Alter Clothing To Save Money

I bought a pair of jeans a while ago and love how they fit me , except they are really too wide at the bottom. I just do not like a flare. They are labeled as a boot cut , but they have more flare than any of my other boot cut jeans. I found this link, How to Turn Flare Jeans Into Straight Leg Jeans, and I am going to try it out on these jeans. The jeans were free so it won't hurt to try. I hope I can make the first cut and stitch and not chicken out. These jeans fit so good other than the flare. Save me from having to buy a new pair of jeans!

Hopefully , I will try later in the week. My Little Man will be gone until Saturday. I will most likely put on Project Runway for inspiration Friday morning and sew them into straight leg jeans.

Wish me luck!

Goodwill Hunting!

Hunting at Goodwill thrift store and find a whole outfit for less than $6.00!! AWESOME!!

I got this top , that looks great with this black skirt , but will also look great with just a pair of jeans. Bisou Bisou brand. The skirt is so comfortable and will be a great addition to my wardrobe. ANYTHING will go with it. I love the green purse. I got it on a whim. It is vintage leather from Italy. I love it and for only $1.00 it is even more of a treasure. The top and skirt were both half off. Just a great day for thrifty fashion.

Dreary & Rainy Day

My mood today matches the weather. I dress by my mood and today I got out the black skinny jeans that I had gotten on clearance. The top I got from a thrift store and just love. The sleeves have elastic going down them and it makes them fitted. I could wear it with anything.

These boot I got on clearance also and the tops can be folded down and show a purple plaid. They zip up the back. Kind of cute. Perfect for a rainy day.

Salvation Army treasures!

On a recent trip to a nearby Salvation Army, I managed to find two really great finds. The first, being a cute pair of glam heels for only $2.50!! They are incredibly comfortable and versatile. I plan on wearing them on Halloween and incorporating them into my own, DIY sorceress costume. I also think they would be cute for the holidays, worn with a pair of tights.

My second find makes me really happy. A bohemian/hippy style maxi skirt. Only $3! If you have ever window shopped for bohemian clothes online, in the mall, etc., you know that bohemian style does NOT come cheap! But, if you hit up your local Salvation Army, or any other thrift store/flea market for that matter, you may be lucky enough to find some super cheap bohemian threads of your own!

Also, I would like to add that I personally prefer Salvation Army to Goodwill. Salvation Army seems to be more reasonably priced.  Not to mention, I seem to find the coolest stuff at Salvation Army every time I go, whereas at Goodwill, I may find something cool once in a while.

In addition, you are more likely to find cool, one of a kind stuff right after the weekend because it is during the weekend that the thrift shop staff tend to put the most stuff out. So Mondays and Tuesdays! And, get there early! :)

Color Of Love!

Buying some clothing on Ebay can be a great way to find unique items for very little money. This t-shirt was only 99 cents and had FREE SHIPPING! Yes, it came from China and took about a week to get to me , but 99 cents!! The Skinny jeans I actually bought online and were on sale for $6.98 on Walmart. I also bought a pair of black ones , too.  The cute shoes were a great thrift store find. They were $3.95.

One thing to remember when buying items that do come from Asia , is that their sizes run small. So if you usually wear a medium, you would want to get a large. And do be patient! They do sometimes take up to a month to get to you. I have ordered gaming items for my son that take a month!!

Shopping 101: What To Buy And When To Buy It

Certain times of the year are the best time to buy items on sale!

Here is a list of what times are the best times to buy items to save you the most money

January

~All things Christmas. Christmas wrapping paper, gift cards, gift wrap, bows, bags, ornaments, stockings, toys, gifts. It's all 50% off. That's the best time to shop actually, so there is always still the good stuff left. Weeks later, it'll start going to 60% off, 75% off, 90% off, but by then, everything is picked over. So, shop the day after to about a week after Christmas at the 50% and you'll score the best deals. If your smart about it, you can have most of your shopping done for the next year, a whole year early! This is how I personally save MASSIVE amounts at Christmas time. A few new friends pop into your life during the year, no problem. Your budget is not even dented yet!

~Chinaware. If your looking to buy chinaware, wait until January. Worst time to sell it; best time to buy it!

~Small appliances. OK, so I know that most people think Black Friday is the best time to purchase... well... everything. But it's not. You'll score the best deals on small appliances in January as Christmas is over and stores are making room on their shelves for the newest models. I know... it's SO last season.

February

~Sporting goods stores run sales on discontinued items and last year's models in February. Great time to stock up on those soccer cleats or baseball jersey. Have a guy in your life? Your Christmas present can be snagged at rock bottom prices at these sales!

~Air conditioners / Fans. Since its technically still winter, its the last thing on your mind, right. It shouldn't be. You'll find clearance tags and great deals on 'summery' supplies.

~After Valentine's day supplies for the next year are all on clearance the day after Valentine's Day! Mmm, candy.

March

~Luggage. Planning a summer vacation? Luggage is at its best prices in March.

~Skiing Equipment. Winter is just about over. Spring is beginning. That means clearance for all those winter supplies.

~House ware items are usually on sale during March. If your looking for a new pots/pan set, now's the time to buy!

April

~Winter shoes, slippers, socks, hosiery. It's all going on clearance now to make room for spring items. My favorite shoe brand is Skechers. I don't wear anything else. I love to check my local stores for those shoes. Skechers.com also has a great selection of clearance items this month, but check them often, as they usually go fast.

~Sewing supplies are on sale this month, though honestly I have no clue as to the reasoning behind it. Visit your local fabric stores for some pretty awesome deals.

May

~Jewelry is a hot selling item for Mother's Day, so you'll score some great deals on jewelry this month. Get that special necklace you've been wanting or for the other women in your life.

~Auto repair shops and tire specialty stores are offering great sales on tires this month.

