Budget Shopping
Covet .com: Site Review
Every budget shoppers dream? Their own personal shopper, something which most of us have zero first-hand experience with by virtue of the fact that we are, well, on a budget. Enter Covet.com, which gives you the benefit of a service that targets your personal style, searches for designer and namebrand items to match—items on sale—and e-mails them to directly to you, for your consideration.
Our Review: The first step? Determine your style, which this site does with a process they call “The Stylyzer”—a sometimes quick and easy process in which you view a series of fashion and style-related images and pick which one best suits your tastes. Once complete, the site assigns you a category (Angela, for the record, is “Couture Eceletic”—she feels more chic already). Then, select your sizes and contact preferences (via e-mail or Facebook, daily vs. weekly, etc.).
It could end there, which would be fun enough for us actually, but Covet.com is serious about matching items to your personal preferences, so if you disagree with their assessment of your personal style, you can peruse other options and select one of those instead. It also gives you the opportunity to tell them what colors, patterns, silhouettes, brands etc. you don’t dig, in order to best personalize selections sent. Then, you just sit back and wait for the e-mails.
Okay, so you still have to do the actual shopping yourself. And you’re not going to get 15 coordinated outfits with accessories in one sitting and a nice latte to sip while you make your selections. But it’s a pretty darn good tool for busy, stylish women to seek out great designer and namebrand fashion without even trying.
The Verdict: Yea. No, it’s not a necessity, but it is kinda fun. The catch? We are budget shoppers after all, and not everything you get sent to you is going to fit your financial plan—even if they are “on sale” (because these are generally designer items, and even on sale carry a pricetag equal to a car payment). Also it might be a good idea for them to hide the faces of the celebrity featured because there were times that we hesitated to choose a particular look because we weren’t fans of the celebrity wearing it. But being that it’s free and completely painless, it’s an easy tool for bargain-lovers like us to find deals we might not otherwise have unearthed.
Save Up to 50% at Nordstrom
The Deal: Save 50% off or more on the styles you want to wear right now, online only at Nordstrom.com.
The Lowdown: As budget shoppers, we love that the winter markdowns come early enough for us to pick up some fashionable items we’ll still get plenty of use out of (unless you’re in the Florida Keys, a long cold winter still stretches out mercilessly ahead of us ...).
We always wait for a sale at Nordstrom, because while their regular prices will set us back more than we’d like, on a sale we can pick up quality pieces for about the same amount we’d spend on a lesser item at, say, JC Penney’s, and dresses are where we’re seeing the greatest value, in everything from cocktail and evening styles to day dresses (and in the midst of the winter doldrums, we’re particularly crazy about the color of the Tahari Ponte Dress pictured here). Our picks:
1. Nicole Miller Silk Twill Sheath Dress, on sale $189.90
2. Tahari by Arthur S. Levine Chiffon & Stretch Satin Dress $63.90
3. Tahari by Arthur S. Levine Button Detail Ponte Dress, on sale $63.90
4. JS Collections Laser Cut Gown, $123.90
5. JS Boutique Beaded Chiffon Dress, $89.90
Shop: Nordstrom
How to Shop Big Lots
A closeout store like Big Lots is not the first thing that springs to mind for, er, fashionable shopping. Or the second. Or twelfth. But let’s change our mindset for just a moment, shall we? We like to save money. We like the thrill of finding a hot deal. We pride ourselves of being financially savvy. And it helps if you know the definition of a “closeout”—which is actually first-quality, brandname goods at discount prices because the manufacturer needed to get rid of them.
Yes, we know the stores can be, well, kind of gross. But, being the commando budget shoppers we are (and in this economy, we can’t really afford to be any other way), we know that Big Lots (which boasts prices 20-40% under other discount stores, and 70% less than conventional retailers) is worth venturing into, assuming you know the best approach. So here it is:
The BuzzClub. Big Lots actually does have an online presence at BigLots.com, and it doesn’t look like much to begin with but if you scroll down to the bottom and click on the teeny tiny print that says “Buzz Club” you can sign up—for FREE—to have access to all their online merchandise, exclusive “members only” discounts, first looks at ads and clearance, and more. See? You can be exclusive even at Big Lots. Who knew.
