Salvation Army
Stein Mart & Salvation Army Join Forces for Charity Event
What: Stein Mart is doing it again. The specialty store chain is partnering with the Salvation Army for a Give & Receive clothing drive for the second time this year. From October 1 – 3, customers who bring in clean, gently used garments to any Stein Mart store nationwide will be able to receiving sales on a number of fall fashions, and more.
What They Say:
“We are proud to once again partner with Salvation Army,” says Stein Mart chairman Jay Stein. “Our loyal customers continuously step up to join us in our efforts to support this valued organization. We are honored to again have this opportunity to help those in need and hope to make this an ongoing initiative.”
What We Say: Organizations like the Salvation Army always need additional clothes for the cold winter months, and you need to clean out your closet. It sounds like a match made in heaven, right? Just consider Stein Mart’s offer to throw in a 20% off coupon for each item donated the cherry on top of this already great event.
The Budget Fashionista’s Tips for Selling Your Clothes
In case you missed it: continue Spring cleaning by getting rid of your old stuff in a useful way.
Whether you’re hurting for a little extra cash, or you’re simply cleaning your closet, a most satisfying way to get rid of your old clothes is to sell them. Here’s how to make a decent profit out of your closet.
Get the 1-2-3s of prepping your closet for clothing to sell: we have some tips on how to organize everything into piles.
Also, if you’re donating clothing, make sure you know what paperwork to keep for further savings down the road.
How to sell your clothes on eBay: know the best time to end your auctions, what info to include, and more.
How to sell at a consignment shop: know what fees are reasonable, and what to expect from the contract. Also, make sure to check out our review of InStyleBelly, the consignment store for maternity clothing.
Give to Get at Stein Mart: by donating some of your clothes, you can get a discount to shop for new stuff.
You’ve Got to Give to Get at Stein Mart
What: Clean out your closet and head to Stein Mart, where you’ll get 20% off a single-item purchase, just for donating gently-used clothing to the Salvation Army. Stein Mart’s annual Give & Receive event is happening March 5—7.
What They Say:“The economic downturn has meant that people are keeping their gently used items longer so we are seeing fewer donations to our thrift and family stores,” said Major George Hood, The Salvation Army’s national community relations and development secretary. “This means that we have fewer goods to sell and therefore less funding for our life-changing programs. Stein Mart’s support, and that of their shoppers, is vital to our service.”
What We Say: . We know you can’t bare to part with those itty bitty jeans from college that you swore you’d squeeze into again, but chances are there’s someone else out there who can fit into those jeans. So, help out the Salvation Army, and receive a coupon for 20% off a single purchase at Stein Mart.
Budget Best: Online Vintage Consignment Stores
One of my favorite childhood memories involves rummaging through the racks of the local Junior League thrift store with my seamstress grandma. A Saturday morning ritual, I never left the shop empty handed. There was always a vintage patent leather clutch or rhinestone brooches or Hermes like silk scarf—with prices tags well under $5.00.
Fast forward 20 years.Now vintage fashion doesn’t always equal bargain prices. Deals that could be found in local thrift stores are now going for $100.00 plus dollars at online and offline vintage stores. In fact, many vintage and consignment shop owners stock their stores with items they found at their local Salvation Army and Goodwill (biggest spot—Jersey City Salvation Army). However, all is not lost. There’s been a emergence of online vintage stores that have great items without the high mark-ups. Here’s some of my favorite.
But first ... a few things to remember
1. Sizes, like people, change over time. Sizes of clothing pre-1980 tend to run significantly smaller than its comparable size today. The rule of thumb is to add 2 sizes to your current size to find your vintage size. For example, if you wear a size 10 now, you would wear about a size 14 in vintage clothing.
2. Follow care instructions carefully. Because of age, vintage fabric tends to be much more delicate than newer items. Make sure you follow the care instructions exactly. Unless otherwise expressed in the care instructions, I would send all vintage items to a reputable dry cleaner.
3. Try several places before purchasing. Prices of vintage items vary greatly by stores. Search around, and you may find a similar item cheaper at another shop.
4. Shop it like a regular store. Yes, that Pucci print jumpsuit is exactly like one worn by Edie Sedgwick in the 60s. However, if you wouldn’t purchase it on the rack of a “regular” store, don’t purchase it now.
