Dress like a Million Bucks on a Minimum Budget

Having a closet full of top quality, designer label clothing, is not really that hard to do, if you don't mind putting a little time and effort into it. While thrift stores are great for bargain hunters on a budget, these stores do not always have the best bargains on high quality clothing. Thrift stores are not always careful about the condition of the items they offer for sale, nor are they able to spend much time inspecting articles of clothing.

In a consignment shop, various people bring in clothing they want to sell. It can be anything from casual to office attire, and even formal wear, including wedding gowns.The shop owner inspects the items, and a fair price is determined. When the item sells, the shop owner receives a certain amount of "commission," and the owner gets the balance. Usually, this commission is a small percent, but it can vary, as the shop owner sets their own percentage rates.

Consignment shops are clean and well organized, and the clothing is all good quality. Most of the shops rotate their selections to match the seasons, just like the bigger department stores. And they have "after season" sales that will give you an even better bargain. Leather coats that run into the $200.00 range, if bought new, can be had from between $25.00 to $50.00 at a consignment shop.

These shops take in new items on a daily basis, so if there is one close, you'll want to visit and browse often, to get the best selections. Plan to have plenty of browsing time, and really look through everything. It'll take time and patience, but you'll reap the rewards of some great finds!

Mix and match as you shop, building outfits, as you go. Once you've found the perfect slacks, and matched a top or two to go with it, wonder on over to the shoe and purse sections. Don't forget to add a blazer or jacket, to complete your outfit. Some shops consign jewelry as well, so you might want to look for that perfect necklace or earrings, to compliment your new outfit.

Even if you're not a "fancy" dresser, you should browse the nicer items anyway. If you find something you really like, but wonder where you would wear it, go ahead and buy it. You will save a bunch of money, when, two weeks or even a month later, you find yourself needing something exactly like you just passed up. (It happens.)

Most shop owners encourage browsing, and make sure their shop has a laid back, friendly atmosphere. They also offer nice, clean private dressing areas, and restrooms. And, they are very helpful about finding things for you, if you ask.

So, get together with a friend and plan to spend a couple hours in a consignment shop. You will both enjoy yourself, and have a good time comparing the bargains, and hunting for that "just right" outfit. Having a closet full of high quality, designer labels doesn't mean you have to spend a ton of money to get them. You'll just look like you did.