Saving Money Cost Me
Shopping is torture for me. I hate going into to stores, looking through racks of clothing, and coming home empty handed. I’ll find something I love, check the price tag and put it back on the rack. Clothing sticker shock prevents me from buying anything and leaves me in a desperate situation of needing clothes and having nothing to wear.
For my new job, I need formal/corporate business clothes. I own one business suit, my interview suit, and nothing else. I need to buy some more things but the thought of filling out my wardrobe flashes dollar signs and diminishing account balances before my eyes.
Instead of making a practical list of actual needs, I hit several thrift stores in hopes of miracles. I love thrift store shopping but it isn’t a solution when you need something specific (unless you’re lucky). There I found a a few items nice enough for work and brought them home even though I didn’t like them.
Now, I two outfits, two pairs of pants, one wool skirt, and several tops that don’t work with anything else in my closet and I really don’t want to wear any them.
What I need is that basic wardrobe that allows me to mix and match items a variety of ways so that a couple items go a long way. But now, I’ve already spent $100 at the thrift stores the past two months and feel like I’ve already wasted my clothing budget by trying to save money.
In the meantime, I’m in the office feeling frumpy in my thrift store finds and funky closet combinations while everyone else has their hair up, heels and hose, matching accessories, and looks stylish. My frugal shopping choices are actually going to cost me this time.
Mrs.Bart
January 25th, 2007 10:04
Creating a first time professional wardrobe is tough! If you have a car, try hitting thrift stores in other neighborhoods. The wealthy neighborhoods that are known for both parents working should have a better selection of suits. Also, try Target. You can get some nice basics there. Good luck!
steph
January 25th, 2007 16:23
Try New York and Co or even the clearance rack at old navy. They always have coupons and the clothes are nice enough without breaking the bank.
Jenn
January 26th, 2007 08:16
Do you ever go over to Rebecca’s site?
http://betweenmypeers.com/
She has great fashion advice.
It does sound like you need to bite the bullet, go through your closet and decide what it is you need in a work wardrobe then buy a few key pieces. Maybe you don’t actually need to purchase a suit or anything, but if you had a few pairs of dress slacks and a couple of dress shirts? Or if you went out and paid the money for say 2 suits that fit you well, (say in one of those “sales of the century” that JC Penney has every single weekend-with my coloring I would say a black suit and a gray, but I don’t know what yours is) then fill it out with a variety of button up shirts or shells from the thrift store and some skirts from the thrift store that would work with either blazers?
In the mean time, do you have any friends or family members that might have something in the closet that you could borrow, say someone who has lost or gained weight that might have something in your size or someone who used to work in an office but is now staying home? There might be someone who could lend you something for a few months until you can budget some more money.
Just a thought.
Wanda
January 29th, 2007 02:45
It’d be a good idea to invest in a 3-piece suit (jacket, skirt, pants) in a nice dark wool (grey or black) - you can mix and match and they would last you a long time if properly cared for. Then you can just update your wardrobe every season with accessories. I know that Loehmann’s online have many designer suits on sale, especically if you are between sizes 4-10.
Good luck!
laura
January 29th, 2007 14:24
Wow, it’s like you’re telling my life’s story! I, too, hate clothes shopping, but look at it this way: If you itemize deductions, once you do finally find some outfits that work for you, donate the ones you don’t like back to the thrift store, then write off the donation on your taxes. If the clothes are worth a lot more than you paid for them, you may break even with the tax savings.
bluntmoney
January 31st, 2007 10:14
I hated shopping for clothes as well, until I read a book called Brenda’s Wardrobe Companion. It really helped. Also, maybe look at things on a cost-per-use basis?
Donna Jean
January 31st, 2007 10:24
Thanks for all the feedback, lots of helpful suggestions to help me figure out what to do next. I took several thrift store items home to momma this past weekend for some fitted tailoring and they are looking better.
I also finished a book, Ready to Wear, that was really helpful and prompted me to clean out my closet of all the things that I don’t wear (for work or pleasure) and I now have a good idea of what I have and what I still need — the situation is a little less desperate at the moment.
Frugal Necessities: Pantyhose » The Weight of Money
February 7th, 2007 10:25
[...] Dressing for work is costing too much – mostly in terms of time and frustration of knowing I don’t quite “fit in”. While I know I need to go shopping and have reviewed some great comment on the subject, I’m still struggling every morning getting dressed for work. [...]
I’m Looking Good Today » The Weight of Money
February 21st, 2007 11:10
[...] I’ve received three direct compliments and multiple friendly greetings this morning, all because I finally fit in at work. I decided that I’d been putting shopping off for too long and dragged myself to the mall on Saturday. I went with a very clear plan of action and didn’t leave until I’d reached my goals. And now, at work, I’m seeing the clear benefits of all the effort - more respect and friendliness from coworkers. [...]