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December 3, 2015
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December 9, 2015
I love fashion and I have always been inspired by it, but I am also a firm believer that quality fashion doesn’t have to be expensive. Each week I come to you with a new outfit, but that doesn’t mean that I spend a fortune on my wardrobe. I’m sure more than one of you have clicked through one of my fashion posts and thought, “How much do you pay for your clothes?”
When I first starting writing fashion posts, I thought it would just come on each week with an outfit along with a few tips and tricks along the way. However, I have determined that I have more responsibility than just throwing on an outfit.
Anyone who knows me well knows that I have a special gift for finding a bargain! I grew up as the daughter of a teacher and then eventually married a preacher, which means I have never been blessed with a huge income to spend on clothes. So, I had to develop skills for finding quality pieces at low prices.
As you can see, my shopping strategy involves several things: outlet stores, second-hand clothing, shopping sales at high-end stores and keeping quality staple pieces for years. So, I guess it’s time for the moment of truth…I think you may be surprised by the grand total.
How Much Do You Pay For Your Clothes?
For These 6 Outfits – $105.47
In January I will start a new series on how to become a frugal fashionista. I will be sharing all my best tips learned over years of experience and I have the outfits to prove it 😉 I hope you’ll join me!
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Check out the other fabulous fashion linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!
41 Comments
Awesome post Shellie! And I spend an average on my wardrobe sometime, a bit high. I really like all these clothes and accessories that you mention in your post. The Ann Taylor dress is looking gorgeous and I think it’s rate is not so high. Thanks for sharing this type of fashion ideas and also dresses.
Thanks Jessica. The costs of maintaining a fashionable wardrobe can really climb, but you can keep the costs lower with a little thought and a plan.
I have been fortunate and have had free reign on my clothes spending. I have way too much for one person and hope to pull it in for 2016. My problem is not that I can’t find the deals, it’s I don’t know when to stop – there’s too many deals to be had! Looking forward to your new series.
Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Thanks Alice! I do appreciate how your linkup focuses on restyling clothes you already own.
I don’t spend a lot on clothing either- definitely watch sales and use coupons. I also love stores like Marshalls and TJ MAXX with good brand names and much lower prices. I will spend on shoes- they HAVE to be supportive and comfortable, and leather bags.
At first I was frightened of this post. I hate reading fashion magazine’s fashion finds for only $180 for a purse. I don’t have the energy or the money. I thought this post might be like that. How wonderful that you too know that you can be fashionable on penneys.
Haha, Beth…I know exactly the posts you’re talking about! When I say I buy clothes at a discount, I really mean it 😉
I always feel like the most unfashionable woman alive, so I appreciate your tips. And it’s great to see how you can pull great looks together without spending a lot of money. Thanks for sharing this post at the Blogger’s Pit Stop.
Thanks Debbie…I do love a bargain!
Nice post! I love poshmark and do a fair amount of shopping there, getting amazing deals, like thrift shopping from your house. I use coupons etc. Ebay. A great way to show you dont have to spend tons to look great!
Thanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks Jess…I will have to check out Poshmark!
Those Goodwill skinny jeans rock! We are like minded about vintage. If we lived closer together, I’d take you to an estate sale or two. Surreal to try on clothes in someone else’s bedroom. 😉
Hey Mithra, I bet it is an interesting experience! I have never really done many estate sales, but I have done my share of flea markets.
Sharing how much (little) you paid is half the fun of a new outfit!
I totally agree, Liz! I always say that anyone can buy a fashionable outfit if they spend enough money, but it takes real talent to dress fashionably on very little. Thanks for stopping by!
I absolutely adore bargains and vintage clothing, but as I send most of my day in riding breeches, it is not often that I find any! Thanks for this post, it inspires me to go and look for something for Christmas.
Hi Margaretha, I hope you find some great bargains with a little glitz to take a break from your riding clothes.
thank goodness there is a fashionable woman out there who still knows the value of the dollar! I can’t believe how much some women spend on their clothes and more money does not necessarily equal more style!
Leanne, I have always been a massive bargain hunter, so it’s really just a natural thing for me.
What a great idea to share what you spend. you are right so often I wonder how much an item costs! and man you are a bargain hunting machine!
Yes Rosemond, I realized I was neglecting to mention how important frugality is to my fashion philosophy!
I am all about frugal shopping and scouring deals, so this post really spoke to me. I am in love with Dillard’s outlet. Just love how adorable you look in each of these fabulous outfits and am amazed at the great deals you scored!
Oh my, me too…love Dillard’s Outlet! It is a must-visit anytime I am in the US and usually we go more than once 😉
This is a great idea for a series! 🙂
I agree that you don’t need to spend a lot to look great! The majority of my wardrobe comes from sales, although I do like to splurge on accessories 😉
Hi Mica, I am willing to spend a little more for leather accessories; however, I still like to get those on sale as well 😉
Oh my gosh, I love you gurlllll!! I also have items in my closet that have been with me for years. If something is under 3 years old, I consider it ‘new’! Shopping is just not my ‘jam’ and the less I have to do it the better. I stick with classic pieces with just a few trendy items thrown in for sizzle. Thanks for sharing Shellie!
Kimberly XO
Hi Kim…I have quite a few classic pieces, but I do love to shop so I have a good mix of it all!
I agree that you don’t have to spend a lot to look stylish! You have so many great finds that are timeless quality pieces! I’m looking forward to your new series in January!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Thanks Jill! I realized that I was neglecting an important value by not mentioning frugal fashion.
Shellie, you and I are singing from the same sheet! Across the pond you might refer to it as thifting, we in the UK call it charity shopping, and I can say that almost every post of mine has something, if not many, that has been a happy find in a charity shop. I sometimes bore my readers to death about the joys of these bargain finds, but I just feel so delighted to save my cash for other treats (like holidays or presents for family). Anyway, you look so lovely, always smiling and have a real healthy glow that says true happiness to me. Your outifts are always fab too, and I just wanted to say I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with in January x
Anna
Anna’s Island Style
Thanks Anna, I take that as a huge complement that you notice something more than the clothes!
What a bargain indeed! It helps that you take care of your things and also get timeless pieces! Great eye!
Thanks Freda!
Well done for all your budget items! I rarely buy an item of clothing full price as there are so many offers on these day but I don’t have much time to rummage through charity stores or dress agencies.
Hi Lorna, second-hand stores are not my primary shopping venues either…you are right that they take the most time commitment.
You find some great deals!! I try to always shop sales, but I will splurge for shoes!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Fine accessories are worth extra some extra money because they are typically things you keep for a long time. I have a soft spot for jewelry.
Love your frugal shopping ideas and you always look lovely!!
Thanks Debbie…that’s so nice of you to say!
You’re a great shopper, Shellie! And a good keeper of clothing as well. I agree, you don’t need a lot of $$$ to look fab. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thanks Patti!