Shop Goodwill-Our Favorite thrift store now has an online auction site. The nicely designed site is not quite Ebay, but you can find items at a cheaper price than its for-profit competitor. Shop Goodwill is the best place for cheap costume jewelry on the web. Where else could you find one of this season’s hottest styles, cameo brooches, for $2.00? There is a major downside to the site, very few of the postings have pictures.
ebay.com- Ebay has started to ramp up its style section, with a focus on fashionistas on a budget. Good deals can be found here, especially in the area of vintage fashion. I’ve purchased several items from the store, most recently a vintage hat covered with silk daisies circa 1962. Before spending any money with an Ebay store, check it sellers ratings and view their buyer comments. In addition, always purchase items from e-bay using a credit card with buyer protection. That way if the item is fake (which happens more often than not), you may be able to get your money back via the credit you used to purchase the item.
Fashion Dig—The grandma of online vintage. Has a HUGE database of online and offline vintage stores.
The Snob—One of the first and largest online vintage retailers, the Snob has a comprehensive, searchable, online database of vintage fashions from designers like Versace, gently worn authentic Hermes handbags (including vintage), Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Prada, Valentino, Missoni, Malo, Fendi, Jil Sander, Manolo Blahnik, Gucci, Chanel and Prada shoes and bags. . All merchandise is authentic and in excellent condition (some items in mint, unworn condition). Check out their large selection of plus size vintage and consignment items.
Rodeo Drive Resale - This Rodeo drive based store, has a online store with an impressive collection of vintage handbags and evening dresses worn by stars to premieres and Hollywood events. Of particular interest is perhaps the largest selection of St. John Knits consignment items. Frequent costumers can negotiate free shipping on their purchases.
Vintage Trends—Large vintage online store for men, women, and children. Has not only clothing, but has vintage military, lingerie and housewares as well. My favorite section is the vintage ethnic clothing from Pakistan to Ghana to Bali. Most items priced between $20-$50.
Hey Viv—Looking for 1950’s/ early 1960’s inspired dresses. Have dreams of purchasing a dress that would make June Cleaver green with envy? Hey Viv is the 1950’s/1960’s inspired vintage store selling dresses, and outfits from the time period of I love Lucy and big cars. Great place to look for a poodle skirt. Most items priced below $40.
Know a great vintage site that should be on this list? Submit it (go to the customer feedback form) to me. I am always on the prowl…….
How to Clean Thrift Store Clothing
There’s nothing I like more than a shopping spree at my local Salvation Army. I never really paid much attention to disinfecting the garments, until I learned that a fashion editor friend of mine received a nasty infection from not cleaning her thrift store purchases properly. This tool gives you tips on cleaning and disinfecting your thrift store purchases.
Never, ever, wear a thrift store purchase without first cleaning the garment(s). In most cases it’s best to send the item to the dry cleaners for cleaning. The to dry clean garments kills pretty much every germ imaginable.
If the garment can’t be or your just too broke to afford a high cleaning bill, then wash the garment once in the hottest water possible, with a cap full of Pine Sol or other disinfectant and then a second time with a table spoon of baking soda (to remove the Pine Sol smell). Test the disinfectant on the garment prior to washing to make sure the chemicals don’t stain or otherwise damage the clothing. Dry the garment in your dryer at the highest possible heat.
For shoes, jewelry, and other accessories, wipe the piece down with rubbing alcohol (test a small area to make sure it doesn’t damage the piece) or spray with Lysol disinfect spray. This might not completely disinfect the garment, but it will kill some germs.
Guide to Great Budget Halloween Costumes
It can be very a hard to find that perfect Halloween costume for less than $100. Channel your inner child and try one of these outfits.
For the Single Girl
Queen of the World. This is my personal Halloween favorite. Head to the nearest Salvation Army or Goodwill for an old prom/evening dresses. Also look in the back of your closet for those “forgotten” bridesmaid dresses (the puffier and gaudier, the better). Go to Claire’s Boutique and purchase a tiara (usually around $5 to $10), several “diamond” rings, and elbow-length, white gloves. Throw on the “diamond” jewelry, correct that posture, and purchase a copy of Hello (a.k.a. the British version of People Magazine) or British OK at your local Barnes and Noble to learn how to perfect the royal wave (remember: to - wave, wave, touch the pearls). Now, here is the piece de triumph: Have your male spouse/friend/partner dress in a tux and gloves and be your manservant, James, for the whole night.