Check the Weekly Ads. If you don’t relish making the trek when you don’t even know what you’ll find—and don’t want to sign up your overworked inbox up for yet another email list—you can still log on to BigLots.com and view your local weekly ad to plan the deals before you go.
Shop for the Basics. Let’s just say it—apparel is not Big Lots’ thing. But, if you need some basics—like socks and underwear—you can get packs incredibly cheap, for all members of the family. It might not be the types of undergarments you’d want to shimmy into for, say, your big anniversary night, but for the daily grind? Perfectly acceptable.
Think Beauty. Stylish clothing may just be out of the question at Big Lots but our number one love at this particular store? The beauty section. It’s sooooo not glamorous—usually a mishmash of brands, packages, and cheesy plastic tubs of random items—but we have rarely left without something we couldn’t wait to get to the car to try out. The caveats: check expiration dates closely—VERY VERY important—and inspect the items with a critical eye (if that bottle of nail polish looks like it’s been in the warehouse for six years and counting, step away). But dig around, and you’ll find perfectly good beauty items—from tools to make-up to moisturizer and hair products—dirt cheap. Like a Rimmel mascara for 99 cents, value packs of two e.l.f. lipglosses for a buck (and you don’t have to mess with ordering online), Oil of Olay moisturizer for $3 . . .
Style for Your Living Room. Many folks don’t seem to be aware that many Big Lots stock furniture—and not just the pressed “wood” do-it-yourself dorm-tastic bookshelf variety. We’re talking sofas, kitchen tables, bedroom sets, mattresses. This is not the stuff you’ll want to hand down as family heirlooms mind you, but pretty cheap prices and decent looking stuff if you need to furnish your nest for less. Just to be on the safe side, we’d look for dings, dents, and the like—but for the prices you just might decide it’s worth it anyway.
Embrace Change. Big Lots is one of those stores—being a closeout retailer and all—that often doesn’t carry the same thing twice. Which, if you are a creature of habit, is bad; however, on the upside, if you don’t see anything you like this trip, next time there’ll could be something new and great. The fact of the matter is that while regular retailers stock seasonally, a closeout store like Big Lots changes inventory constantly as they acquire new merchandise, so in this case, change is good.
Bonus for Teachers. Big Lots is a great store for teachers anyway, with super cheap supplies (great for back to schoolers too), but there’s also a “Teachers” section online (it’s in the teeny tiny letters right below “Buzz Club”) where they’ll feature teacher-only deals (and if you join the BuzzClub and indicate you’re an educator, you can get the deals sent directly to your inbox).
How to Shop Target
Ah, you say—you already know how to shop Target. In fact, you’ve spent so much time there that you should be eligible for some kind of lifetime achievement award. Okay, we’ll give you that—but are you shopping it in the smartest way possible? Probably not. And to show that Kathryn will not be sharing a classic six condo in hell with Sam Walton (link to the depressionista article), here’s our tips for maximizing your Tar-jay experience:
Know the Schedule. Target has a regular schedule for clearance and markdowns, and while it can vary from store to store, this is the general breakdown:
Monday - Electronics, Kids Clothing (and possibly Infants items) and Stationary
Tuesday - Domestics, Women’s Clothing, Pets and Market
Wednesday - Men’s Clothing, Toys, Lawn & Garden, Health and Beauty items
Thursday - House Wares, Lingerie, Sporting Goods, Shoes, Music/Movies, Books, Decor and Luggage
Friday - Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, and Jewelry
Traditional Holiday Clearance:
50% off the day after the holiday, for three days
75% off the fourth day after the holiday, for three days
90% off the seventh day after holiday, for 1-2 days.
Arriving early on the days you know they’re marking stuff down and you’ll have access to the best deals of the week. Also, Internet wisdom notes that if the price ends in the number 4, it’s your last chance to buy before the item gets shipped out to, well, wherever Target merchandise goes to die (some of it ends up at Goodwill, just FYI).
