For dressing cheaply, the Tri-Cities has half-a-dozen thrift stores including Good Will, Value Village, and Plato’s Closet as well as discount stores such as Ross Dress for Less and TJ Max.

 

Tri-Cities shopping (especially bargain shopping) is very limited. We don’t have the resources that Seattle-Tacoma, Spokane, and Portland have. This is why over the years I have developed a methodology for shopping and dressing affordably. The question is not WHERE you should shop but HOW you should shop!

 

The clothes closest to your body should be the cheapest. If you’re trying to cut down on costs, layering items (underwear, tanks, basic tees, and socks) should be the cheapest items you wear. No one is going to know the difference between a Target tee and a Macy’s tee, a Wal-Mart bra or a Victoria Secret bra. This is the first place to cut corners wherever you shop and whatever your budget.
Every closet needs certain essentials; spend the most money on these items. Let’s face it most of the items we buy are non-essentials. Red high-heels are fun, but how many outfits can you dress those with? Yet most women end up with shoes in crazy colors, fancy dresses, and other non-essential items that will only get worn once. These basics below are for women everywhere. Invest the most money in these items because they can be used in a multitude of ways.
  • The little black dress (every woman should have one)
  • A nice white shirt (good fabric, made well)
  • A nice black shirt (good fabric, made well)
  • A black skirt (business style can be dressed up or down with different tops)
  • Something that resembles a suit jacket. (can be worn with a skirt or with jeans)
  • Good-fitting pair of jeans (the American staple)
  • Sneakers
  • Flats
  • The Sabrina Heel/Kitten heel (1.5 – 1.75 inch High Heel popularized by Audrey Hepburn)
Anything that is not on this list is non-essential. You can purchase non-essentials, just don’t blow your money on non-essentials.
Make smart purchases. Before making a purchase, make sure the item you’re considering to buy can be worn at least three different ways with clothing you ALREADY own.
Only buy clothes that fit you NOW. Don’t buy clothes in anticipation for a certain size you expect to be. If you loose weight, reward yourself with buying those items then! Also you can always tailor clothes to fit, as you change sizes. Many laundry services offer tailoring services, take advantage of that.

 

These are my shopping secrets. The very tenants of my shopaholic being. I hope they serve you well.

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