and Look as Good as You Feel.
Monday, November 9th, 2009Wow. We’ve been standing in front of a cleared out closet for a long time now. Too long. Sorry about that. I think it’s time to restock, don’t you? And you know what that means…Shopping! However, since we’re talking about shopping, it also means smart, champagne life on a beer budget shopping. Even better. This week, let’s discuss where to shop. After that, we can discuss what to shop for and how to shop. But for now, where!
For many of us, this may be a no-brainer. We have our favorite places; we have our budget; we have our style. For other of us, it’s not that easy, as much as we wish it was.
Perhaps the one good thing about the months (holy cow, months!) between clearing out the closet and now is the holidays are here. With the holidays come the holiday sales. BOGOs, coupons, special hours, special days – you name it, it’s out there. Take advantage. Who cares that it’s for your closet and not someone’s present? It’s still a gift – just to you in instead of someone else! And don’t be embarrassed to use a coupon, inquire about free shipping or ask about the timing on the next sale.
No need to disregard department stores and mall stores but do also pay close attention to places like Target and Kohls, places that have good quality and reasonable prices year-round. Any of their holiday sales can save you big bucks. While you’re looking around, remember places like Goodwill (http://www.goodwill.org/), Savers (http://www.savers.com/) and thrift shops. The best part of these places is you get new-to-you clothing, reuse resources and help people, all at the same time. Plus, remember all those clothes you just (months ago, good grief!) cleared out of your closet? Many of these places will give you store credit in exchange for your donations. New outfits for nothing more than your old outfits? I do love a champagne life.
My one warning to you – remember the difference between inexpensive and cheap. Inexpensive is great. We’re all about inexpensive here. Cheap, not so much. Remember, it’s better to pay $10 for a sweater and be able to wear it all winter than $5 for one and have it disintigrate after one washing. Stylish and smart. That’s a Champagne Life on a Beer Budget.
Enjoy ~
~ Pauline