Know Where to Get Coupons/Discounts. If you’re shopping Target online, be sure to hit RetailMeNot.com for coupon/discount codes before you check out—and if you’re looking for in store coupons (particularly for groceries) be sure to head to the Target website first for printable coupons. Also, you’ll want to be sure to sign up for Target’s weekly ad to be delivered to your inbox to peruse the latest sales before you go (you can also get mobile reminders or sign up for their RSS feed).
Don’t Ignore the Endcaps. Sure, the end of the aisles is where they put all those fancy-schmancy displays that try to entice you into buying stuff you don’t need, but if you hit the OTHER end of the displays—the ones closest to the walls typically, you’ll find shelves and baskets full of super-cheap clearance items. We’ve purchased lots of stuff here for next to nothing, but be careful about expiration dates. In our experience this is always worth a look
Not All Targets are Created Equal. It’s worth shopping a couple different Targets to find one that has the stock to match your needs. For example, Angela’s local Target near St. Louis is less than 10 minutes away and is fine for general merchandise, like beauty goods, electronics, etc., but the apparel section? Sadly limited. So, having scouted around a bit, she knows that the Target that’s about 25 minutes away has a MUCH larger and more stylish selection of apparel—so when she knows she’s in the market for, say, a new winter coat and a pair of great pumps, she’ll plan a special trip to the store with the best selection. Kathryn lives in Manhattan and while the Fort Greene Target is near, she firmly believes that it is the place where hope goes to die, therefore she prefers to shop to the Jersey City Target.
Use the TBF Gift Card Strategy to Control Your Spending. Target is one of those stores that sort of hypnotises us—we go in for some Dove shampoo, and leave with two pairs of jeans, a new set of dishes, those tempting chocolates and an mp3 player. So, while we can’t load a gift card for every individual item we need, if you do have some things to pick up and you know you’ll be tempted, have a Target card loaded with however much you can afford (http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/main/tips-for-recession-proofing-your-closet-the-budget-fashionista-economic-sur/) to spend and take no other payment options with you. Or if you don’t mind carrying cash, take only how much you can afford to spend and not a penny more.
Don’t Buy Items You Can Get Cheaper Elsewhere. Shop Target for what Target is best at—budget-friendly shoes, accessories, apparel, furniture/housewares, possibly holiday items. But if you also shop regularly at someplace like, say, Wal-Mart, where we KNOW you can pick up that Jergen’s lotion cheaper, save those items for your next trip to WM. We know, we know—it requires some planning, but even if it’s only 20 cents cheaper, multiply that by 6 items per trip and you’ll see it adds up pretty quick. Then you’ll have more to spend on that cute Anya Hindmarch handbag at Target later . . .
Green Shopping. If eco-friendly shopping is important to you, Target is one of the few budget-friendly retailers that gives you some real options to shop, everything from recycled paper goods (including stationary), recycled glassware, organic bedding, and selected items of organic clothing and sleepwear.
Wide Calf Boots on a Budget
“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
Here at TBF, we get all kinds of inquiries about wide calf boots —which makes us wonder, then, why retailers are so not providing those curvy-calfed girls among us with affordable options—clearly the market is there. Hmph. We, of course, look at this as a challenge, and so we’ve sought out the the best deals we could find on stylish wide calf boots. Here are our top picks (feel free to add any budget wide calf boot sources you have in the comments below!):
Valley Lane Jenny Wide Calf Boot, $39.99-$44.99, Lane Bryant
Katie Leather Plus-Calf Boot by Step Up Comfort, $39.99-$64.99, Amazon.com
Valley Lane Extra Wide Shaft Stretch Boots with Ruffle Detail, on sale $64.99, Jessica London
Ginger Wide Calf Braided Boot, on sale $49.99, Avenue.com
Jamie Patent Wide Calf Boot, on sale $39.99, Avenue.com
Barbara Wide Calf Boot, $49.99-$54.99, Woman Within
And one more that might be worth the extra cash if you have it:
Naturalizer Wide Calf Stunned Boot, on sale $87.99, Naturalizer
Sweater Dresses on a Budget
Dear Budget Fashionista:
I’m looking for an affordable sweater dress, preferably scoop or v-neck, and I can’t seem to find one anywhere! Any thoughts?