~Want to upgrade your TV? This month is the best month of the year to do that. Grab last year's model at a fraction of the cost. Check those clearances and shop around.

June

~Men's clothing is on sale. Nothing says Happy Father's Day like a new shirt or tie. Score the best deals in men's clothing this month.

~Likewise, tools will be on sale! Check Sears.com and other hardware stores for some great deals.

~Need a new floor covering or rug? It's on sale in June.

July

~Technology. iPods, iPads, iPhones, CD players, DVD players, and the like are all on sale in July. Yes, there REALLY IS a 'Christmas in July!'

~Speaking of Christmas in July, scour the ads, check online, walk down the clearance toy aisles, and your likely to see some fantastic toy deals. Perfect time for scoring those Christmas presents on the sly. Most people think Christmas in July is a myth. I tell you, sometimes, its BETTER than Black Friday. I know, gasp right.

August

~My favorite month of the year, and not just because it's my birthday month.

~School supplies, my friend. Stores like Staples, Target, and other retailers are starting to stock their shelves with school supplies and they are running some fabuLESS sales! Every year, I get all my school supplies during August. Staples has a lot of penny sales during this month as well. I have my kids go with me. If the limit is say 2 per item. I have my kids pay, their limit is 2. They are customers and what checker can resist receiving a penny from a little child! They get to pick out supplies on the super cheap. It's a lot of fun. I love motivating them for school in simple ways. They look forward to August... probably not more than Christmas though.

~Do you like department store cosmetics, but not the prices? Great news! They're on sale this month.

~Jackets/Coats. OK, really. Who's thinking about coats in August. Well, I am. I'm quite obsessed with coats. So, I love to have a new one (or few) each year. August is the best time to buy. See I told you August was awesome!

September

~Fall Fashion. Stores continue to begin to stock their shelves with coats and that means a nice 30-50% off for you!

~Get your gardening plans ready for next Spring because gardening supplies are on sale in September.

~A new car. OK, maybe not NEW, but last years model for sure. For over a decade, I worked in banking. I know that the minute you drive that brand new model off the lot, you lose $2k right off the bat. If you REALLY want to save money. Buy a car that is 3-5 years old and has no more than 30,000 miles on it. That is the best bang for your buck. It'll last you a long time and someone ELSE lost those thousands of dollars in the first years of owning a brand NEW car.

October

~Ringing in 4th on the list, aside from Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas in July, the weekend before Halloween and continuing through Halloween you'll find some pretty amazing pre-Black Friday deals. You'll see everything from clothes to toys to electronics up to 30% off! I'll just tell you know. Shopping for Christmas gifts in December is like the kiss of death. It's the WORST time you can possibly buy and want to save money!

~Retailers expected to sell a ton of denim jeans for back to school, but they didn't sell enough. Good news for you: they're heavily discounted. Check Sears and JC Penney's this month for some fabuLESS deals!

November

~Left over Halloween items. Mmmm, more candy.

~Linens and bedding are also discounted in October.

~Womens' shoes are on sale in November. Great time to stock up. Remember that as an adult, your foot size doesn't change, so if you have a particular brand and style of shoes that you like to keep one pair on hand every year, feel free to STOCK UP for years to come if you find them at a great deal.

December

~Never buy Christmas gifts or decorations in December. Ever. You'll think your saving money, but your actually over-paying.

~Thanksgiving decorations and foods are on sale. If you like, say olives or Stove Top Stuffing year round, now's a good time to pick them up. Anything Thanksgiving related will be on sale. Check the products expiration date and purchase accordingly to supply your family for 3-6 months of those products. Doing so, will keep your grocery bill down. I'll teach you how to do that with all your groceries in the couponing section.

~Children's clothing is on major clearance! You'll score some great deals. Remember to check Sears and JC Penney's for some fabuLESS clearance deals. They usually have snowsuits that retail upwards of $50-$60 for only $5-$6. Resell them on eBay or Craigslist and make some money! I sold children's clothing for many years and that is exactly what I did. People pay more for brand name clothing, even more so with tags attached. Get yourself a clothing rack and your good to go.

Going To The Grocery Store...

Please bear with me as I learn the ins and outs of taking photos of clothing. I tried to take one wearing them and it just would not happen. I might need to get one of those selfie sticks or move the huge mirror into my room.

Here is outfit #1 from my stack of thrifty finds. The white skinny jeans I got at a yard sale for about 25 cents. The polka dot shirt was 50 cents and the purse was $3.00 from thrift store. Since I was just going to the grocery store, I did not wear any jewelry and I just wore a pair of black sandals...

When you look for jeans at thrift stores or yard sales, check to see that the zipper works. If you do find a white pair like these check them out very well for stains.

This purse is my favorite one. I have had it for over a year and use it the most often. Leather is very sturdy!! When you do look at handbags at thrift store go for the genuine leather ones. They will last so much longer and stay looking nice for a long time.

How Many Outfits Can I Get Out Of My Pile Of Thrift Store Finds?

This is my pile of thrift store finds that I am going to have fun figuring out how many outfits that I can get out of it.

Jeans, skirts, tops, and jackets.

I like to buy items that can be used in different ways and look good with many things. That way I get more use out of them. Makes it a lot more frugal and budget friendly to be able to get more out of my clothing. I don't necessarily have to have name-brand clothing. I just hunt for items that are comfortable and versatile. I spend less and get more bang for my buck.

My daughter will be making post on this blog , also. She is very good at finding treasures in thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales.

Frugal Fashion

You do not have to spend a lot of money or be rich to be fashionable. I will show how I am fashionable with just things that I find on sale and at thrift stores. I also go to yard sales, but not too often. Mostly because I do not have a lot time in mornings. So Thrifts stores it is.