Total cost: $10.00-$50.00, depending on the size of your kingdom.
Marathon Runner. Dig out that summer tank top, shorts, and tennis shoes. Since it’s the end of October, go ahead and wear tights underneath those short shorts. Print out a race number on your computer, pin it to your tank, and you are ready to go.
Total cost: $0.00-$40.00, depending on the medal you are seeking.
Video Diva. All you need is a big blonde wig (channel RuPaul), black eyeliner, a plaid mini-skirt, a cropped top, and some thigh-high boots, and you’re are set. It’s helpful to bring a little CD player and have “Genie in a Bottle” playing in the background.
Total cost: $10.00-$50.00, depending on the size of your record contract.
Tabloid Queen. Throw on a short trench coat, big sunglasses (think Mary Kate Olsen), gather one or two tabloid newspapers, and pretend “like your trying hide, while secretly wanting to be noticed.” You can turn this into a couple costume by having your partner act as a member of the paparazzi or your publicist.
Total cost: $0.00-$10.00, depending on the size of your headline.
Sports Mom or Dad. The prep for this costume is fairly easy. Attend one of your local little league events and study the parent pacing the sidelines wearing the team colors from head to toe. Then head to your nearest Salvation Army or call up a friend to borrow a Booster club t-shirt. Spend the entire night yelling at others to “suck it up”, “run faster”, and “stop being a cry baby”.
Total cost: $0.00, depending on your child’s therapy bills.
iPod. iPod’s are hot right now, so why not be one for Halloween. Find a large piece of white cardboard (you can ask your local grocery store for any extras they might have) and cut it into a rectangular square that is at least 40 inches long. Then, cut out a small “window” at the top of the cardboard for your head. Using silver paint, draw on the buttons. As an alternative, you could go as Steve Jobs—just wear a black turtleneck, pants, shoes, wire rimmed glasses, and walk around carrying an iPod.
Total cost: $0.00, depending on your child’s therapy bills.
Costumes for Couples
Ward & June Cleaver. Head out to your local department store or thrift shop and find fifties-inspired, A-line dresses for a fraction of their normal price. Add a simple strand of pearls, pearl earrings, a waist apron, sensible pumps and you’re are ready to go. Have your significant other dress as Ward. Have him add a pipe and you’ll be in the running for best costume. Total cost: $40.00- $80.00, depending on whether “the Beav” needs braces.
Game Show Host and Pretty Assistant. This is a perfect costume for couples. Go to your nearest thrift store and find the cheesiest, late ‘70s/early ‘80s polyester, double knit suit ensemble for men, and an ‘80s deranged-bridesmaid dress for women. Purchase a children’s play microphone (Target has some for super- cheap prices). Buy the cheapest hair spray you can find (All Net is good) and tease your hair like you’re are from the Jersey shore. Get a piece of cardboard, cut out a star about 8 inches in diameter and glue on gold glitter. Write the word “Grand Prize” in silver. To keep you smiling for the entire night, use this beauty pageant trick: put Vaseline on the gums underneath your upper lip.
Total cost: $20.00-$70.00 for both costumes, depending on whether or not your show is picked up for another season.
Tacky Tourists. Think the National Lampoon’s Family Vacation Series. Pair loud, floral printed camp shirts with hideous khaki or bermuda shorts. Wear white tube socks pulled up to your knees with those plastic sandals from Wal-Mart. Add a camera/camcorder, fanny pack, and flip sunglasses to finish off the outfit.
Total cost: $0.00-$20.00 for both costumes, depending on how much vacation time you’ve accumulated.
Costumes for Groups
The Seven Deadly Sins. This costume is cheap and easy. Get six friends to go as the other deadly sins: greed, envy, wrath, gluttony, pride and lust. Choose sloth because it’s the cheapest costume of the seven sins. All you have to do is not wash your hair for two days, roll out of bed in your PJs and you’re are set!
Total cost: $0, depending on how sinful you’re are willing to get.
