Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Holly,

Congratulations for making a wise, budget-conscious move! You'll quickly be amazed at how much money stays in your savings account every month now that you're cutting out the expensive shopping sprees. Looking good does not take a ton of money. Of course, an abundance of spending cash makes shopping easier and faster, but not necessarily better! We all know people who spend a lot of money on clothes and still don't look very cool or stylish. Though it takes more time and effort, if you shop carefully, it will pay off in great, imaginative, and (most importantly!) inexpensive finds.

Golden rule number one: never buy anything that isn't on sale! Scour and shop the clearance racks in every store you go into, especially at the mall where seasonal clothes quickly get reduced to make room for the brand new stuff. Get to know when and where the good sales are. Make use of those sale flyers that fill the Sunday paper! Get adventurous and try shopping in places you haven't been before, especially discount stores like Ross, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls. Maybe you're going to the same overpriced stores that every one else shops in.

Another suggestion is to frequent thrift and resale stores. That's where you will find the best of the best bargains, so your money will go very far! Thrift stores have slightly worn items and cool vintage stuff. Resale stores are more upscale, with up-to-date clothes that are gently worn. Look in your phone book under consignment, resale, thrift, and used clothes. Be sure to check everywhere and check back often, as these stores constantly put out new stuff. You never know what you might find!

Finally, figure out what your best colors are and stick to those so that everything in your wardrobe coordinates. You'll have fewer shopping mistakes (and major money-wasters) hanging in your closet!

Sincerely,