!