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Do’s and Don’t’s of Shopping at a Thrift Store!

March 31, 2015 by Katie Haller

I am a frequent visitor of my local Salvation Army thrift store. It may sound strange, but there is just something about the smell of old clothes and Christian music playing on the radio that makes a trip to the Salvation Army the perfect way for me to spend a Saturday morning. I’m the first one to admit that thrift stores can be a huge disappointment. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve left empty-handed. Just recently, I went to my local Salvation Army store here in Nevada and I was extremely disappointed, but not discouraged. I’ll be back in a couple of months, but in the meantime, I’ll look at some other thrift stores in the area.

Over the years, I’ve found some amazing deals at thrift stores. I’ve bought a pencil skirt for 50 cents apiece. I one time found a perfect conditioned Burberry purse for under $20. Most recently, I’ve found some great basic pieces, like jeans and sweaters perfect for work, never pay more than $5. I’ve learned how to find some great bargains at the thrift stores.

Here are some of my Do’s and Don’t’s for navigating the Thrift Store.

Do- Go often
Thrift stores are always getting new merchandise. Just because you had back luck on your last trip, doesn’t mean that you’re cursed. I try to go at least once a month. I also like to hit up different stores in other areas. Usually, the nicer the area, the nicer the clothes.

Don’t- expect to find one specific item
Don’t go to the thrift store looking for a dress to wear to a wedding next weekend. You’re not going to find it. The best idea is to go for fun without stress. This is usually when I have the best of luck.

Do- keep an open mind
It’s important to keep an open mind when shopping for used clothes. For me, I’ll find the cutest skirt for $1, but it will be two sizes too big. This is when I might consider getting it tailored or hemming it myself. You can always get creative with the clothes you find at a thrift store.

Don’t- Look for new trends
You are not going to find the clothes that are in the department stores this season. Remember these hand me downs. I like to look at the clothes and think of how I can modernize them up a little.

Do- Look for name brands
I’m always looking for a brand that I know and trust. Express, Old Navy, Banana Republic, J Crew are just a few of the names I’ll look for. Even better, look for the designers that you can’t afford at a normal store. You never know when you will find a gem.

Don’t- Pay for something that you can get for the same price new
Tank tops from Forever 21 or pajama pants from Old Navy are an example of this. I’m not going to pay $3 on something like this when I can go to the store and find the same thing brand new for the same price.

Do- Look for the sales and specials
Salvation Army and Goodwill always have some sort of 50% off special. Each day a different color price tag will be half off. On national holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July and New Years Day there are always big sales with 1/2 off all clothing.

Don’t- Pay too much money

When you’re shopping at a thrift store, keep your in mind that these are all used clothing. I say that you should set a budget for yourself. I try not to spend more than $5 on an item.

Do- Give yourself plenty of time
A thrift store is not a good place to go if you’re on a time crunch. Don’t go on your lunch break or on your way to a dinner date. You want to go when you have nothing else to do. This will give you plenty of time to search the racks and look for those secret bargain hiding.

Don’t- Give up!
If you don’t have luck on your first try, don’t give up. Go again. Eventually you will find something, then you will be hooked!

Those are my dos and don’t’s of thrift store shopping. Hopefully you will all take the challenge and head to your local thrift store. You will be surprised with what you might find. Have you ever found an amazing deal at a thrift store or resale shop?

5 Ways to Avoid Buyers Remorse

December 26, 2014 by Katie Haller

I know that we have all experienced a case of buyers’ remorse from time to time. How many times have you bought something at the store and said “this is cute, I’ll wear it one day”, then that one day never comes? We’ve all made those impulse purchases before.

When you’re living on a budget, it’s extremely important to avoid buyers’ remorse at all coast! No one wants to have regrets, especially when it comes to spending money. This time of the year can be difficult, with all the after Christmas sales out there, it’s important not to get lured in by the price tags. You want to be sure that you always are making smart purchases on things you will actually use.

Here are a few quick tips on how I have learned to avoid making impulse purchases.

1.) Just because it’s on sale, does not mean you have to buy it!

I’ve made this mistake before. I see a great deal on a piece and decide to buy it. Then when I get it home, I realize that it’s the wrong color and I have nowhere to wear it. Be smart when shopping. Ask yourself “Do I need this?” “Can I wear this?” “Is it practical?” If you answered no to any of these questions, put it back!

2.) Try on clothes at the store

If your questioning a purchase, be sure to try it on at the store. There is no better way to talk yourself out of buying something, than trying it on under those horrible lights in the store fitting rooms. (This is most likely the reason I have not bought a new bathing suit in 2 years.) If you still love the piece, despite the lighting and your static electric hair sticking up, then it’s worth buying. If it’s still a maybe, put it back!

3.) Carry your future purchase around the store with you

I find when I build a collection of clothes on my arm, I’m more likely to put it all back before I leave the store. It gives me time to really think about what I’m about to buy. I like to spend time weighing the pros and cons of the purchase.

4.) Bring a shopping buddy along

Having a friend with you can be a good thing. They can be the voice of reason you are looking for while shopping. For some reason, I make most of my impulse buys when I’m shopping on my own. Just make sure you bring a friend who also shares the same views as you on shopping.