Answer: The Mossimo and Merona lines at Target have several VERY cute sweater dresses as for well under $30. You can also try Forever 21, which has sweater dresses of varying quality for well under $30 or, the slightly more expensive INC line at Macys, which also featured sweater dresses this fall. (note: NEVER, EVER pay full price for the INC line at Macys. If you wait a week or so, the price will drop).
Tips for Budget Shopping at the Mall
Shopping at the mall can be great because you have so many different stores to choose from, but a common problem with the mall is that prices can be way too expensive. If you aren’t careful then you may wind up spending much more than you should.You can save money when you’re shopping at the mall, but you’re not going to do it by buying every cute thing you see while window shopping. Don’t walk in with a credit card and the intention to spend because you’re asking for trouble if you do that. If you’re going to go into the mall you need to have a plan of attack.
Five tips for extreme budget shopping at the mall:
1. Don’t EVER pay full price. Paying full price for something at the mall is like buying something marked up 20% from other stores. You might come across a garment or accessory that you absolutely love and want to buy right away, but unless you have a way to chisel the price down then walk away.
2. Bring coupons. Stores send coupons out all the time to customers who sign up for mailing lists and e-mail lists, so if you have a store at the mall that you really love then you should be on their mailing list and should use the coupons they send you. Sometimes stores will send coupons that can be used in conjunction with sales, so be meticulous in planning your spending and you can save a lot of money. Ask if the store accepts competitor’s coupons too, because you never know when you might be able to pull out a coupon from one place and get the same discount somewhere else.
3. Scour the clearance racks. Okay, we all know clearance racks can be a little icky sometimes, especially when you shop at department stores that have an affinity toward polyester suits in the sections you don’t usually shop. Don’t skip a clearance rack at a store just because you have the premonition that the clothes will all be lame; you might be surprised at the things you can find. For example, if you wear a size 14 you might not think to go shop at Lane Bryant, but if this store has a clearance you should be one of the first people sifting through the racks because your selection will be fabulous, mainly because ladies who wear size 14 don’t usually think to venture into this store.
4. Ask for a discount. You don’t have a coupon but you want more of a discount than the sale that’s going on at your favorite store in the mall. Approach the counter and ask the person at the register how you can get more of a discount. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that the store offers additional discounts for AAA members, military personnel, educators, seniors, or any other number of groups. You’ll never know until you ask, and since some of these discounts can be pretty hefty it is definitely worth the time and effort.
5. Don’t pay with a credit card. Studies show that you’re apt to spend more freely if you pay with a credit card instead of with cash. You also will wind up paying interest on the balance if you don’t pay it off in full when your statement comes. So even if you get a 10% discount on a pair of shoes it won’t be much of a budget triumph if you then turn around and pay 13% in interest on the purchase. Add compound interest to the equation if you let the balance linger and you’re wasting your money. And if you don’t want to carry cash, use one of TBFs favorite tips —load your cash onto a gift card.
The Under $75 Work Outfit
These days, even $75 can sound like a lot, and it’s possible, depending on where you work, to get a great workwear ensemble for even less than what we’ve shown here. However, today we’re focusing on a truly office-worthy outfit—meaning you’re still dressing for the job you want to have rather than the one you’ve got—while not spending this month’s 401K contribution . . .
