Hey bohemians…and, welcome, to my new subscribers!
Yeh, we all love “the look,” but are we being truly frugal in our endeavors to be cool?
Are our pocketbooks grinning or groaning?
You KNOW what my answer is: It’s an overwhelming YEPPERS–my pocketbook is grinning strap to strap! 😀
In this post, I simply want to reiterate the significance of frugality.
I believe it cannot be emphasized enough that a woman can outfit herself for very little money—certainly under $20, maybe even under $10! …and STILL be true to her own style.
The thrift stores are glutted with clothes.
Now, granted, most of them are “normal,” boring duds, but with a little perseverance, you can find some really groovy threads!
The key, here, is to locate the thrift stores
which have weekly sales. Many reduce their prices frequently on those items that haven’t yet sold.
If you are a size that the majority of women are not, or, if you like offbeat garb—as most people continue to wear drab-average, OR, if you can see the potential of a piece, you can really make out with good stuff for next to nothing!
Check the Goodwill Outlets where you buy stuff for its weight.
Smaller church or charity thrift stores are another good choice. A couple of my faves have clothing pieces for a quarter! —yes, 25 cents!
Watch out, though, for so-called “thrift” stores that operate as businesses instead of charities. Here, in the U.S., thrift stores have become so popular that some have priced themselves out of what I consider low, discount prices. Yet, they know they can get the prices because they are still less than the mall stores and department stores.
One, in particular, that I’m thinking of, is billed as a thrift whose proceeds supposedly go to help Vietnam vets. But, the owner has been written up in the paper as now being a very wealthy man! …and, yet, it continues on.
As far as accessories, yes, you can find shoes in thrift stores, especially high heels. As one who doesn’t care much for tall heels, I haven’t found so many pairs that I like. I’ve had to resort to “real” stores for my shoes–eh, about half the time. But, I try to get in on the good sales and clearance.
Flea markets are excellent places for costume jewelry. I increased my jewelry wardrobe quite a bit with one vendor, in particular—who sold good stuff for a dollar each.
Hats, too, including some vintage hats, are found at flea markets. I’ve gotten some great hats for $4-5. See tips on how to care for your vintage hats here.
OR, Make your own hats (See my hat tutorials).
Rummage sales, usually put on by churches or civic groups, are another great place for bargains and unique finds.
Lastly, don’t disregard:
- making simple alterations to promising garments to make tops of your own style (See my Tutorials for Tops),
- adding two or three pieces together to make unique skirts or tops (See my Tutorials for Skirts — also, my Tutorials for Wraps),
- making something totally different from what was intended for the original use,
- sometimes, simply by wearing it differently.
- Also, see my tutorials for frugal ways to make bohemian bags.
Many of us have more than enough raw material in our closets and drawers to turn into really unique attire.
Use your imagination!!
We were created equal,
NOT ALL THE SAME!
Outlandish
is better than
BORING!
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Thanks!
Tuts n Tips
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