While change is certainly on the horizon there is no denying the fact that the economy is still in a bad state. Most people refrain from shopping under these conditions, and that might be a wise choice. If the itch to get some new duds is getting too strong, though, there are ways to increase ones wardrobe without breaking the budget..
How Bad is Clothes Spending?
According to WikiAnswers, the average middle class American family ($40,000-$64,000 bracket) spends about $700 a year to outfit just one child. However, a brand loyal, status conscious teen could easily spend that much in just one shopping trip.
Nowadays, it's hard to find an extra $100 to spend on new clothes and people must find a different route to their dream. Here are a few smart ways to go:
Host a Clothes Swap Party
Invite a few friends over for an evening of clothes swapping fun! In the invite, ask them to bring along 5 items they have either outgrown or grown tired of--pants, tops, skirts, a blazer, etc. Even handbags qualify. Everyone will enjoy selecting, trying on, and taking home some new things...and the only cost involved is for any light refreshments served at the gathering.
Score a Free Tee Shirt
Anyone who has visited a college campus (with real intent and an application) has probably come home with a souvenir shirt boasting the school logo or mascot. This is a great way for teens to score a free tee. Another is to sign up for a walk or similar charity event where volunteers receive a shirt for their participation.
For additional ideas on how to nab a free new shirt, visit a website like www.freeteez.com
Sell or Trade Gift Cards
After December holidays or the May Confirmation/Graduation season, and lot of people have raked in gift cards. Sometimes the card is not for the preferred store. Sometimes it is liked, but not fully used on a store purchase. The owner of such gift cards can now sell or swap Plasticjungle.com unused cards.
Re-Make Old Clothes in Exciting New Ways
Many items in the closet, particularly ones with spots or snags that make them seem unwearable, can be altered. A few cuts and stitches and they are readily made into something new and useful.
- Cut the sleeves off an old jacket. Sew on a bit of braid or chain and turn it into a handsome new vest.
- Turn a too short pair of jeans into a skirt. Learn how to make it with these step-by-step, photo assisted directions Threadbanger.com
- Re-make a tee shirt into a tote bag. Just invert tee, and seam up the bottom (doubly). Gather sleeve material and sew it up under the armpit to form handles. Turn the shirt back outside and check it out: a cute new tote.
If Buying is the Only Choice, Buy Cheaply
Sometimes the urge to shop is just too strong, or one can't find the desired item through free channels. If one must buy, be sure to buy prudently. In a recent Splurge Vs. Steal, Cosmopolitan magazine shows that women can get good deals on a pair of zippered leggings. Their feature showed a $98 Rock and Republic pair, and another brand with identical glam rock appeal for under $30.
The very same trendy black leggings with ankle zippers were recently on sale at National Wholesale Liquidators for a mere $8.99. Be sure to check this kind of outlet store, or an off-price retailer like Marshall's, before spending on an absolutely must-have. With patience and an eagle eye, great finds can even be culled from the racks of a Salvation Army store.
Nowadays, it's hard to find extra money in the budget for new clothes. People must find a different route tot heir dream wardrobe. With a little creativity, a few friends, and these tips, it can happen!
Jeri Dayle-Rabinowitz - Jeri Dayle is a writer mom, or should I say a mom writer? I worked in advertising both full and part-time while raising my family, jobs ...