Park Avenue Pinstripe Pant, $19.99, New York & Company
Lyndal Ruffled Top, $19.80, Forever21
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Ariel Oxford Booties, clearance $24.49
Croc Skinny Belt, $6.80, Forever21
Total Cost (Before Tax): $71.08
Housing Works Fourth Annual Design on a Dime Event
Kathryn is a HUGE fan of Housing Works Thrift Shop and if you happen to be in the New York area next week, you MUST attend this event, especially if you’re interesting in celeb sightseeing
WHAT: Housing Works’ fourth-annual Design on a Dime presented by Real Simple magazine. Thirty of the world’s leading interior designers create breathtaking one-of-a-kind room vignettes featuring donated high-end brand-new merchandise. The contents of the vignettes are then sold at an incredible 50 to 80 percent off retail prices at an exclusive VIP preview benefit and a two-day open-to-the-public sale. This year’s Design on a Dime is co-chaired by actress Maggie Gyllenhaal. Participating designers include Sills Huniford, Thom Filicia, Charlotte Moss and Jamie Drake. Some amazing Design on a Dime deals:
* B&B Italia wool sofa, $495 (retail: $4,999)
* Knoll chrome barstools, $225 each (retail: $889)
* Charlotte Moss turquoise table and chairs, $103 (retail: $247)
* Bernhardt white leather club chair, $175 (retail: $500)
* Verner Panton blue linen and chrome chair, $350 (retail: $2,500)
* ‘70s chrome floor lamp, $750 (retail: $1,750)
BENEFITING: Housing Works, the nation’s largest community-based AIDS service organization, which provides lifesaving services—including housing, medical care and job training—to homeless New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.
DATES AND HOURS:
VIP event: Thursday, May 8, from 6pm to 9pm. The VIP benefit will offer exclusive preview shopping, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment.
Sale (open to the public): Friday, May 9, from 10am to 6pm and Saturday, May 10, from 10am to 5pm.
LOCATION (VIP EVENT AND SALE):
The Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, New York City
TICKETS FOR VIP EVENT:
212.645.8111 x164 or log on to
VIP BENEFIT PRICES:
Tickets start at $200. Reminder: the two-day sale Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10 is free and open to the public.
Spring Fashion Trend: High Waisted Shorts
“SOME PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
For those of us who loathe the low-rise, there’s a backlash coming in the form of a high waist short. We’ve seen high-waisted pants make an appearance on the scene, so it’s a logical leap—but there are some cautions you should be aware of before you buy. Some things to consider:
High-waisted means the focus is on, uh, the waist. Meaning that if you are going to wear them, they must, must, must not be ill-fitting. You don’t have to be wasp-waisted to pull it off, but you do have to make sure they’re not pinching your mid-section to within an inch of its life.
Keep the top half sleek. The shorts will be the focus here—wearing ‘em with a long boxy tunic would defeat the purpose, for example. Pair them with a body-skimming (but not skin-tight) top, tee, or tank, and top with a cut cropped or swing jacket to kick things up a notch.
Our picks for high-waisted shorts on a budget? We dig this cute pair from Forever21 for $19.80, and for a dressier version, these Zinc belted high waist shorts from Macy’s for $38. And for the daring and colorful among us, these high waist 8 button shorts from Wet Seal, for $22 and in sizes up to XL.
Best Bathing Suits on a Budget: Reader Advice
“THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
We know it’s still February, and who really wants to think about bathing suits now? However, if you’re lucky enough to be heading off on vacation to a sunny clime, you are thinking about it. And let’s face it—swimsuit season is always here before we’re ready. So we want to know: where can you get an amazing suit—you know, one that fits, flatters and holds up—for less? Angela has always been happy with Target 2-pieces—cute styles, mix-and-match sizing, and priced at around 18 bucks apiece. What’s your favorite source for a bathing suit on a budget?
Mossimo halter swim top, $17.99 at Target.
Best Panties on a Budget: Reader Advice
Yep, we’re mentioning those unmentionables, and we want to hear from you, too. Being frugal and all, we won’t be paying 20 bucks (or more!) for a pair of panties, but we still want something that’s pretty, fits well, is comfortable, and will stay that way ‘til we’re ready to move on. Is that too much to ask? One of our faves for everyday is this satin, no-show hiphugger from Victoria’s Secret, frequently on a 3 for $25 special (that’s just over 8 bucks a pair). Okay, your turn—where do you find great panties for less?
Comfortable Shoes on an Extreme Budget
Dear Budget Fashionista,
I have a question! I’m a college senior about to embark on interviews, then hopefully a job - even a career if I’m lucky. ;) I live in tennis shoes with arch supports in them because I have really bad feet, and so far I have barely found any nice, adult-looking shoes that I
can wear with slacks or skirts. I’m on a extreme budget, do you have any ideas?