1970s Television Family. There are so many great ones to choose from: the Partridge Family, Brady Bunch, Evan’s family (from “Good Times”), Donny and Marie Osmond, and the Jefferson’s. The family you choose depends on the make-up of your group of friends, but putting together the outfits is almost as much fun as the actual Halloween event itself. Make a date and head straight to your local thrift store, or your parent’s closet.
Total cost: $20.00 and up, depending on how dy-no-mite you want to be.
Some great suggestions from TheBudgetFashionista.com readers:
Silver Screen actress. Take your sexiest black dress, paint the your uncovered skin that would show in it silver (silver- colored hairspray works great), spray your hair black, and only wear only black and white accessories. Definitely stand out in a crowd, while still looking FABULOUS!!
From Evil Diva
Smurfette and Gargamelle. Last year my boyfriend and I were the “budget” Smurfette and Gargamelle. I wore a plain white dress (Job Lot or nurse uniform store for $3) and wore a blue turtleneck and blue tights under it. Then I cut a sleeve from an old white turtleneck, tied the end, stuffed it with toilet paper, and it that was my hat. I painted my face blue. and the only expensive thing was the blond wig, because I have dark hair. My beau wore a long black dress, put pulled red soccer socks over his sneakers, got a cat stuffed animal toy and a net, and we was were good to go!
From Kate
Freudian Slip. Last Halloween, I saw a woman wearing a slip with words like “id”, “ego”, “oedipal”, etc, written on it. It was a Freudian slip. It was so clever and certainly wasn’t expensive.
From Cecilia
At least one of these ideas will help you to make a true entrance at the party. If all else fails, at least you will have had a great time putting the outfit together.
Got a great budget Halloweeen costume idea? Post it in the comment section below.
Salvation Army Thrift Stores: My FAVORITE Thrift Stores
itten . . .
Along with chocolate and boot cut jeans, I hereby declare my love for the Salvation Army. Sally, as I affectionately call my love, is perhaps the best store to ever exist. Saks, my former love, has nothing on this store. Where else could you find a John Paul Gaultier shirt, from BERGDORF GOODMAN, for $1.50? Two months ago, I found two vintage Norma Kamali dresses, perfect condition, $2.50 a piece. When I gave them to my best friend (they were a size 4), she was so excited that she started to shriek, hysterically, like she was possessed by some strange budget-shopping spirit. Later, she told me that sometimes she just likes to wear the dresses around her apartment, because they make her feel special. This is the power of Salvation Army.
There are many times that I head to Sally’s as a fashion last resort. For example, this weekend I needed a cocktail dress to wear to a business function. I found a beautiful black dress from Salvation Army with black lace insets for $5.00. I added a silver leather belt from the GAP, a pair of silver flats from the Nine West Outlet and a pair of silver square clip on earrings from Nordstrom Rack- for a completely stunning outfit. Totaly cost—$48.00.
Before running out to your local Salvation Army, it is important to know a couple key tips. One tip to shopping Salvation Army, is to make friends with the sales staff. Most people are so snotty towards the staff at the stores, that they often miss out on the greatest finds. Roxanne, the manager at the Jersey City Salvation Army who helps me find great items like my short rabbit fur jacket circa 1968 for 16 bucks, is officially invited to my birthday party. She also helped me find a green vintage Coach purse for $9.99, scoring an invite for Thanksgiving dinner.
Another tip to shopping the Salvation Army is to find out which color tag is on sale. Each week select stores place a different color price tags on sale—usually 50% off all items with the sale tag color. So my knit dress, originally from Bergdorf, was reduced from $6.99 to $3.50—less than the cost of a White Chocolate Mochachino.
The biggest tip to shopping a Salvation Army, is to shop it like you would a regular store. If it doesn’t fit right, don’t buy it. You don’t want to end up with a closet full of items that are will be returned right back to the store.
Last but not least, make sure you know the best days to shop your local Sally store. The best days to shop Salvation Army is the weekday—head over during your lunch hour. Wear comfortable shoes, because most Sally stores have hard cement floors.
The power of a good Salvation Army extends past yourself and into the local community surrounding the store. Sally stores help support the activities of the Salvation Army organization, which provide a wide range of social services to the community. So while looking fashionable, you are also supporting your community. That is real shopping power.
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