It is interesting to remember a time when you (and a gaggle of your gal pals) hit the local mall for an all day session of “shopping therapy.”  In our 30’s, 40’s and onward, blissful hours scanning the latest styles at the mall have been replaced by the active life of a two career family, kids, pets, homes, cars, appointments, meetings, soccer and band practice…the list goes on.  Hate cramped dressing rooms, limit three to a customer and mirrors that might be two anti-shoplifting mirrors as you try on items?  The GOOD news is that there is an entirely new way to clothing shop that is fast, easy, and within any budget – eBay!  New or used there are millions of bargains available 24/7 that you can reach by typing a few key words or phrases..

The following are tips for developing new, time saving shopping habits that save money too: 

Before you shop:

1.  Take your measurements and be honest with yourself.  Just you and your tape measure, in the privacy of your home – measure your bust (with bra), measure your natural waist and hips.  Don’t bother to shave the numbers – it is critical that what you buy fits you.  When you buy online, the size number of the garment has little relevance. The actual garment measurements are the only thing that matters.  Where anything but standard American sizing system comes from baffles me…I have seen size Mediums a 2X could wear and a size 6 that a two year old couldn’t!

2.  Be brave, don’t second guess that the clearance sale at Macy’s as a better shopping option.  Sales, while great for drawing a crowd on a holiday weekend, tend to be of limited use to a focused shopper on a real budget.   Sale merchandise draws you in, but is unlikely to be what you actually purchaser at the mall.  Even if you do choose a sale item, you are far more likely to buy more and blow your budget.

3.  Make a Plan.... no sense in buying a third red sweater when you wear a red sweater twice a year – Christmas and Valentines Day.  Set aside an hour and get rid of items that are worn, stained or that you are just tired of wearing (and clearly label the bag for the Salvation Army or Goodwill).  Make a list of wardrobe staples you have tossed that should be replaced (white cardigan, black linen shirt).  Add items that could use to stretch those things you already own into new outfits.  For instance, a black sleeveless shell that works all year around with most colors.  Tuck the plan in your wallet for retrieval and use every time you shop online or otherwise.

4.  Understand your financial limitations and stick to them!  If you know you are going on a cruise in February and a $500 formal outfit doesn’t fit into your budget.  Look through the gently used market on eBay for a GREAT bargain.  Let someone else who did pay $500 pass on the gorgeous formal to you when you pay only $50 for this won once treasure.  By the way, when you understand your finances and face them head on, living within your means, you do the single most important thing to assure your own financial security and that of your family.  Too bad, so much of America does nothing of the kind isn’t it?  

5.  Know that there will be a very special event coming up in December?  Start your online search for the perfect outfit NOW.  Allow a minimum of three weeks (four if you have the time) to bid and buy on eBay.  That way, you have the greatest margin for delivery time possible.  You will have far less stress and worry about finding the exact outfit to meet any need.  Special occasions always require more time to find the right outfit – why stress you have eBay!

Ready to Shop?  Visit eBay and Start Shopping:

7.  Shop with Your Plan…..Try using the search function and start by looking for your favorite brands.  Type in Talbot’s or Ralph Lauren and your usual size -- see what comes up.  Did you find too many items and they are not specific enough?  Go to advanced search and try using some of the search options offered there.  

8.  When you find what you want -- read the ad carefully.  It is especially important to look for actual garment measurements and full description, payment options, and return policies.  After you have received your item, it is too late to go back and find out about the small tear in the hem or whether you can return it or not.  Reading the ad in detail also makes you aware of any issues (missing button?) that may cause you disappointment.

When Your Item Arrives:

9.  Open the package promptly and try the garment on.  Sit, bend and move in it.  Does the garment fit smoothly and move easily? Are the seams pulling? Are the zipper and buttons all present and do they all function as designed? Get an honest look at your rear and side views wearing the garment. Watch for pulling, bunching, extreme panty lines (indicating slacks are too tight) or any other sign the garment doesn’t fit correctly.

10.  Check the care tags and be sure you follow them to get the most wear out of your “new” or “nearly new” purchase.

11.  Remember that, no matter what the price or source, a “bargain” is no “bargain” if it arrives and is uncomfortable to wear and/or hangs in the closet until you give it or throw it away.  The TRUE bargains are those items that you get for a great price, and wear often, flatter you and you just adore.  In fact, the greatest bargain going is the item you wear completely out and can only part with when you have found the replacement.

12.  Enjoy your garment knowing YOU didn’t pay the hundreds it looks like you did for it!

Hope this guide encourages you to try clothes shopping a new way.  I did it for a lark and never went back!  The bonus?  a closet full of designer clothes and zero credit card debt!

Thanks for stopping by!