Answer: You have two options:
- Head to to store like DSW Shoewarehouse or online at Endless.com and purchase a pair of plain black pumps from a brand like Naturalizers or Aerosoles, which will run you about $30-$50. Take these shoes to your local shoe repair or cobbler (look online at site like Yelp for one near you).
or
- Save your money and purchase an expensive pair (we’re talking $100+) of black pumps from a more stylish comfort brand like Dansko, Clarks, Taryn by Taryn Rose or Campers.
Prom Shoes on a Budget: Five Pairs for Less Than $30
“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
We’ve found five awesome, prom-worthy shoes for less than $30 a pair.
Up the glam factor with these Hollywould Glitter Lace Pumps, in pink or silver, at Target for $14.99.
A sophisticated sandal with sparkle, on sale now for $9.99 at Payless.com (regular price $24.99)
Classic patent pumps in four colors, for $25.50 at Alloy.com
Uncertain about a tall, skinny heel? These Unlisted by Kenneth Cole silver sandals will keep you steady on your feet, $27.99 at Shoes.com
A pretty gold strappy sandal, on sale now for $29.99 at JCPenney.
Best Jeans on a Budget: Reader Advice
Okay, we’ve doled out plenty of advice here on The Budget Fashionista about finding great jeans on a budget, but let’s face it, it’s enough to send even the most self-respecting fashionista running for the sweatpants.
We’ve liked Old Navy jeans in general (though the sizing can be inconsistent, and some cuts are better than others), and Levis are a tried and true option. But what are we missing? Tell us your picks for best jeans on a budget (and we do mean under $50 a pair).
Prom Dresses on a Budget
Dear Budget Fashionista,
My Prom is right around the corner and I need help finding a prom dress on a budget. I have about $100 spend. Help!
Answer: You’re in luck, the best time to purchase your prom dress is right now. Most stores are having huge sales on their holiday formal wear and you can find a great, perhaps even designer, prom dress for less than $100. If you’re into vintage and know you’re way around a sewing machine thrift stores is a great budget friendly option. However, word of caution: make sure you do the smell test—if the garment smells musty, then leave it on the rack. You might also want to try online stores like SmartBargains.com, Overstock.com
and Bluefly.com
, all of whom often have formal dresses for well under $100.
Fashion Laptop Bags: Three Great Bags for Under $30
After years of looking like the Hunchback of Notre Dame carrying around my 25 lb Dell laptop, I made the jump and bought a new Dell XPS. Now that I had a stylish laptop, I need a stylish laptop bag,. Unfortunately, the land of laptop bags is littered with bulky, masculine Tumi-esque bags that cost more than the laptop it’s carrying. Luckily, I was able to find three, stylish laptop bag options, all for under $30.
Fashion Laptop Bags for Under $30
Remember Chloe Dao? She was one of the winners of Project Runway (the year with Santino). Besides having a line on QVC, she has also designed a line of stylish laptop bags for Pacific Design. The bag shown above retails for $29.00
I love this laptop bag from design guru Michael Grave’s Target collection. It features three zippered compartments, as well as three zippered pockets on the outside. The downside? This $29.95 bag is only available in Target stores.
This laptop sleeve from Kalio Chic, is the perfect size for those of use who want protection, without the bulk. Priced at $29.99, this laptop bag fits up to a 15 inch laptop, as well as a few items like a small wallet.
Celebrity Fashion: Beyonce on a Budget
As a style diva, Beyonce is known for her over-the-top moments both on the red carpet and on stage—while she pulls it off like no one else, the rest of us would be hard-pressed to want, much less be able, to wear shiny gold hot pants on any given day.
Fortunately, as a style icon, Beyonce manages to give even jeans and a t-shirt a little extra diva-liciousness. Did we just make that word up? Regardless, you can get it too, by putting together these easy pieces:
Short bomber jacket from Chadwick’s on sale now, $59.00
Braided knit hat, Forever 21, $8.80
White scoop neck long-sleeve tee, Target, $8.99
Long and Lean jeans, from Gap, on sale now, $48.
