Bargain Hunting for Beginners

I used to hate bargain hunting because I didn’t like riffling through racks and racks of clothes only to find an item I loved, not my size, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to love the thrill of the hunt. One thing that is important to realize about bargain hunting for beginners is that it doesn’t have to be long and tedious work; it just takes a bit of research.

Take this shirt I’m wearing: I absolutely love this top and I happen to think that it looks (and feels) super high quality, but in fact, it was a budget friendly H&M purchase! Sometimes, bargain hunting is about checking different stores, either online on in person to see what they have to offer, and go with the option that’s best for you. Often, different stores will make versions of the same garment which sell for different prices. If you’re looking for a particular style of item, browse around online to see which stores make similar styles and how much they are selling for.

Don’t be afraid to check out outlet malls and discount stores. Some of my favorite stores are Nordstrom Rack, Banana Republic Factory Store, and TJ Maxx because they get so many great items that are a fraction of the price. I’ve pretty much stopped paying full price for designer denim since I discovered that they have almost everything available at the rack. Why pay $200 for jeans when you can get the exact same pair for $79? NOTE*** Nordstrom rack online also has a lot of sizes such as extra-long, smaller sizes, and bigger sizes which can be hard to find in store.

Another great tip is to add items to your wishlist and watch them until they go on sale. This is a great way to keep track of what you want, as well as keeping your budget on track. I’ve been eyeing the white pumps pictured above for a couple of months, and they finally went on sale the other day, so boom! They wen’t right in my shopping cart and on my feet. Needless to say, I was one happy girl!

Sometimes, and this is only a sometimes for me, but consignment shops can be a good place to look if you really want something that is on a budget. If I do go to consignment shops, I stick to places that are really meticulous about the quality of pieces they take. I’m a big fan of Wasteland in Los Angeles, but I know there are a lot of other great stores out there too. Just remember that if you are going to shop consignment, immediately take your purchases to the dry cleaners before wearing.

So there you have it: bargain hunting for beginners! Don’t be afraid to go on a hunt for the perfect item at the perfect price. Taking time to find clothing that you love in your price range will only make you appreciate each item more and cultivate a wardrobe which is iconic to your style! Happy hunting!