Winter is lingering in most parts of the U.S. Cold nights, crazy snow storms, and ice-covered highways. Then, as quickly as those storms arrive, a suspiciously beautiful, and hot day tantalizes us with thoughts of Spring and Summer. And, I’m going to be honest and say that I’ve noticed recently that I keep looking at my clothes and dreaming of new clothes for spring and summer. Bright pops of color, rompers, and cute sandals. I typically get my stuff from ThredUp an online consignment store. But, what if you’re a person who freaking hates (really hates) the idea of wearing used clothing. How are you supposed to save on your warm weather clothing? I’ve got some ideas.
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Ebates
Is one of my favorite ways to save when shopping online. I have to admit that I’m one of those people who just doesn’t really go to the mall anymore. Instead, I prefer to shop online. One of the best ways to save:
- On clothing
- Via Amazon
- Or, when you’re signing up with Blue Apron
What is with Ebates? Put simply, Ebates is a website (portal) that you log into, then find your favorite store and start shopping. You do have to log into Ebates before you start shopping in order to access the rebates and depending on the retailer, there may be some special requirements to access savings. BUT, I’ve found Ebates to be the best for savings on new retail items for the following reasons:
- Huge range of stores who are partnered with Ebates
- You can save basically on most of the things that you buy.
- If you’re using Chrome (which you should) there is an Ebates extension for Chrome that you can add to your browser.
- Their referral program pays CASH. And, once you’ve earned the minimum earnings threshold you can get your affiliate payouts via PayPal. Sign up HERE to earn $10 when you’ve redeemed your first savings.
Downside
There is one downside with Ebates:
- You just have to remember to login to your Ebates portal before shopping.
- You may be tempted to shop a little more often than you would if you had to physically go to the mall.
There are a couple of other ways that I save money on new clothing when I’m freshening up my wardrobe.
Shop Your Closet
You didn’t think I would forget to mention that? This blog used to be called The Shop My Closet Project for a reason! I shopped my closet and learned how to reimagine all of the items that I already had. I even stopped shopping for a year. But, I don’t want to freak you out if you really have your heart set on a couple of new things 🙂
Shopping your closet will save you money in the following ways:
- Avoid purchasing duplicates-It continues to shock me when I see how often I have to fight the urge to buy variations of the same thing over and over again.
- You may discover that you don’t need as much as you initially thought.
- Finding out that you may want just “one” special piece to add to what you currently have.
- Save you time-How many hours have you spent browsing up and down your favorite store’s aisles?
As frugal as I can be, I love fashion and enjoy picking up a couple of things that are “on-trend” each year.
Classics or Signature Pieces
Once you’ve logged into Ebates, you can begin looking for either classic pieces that last forever (and why Gap is currently struggling) or for fun signature pieces that will make an otherwise plain outfit “pop!”
Some of the shopping shortcuts that I take to save money include:
- Buying cute signature shoes-I have a number of ballet flats in different colors and materials. Not only are the comfortable, but they create a cute, pulled together look quickly.
- Cute Hair-I’ve experienced some hair loss (a whole different post) so I love rocking out fun looks with wigs. There are a ridiculous number of wig tutorials and reviews on YouTube for both Black and White Women (the Kardashians and Hollywood peeps use a lot of wigs and extensions). I pay no more than $30 per wig (usually including shipping).
- Rompers-I love rompers LOL!! #Romperlife! As long as you can get in and out of them easily, they’re a dream. I prefer to get the type with stretchy waists and very few zippers. The ones with zippers seem to fit tighter.
- Dresses-The best thing about a dress is that you can dress them up or down with signature flats or walking tennis shoes (NOT-athletic tennis shoes) walking tennis shoes tend to be a lot more streamlined and are super cute. If you’re not sure look at European fashion blogs and see what the ladies wear daily.
- Nice Jewelry-There are some amazing jewelers on Etsy. Or, you can check out what people are creating locally. Pick up a couple of beautiful statement pieces.
I could continue, but you get the idea-less is more.
Rent the Runway
Here me out. Rent the Runway allows users to rent higher end pieces of clothing like cocktail dresses, jackets, coats, and more. The items are in pristine condition (they are dry cleaned after every wear). And, a great way to keep “on-trend” without breaking the bank. Finally, you’re able to eliminate clothing variable costs because you’re paying a set subscription. There are two options.
- The RTR Update Option-This is the option that I prefer. You get 4 items a month, with the option to switch one piece out.
- The RTR Unlimited Option-This option is great if you’re a fashionista, live in a big city where fashion is a big deal.
Interested in trying out Rent the Runway? Sign up with my affiliate code and get $30 off your first order!
Mani/Pedi
While I’m fairly frugal and prefer to do my own pedis for most of the year-I will drop cash for a good mani/pedi during the warmer months. You don’t want hot mess toes showing LOL! My only issue with getting a pedi is that I’m really ticklish.
The whole point of having a great mani/pedi is that it just creates a pulled together and cohesive look.
My Thoughts on Outlet Malls
Personally, I prefer to purchase during the current season. And, I don’t think that the savings are that great. There are several outlets in the areas surrounding my town and I’ve checked them out from time to time and still feel that there is very little difference in price-especially once items go on sale.
Sign Up for the Email List or App
I know that emails may drive people crazy, but, emails are where the savings live 🙂 If you are a fan of a specific brand and you hate getting used clothes-you need to get on their list or sign up for their app if they have one. I even save shopping on clothes via Ibotta. They don’t have a huge list of retailers but, I do check them out before I begin buying new clothes.
Basically, if there is an opportunity to double or triple my savings easily-I will.
Final Tips
I’ve become a lot more intentional about how I shop. After I stopped shopping for a year I learned several things:
- During the year I stopped shopping, people would forget that I wasn’t shopping and ask me where I got my “new” outfit.
- People don’t remember what you’re wearing.
- I was shopping as a habit vs. because I needed something new.
- There’s NOTHING wrong with buying something new. But, be intentional about especially if you’re trying to pay off debt, save money, or invest more.
- It’s possible to save on new clothes.
I have my eye on a couple of rompers and a cute pair of sandals. But, first, a pedicure!
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