It’s hard to tell just what’s happening with the bag, but just to get a little of that gold vibe, we picked this Genna de Rossi from JC Penney, on sale now for $34.99
~Angela
Fashion Advice: Conservative Fashion Tips for Plus Size Student
Dear Budget Fashionista,
I am a plus size, 28 year old college student that is currently working in a pizza restaurant. Where should I start? I have taken the quiz in your book and it said that I am conservative.
Answer: First take a deep breath. A long deep breath. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your closet. First start with the Perfect Ten, the ten things every woman should have in their closet and adjust them for your lifestyle.
As a college student, you might want to focus on purchasing a pair or two of nice jeans, jeans that you can dress up with a nice pair of black pumps and a nice top (don’t wear these jeans to work). Avoid low-low rise jeans and jeans with sequins, embroidery and other types of embellishments (no Baby Phat or Apple Bottom jeans). Look for jeans that have a wider leg and/or a boot cut. Make sure when you sit down the seams of the pants aren’t stressing (you can tell if the jeans are stressing because you will be able to see the seams stretch, like it’s about to pull apart). Try stores like Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, Avenue, Marshalls, Ross, TJ Maxx (which often has nice plus size jeans for less than $20) for jeans. Wal-Mart
also makes a good quality jeans.
Then you want to look for tops, purchasing at least two tops for every pair of jeans/pants you in your closet. Why? Because you can wear the jeans over and over again and no one will notice, but it’s harder to do the same with tops. Since you’re more on the conservative side, look for collared shirts (wear them tucked in if you have defined waist) and shirts made of cotton, rather than clingy knit materials. Always make sure you iron your shirts. Check out the stores I listed above, but also don’t forget to look at Dillard’s, Macy’s and Lord and Taylor’s, which often have amazing sales on summer items that you can also work during the fall months.
You’ll also want to check out wrap dresses, in black or brown, because you can instantly dress them up (for interviews, meetings, church, etc) or dress them down (for school, night out). Make sure it’s a dress that makes you feel good, feel beautiful, and wraps completely around without showing too much cleavage. Wal-Mart’s George Plus Size line and Target’s Plus Size Mossimo line is a good place to look for these dresses.
Also visit these sites, which have excellent tips and advice for plus size women:
BBW Magazine, Curvychicks Online, and Bombshell Magazine.
Again, start small, even $10 or $20 a month can go a long way in building your wardrobe.
Dollar Store Shopping
My friend Sandra is the diva of dollar stores. The stuff this woman finds is amazing; gorgeous woven baskets, underwear, greeting cards, you name it. She shares some of her thoughts on dollar stores with us:
Looking for gift bags, wrapping paper, pens, shampoo, make-up, lotion, pencils, or small ceramic items? Your local dollar store is the place for you. I have used the dollar store to decorate my home, with flowers, vases and candles. I have used picture frames and photo albums to store my precious memories over the years. While living in New York City, I often shopped at Jack’s 99 Cent Stores for groceries, medicine, flatware, and dishes.
In 1955, the first company to advertise various items for no more than one dollar was established. Now dollar stores are franchised (Dollar Tree, Dollar General, etc.) and you can do dollar shopping on the internet. Dollar stores provide low-budget alternatives to the often over priced department and grocery store goods I’ve found that many of the items in a dollar store are as good as grocery stores and pharmacies. However, in the case of some dollar store items, what you get is what you pay for, so while your new hands-free cell phone cord may work just fine, your new ceramic figurine may be broken before you even get to the car.
Sure, the dollar store is a gimmick, and sometimes in your fervor to get 20 one dollar umbrellas for your car, purse, locker, desk, husband, and daughter, you may end up paying more for a item than you would at your local drug store. To avoid this trap, only shop for items at the dollar store you know are more expensive at other stores—like greeting cards, dishwashing soap, kitchen utensils, etc.
TBF Note: I refuse to purchase greetings cards from anywhere but a dollar store. $5.00 for a piece of paper that will be thrown in the trash within a week? I think not. It’s also the best place to purchase kitchen utensils.
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