5.) Make a list before you shop

I keep an ongoing list of clothes that I really want to add to my closet right on my notes on my phone. This way I can always refer to it when I’m out shopping. Once I find what I’m looking for (at the right price), I take it off the list and add more. This is the best way for me to avoid those impulse purchases on an item I’ll regret later.

Hopefully, you can use these tips while your out shopping all the after Christmas sales this weekend! Have fun shopping with no regrets!

Favorite Fall Fashion Trends on a Budget

November 2, 2014 by Katie Haller

I absolutely love fall fashion! It’s my favorite time of the year for putting together cute outfits. That’s why I want to share my top 5 favorite looks for fall this year, and also where to find them for a great price!

1.) Denim
I love the denim look in the fall. I’ve always loved a classic pair of blue jeans, but this fall I am going beyond just my jean pants. I’ve been mixing up my outfits with my jean jacket and denim button-down shirt. I am just loving this look!

Left: LC Lauren Conrad, Kohls $10 Top Right: Jessica Simpson, Meijer $10 Bottom Left: Target $16

2.) Button-down blouse with a boyfriend cardigan sweater
I am just loving this layered look for fall this year! You’ll see I have this look pinned over and over again on My Style board on Pinterest. I can’t get enough of it!

Blouse: Target $16 Sweater: Target $16

3.) Scarves
Scarves are not just something you wear in the winter to keep your neck warm. They are a fun way of dressing up any of your everyday outfits.

Left: Kohls $5 Center: Charming Charlie $5 Right: Old Navy $7

4.) Boots
I love boots in the fall. Riding boots, ankle boots or rain boots, it doesn’t matter. I just love wearing boots!

Left: DSW $50 (originally $200) Center: Kohls $12 Right: Target $30

5.) Trench Coats
I’ve always loved a classic double-breasted trench coat. It is a must-have in my closet. I have a black and a khaki trench coat. I get a lot of use out of them this time of the year. They are perfect for any occasion.

Left: Old Navy $15 Right: Forever 21 $30

Where can you find these looks for a great price?

Denim- You can find denim almost anywhere right now. Target, Kohls and Old Navy are my favorite places to find cute denim for a great price. Be sure to check out their sales and clearance sections.
Button Down Blouse- I like to look at thrift stores for blouses. I have found some gently worn button down blouses from stores like Express and Banana Republic, at the Salvation Army, for only $5 or less. It’s definitely worth a shot to look. If you don’t have any luck at a thrift store, there is always the clearance section at Target!
Boyfriend Cardigan Sweaters- Target is my favorite place to buy these sweaters. They start around $19.99, but I like to buy them when they go on clearance or when I see a sale for them. Don’t forget about your Cartwheel app. They often have these sweaters on special with the app!
Boots- Whether you are looking for ankle boots or riding boots, it’s always a good idea to wait until you see a great sale. They run a few sales in the fall, but the closer you get to Christmas, and even better, after the holidays, you start to see boots on sale everywhere. Target, DSW and Kohls are great places to look after the holidays.
Scarves- Scarves are everywhere in the fall. With the winter months right around the corner, stores are stocking up on their heavy winter scarves. Now is a great time to find light weight scarves on sale in the clearance section. I’ve had good luck at Charming Charlie and Old Navy.
Trench Coats- Old Navy is a great place to find inexpensive coats for any season. They always have great sales this time of the year! Forever 21 is also my go to store when I’m looking for an expensive look, with an affordable price.

My best advise for finding the best fall trends on a budget, is to always keep your eyes open. You never know when or where you will find an amazing deal!

Katie’s Closet~ 12 Ways to Wear a Striped Dress

October 25, 2014 by Katie Haller

When it comes to shopping, it’s always important to be a smart shopper. By this, I mean you should always look for the best price, but more importantly, you should buy clothes that you know you will get the most use out of. This is why I like to stick to pretty basic styles. You can always accessories differently each time you wear your clothes.

Here is an example… I found this basic black and white striped dress at Target a few weeks ago. It was in the clearance section (my favorite place ever) and it was only $9. I’ve been wanting a basic dress like this one for a while now, plus I am really loving stripes right now. I knew I could get a lot of use out of it. Once I brought the dress home, I started exploring my closet and playing around with different looks.

Here are 12 looks I put together.

.
#8

#10

#11

#12

I can wear this dress once a week, for 12 weeks straight, and never have to repeat my outfit. Sometimes we get stuck on wearing the same outfits because you know you like it, and it’s cute. But that can get boring pretty fast, and before you know it, you hear yourself say “I have nothing to wear”. The next thing you know, you’re shopping for a whole new wardrobe, which basically defeats the purpose of trying to save money.

I’d like to challenge everyone to pick your favorite clothing item in your closet and find a new way to wear it. You will have a brand new look without having to spend any money to get it! Good luck!

How to Pay off Your Student Loans

August 14, 2014 by Katie Haller

I’ve been wanting to share my story about how I paid my student loans off for quite some time now. I’m hoping that my story will prove to all young graduates with student loan debt, that it is not impossible to pay off your debt at a reasonable time.

5 Free Summertime Activities

June 5, 2014 by Katie Haller

Summer is finally here! We all survived the winter. Now it’s time to get outside and enjoy everything that has to do with summer! Of course, summer doesn’t have to be an expensive time of the year. There are lots of activities that you can do in the summer that won’t coast you a dime.Here is a list of summer activities that I enjoy doing that are completely free of cost.

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