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Shopping with Sarah – The Starting Point

by Sarah Fechtel 1 Comment

I’ve got a big dance coming up, which means I’ve gone shopping for the perfect gown at an affordable price. Luckily, I managed to have some good luck in the most unlikely thrifty store: Macy’s! While I may have found my dream dance dress at Macy’s, I go through a whole process when searching for thrifty clothing. Here’s how you can get started with homecoming dress or prom gown shopping if you’re looking to save.

I’m cuddled in my bed (which, for the record, has been dubbed “The Marshmallow” because of its extreme fluffiness and ability to swallow one whole in a cuddly, dreamy hug) and my room is a wreck. This depresses me even more than usual, because I am leaving for a trip on Monday, and that means I should clean it. But, Monday’s cleaning means that I will be that much closer to Saturday, which is the day that I will be dancing to my heart’s content at an English Country Dance Ball Thing.

I wish I could explain it to you in depth, but this post is about being frugal, not What on Earth is an English Country Dance? Why am I telling you all this? Because I get to wear this awesome dress—a dress that I got on sale at Macy’s. It’s delectable.

shopping thrift stores

Would anyone like to dance?

The price had been significantly reduced, it was the last dress of its kind, and it was my exact size. Now, basically that meant that it was obviously God’s will that I have that dress. So, I bagged my find of the day and left a happy girl. But, I’m actually supposed to be talking about garage sales and Goodwills, so I’ll beg pardon for my rambling and get back on topic.

I just know you are sitting there mumbling at the screen,

You:  “Yes, Sarah. I know you are right. You are always right (but that’s beside the point). I know I need to be frugal, but I don’t know where to start.”
Sarah: *cracks knuckles and wiggles toes excitedly* “Thanks for asking! You’ve already completed the first step: admit that you need to be frugal.”

I’ve got a big dance coming up, which means I’ve gone shopping for the perfect gown at an affordable price. Luckily, I managed to have some good luck in the most unlikely thrifty store: Macy’s! While I may have found my dream dance dress at Macy’s, I go through a whole process when searching for thrifty clothing. Here’s how you can get started with homecoming dress or prom gown shopping if you’re looking to save.

Stop talking to yourself, walk to your closet and decide what’s got to go. Nah…stop whining. “But Sarah, I thought we were supposed to like, learn how to conserve and be frugal and stuff.” Yes, but part of being wise with your things is being wise about what is sitting around not being used. There is someone out there who will treasure your castoffs. If you never wear it, it’s only taking up space and wasting energy (that extra muscle power used to dig through those drawers to find your favorite shirt that is buried under the shirts you hate. Exhausting.).

shopping thrift stores

And just so we are clear. Fabulous red pumps and a zebra skirt? This is a need people – a NEED which cannot be confused with a want!

Make a list of “needs” and “wants.” You need to be aware of the distinction between the two, or you’ll end up spending more than you should, even at cheap places like Salvation Army.

Next, go to Craigslist and search for garage sale listings in your area. Consider bringing a friend with you on garage saling trips. Garage sales are awesome, but it’s a good idea to bring a friend, as you are poking around in the garage/house of complete strangers.

Then get on Google Maps and search for:
Salvation Army
Goodwill
Consignment Store

shopping thrift stores

You can use an accessory like this as a belt, tie, or whatever!

If you have a fashionable friend who is your size, consider doing an unwanted-clothes-swap. Remember, her junk could be your treasure, and vice versa!

So – here’s a recap of what you need to do to get started:

1)  Go through your closet (and perhaps host a clothing swap with your closest friends)

2) Search Craigslist for upcoming garage sales

3) Go to google maps and find your local consignment, Goodwill and thrift shop locations.

I’m so excited about my next post! I will give you some pointers on how to get the most out of your garage saling experience.

p.s. For your enrichment, I’ve attached two photos: the zebra skirt and the red pumps were purchased at Salvation Army and Goodwill, and the Ralph Lauren belt came from Goodwill! #FrugalForTheWin

Share the Wealth!

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Yes, you can be fashionable and thrifty all at the same time! Thrift store shopping is how I score just about every stylish item in my closet from a pair of awesome silver heels to designer label jeans that have been barely worn. Getting past the “someone used it” part is tough, but when you learn how to make the most of your shopping experience, you can be frugal and turn heads while rocking the latest looks.Shopping with Sarah – Thrift Shop StylistShopping expert Sarah is all about repurposing wardrobes and spending less on today’s fashion. One look she is totally crushing on this season is, believe it or not, lace! Lace items can be expensive, but when done right and by using thrift store and cheap finds, you can make the vintage look work for you. Here’s how she plans on rocking this DIY style for less money than a new shirt at your favorite store.Spruce Up Your Wardrobe With Lace!Shopping expert Sarah takes on one of her greatest challenges: finding a costume at a thrift store! Paying for a new costume or buying materials for a homemade one is so wrong, especially when you need to save. They’re overpriced and cheaply made, especially if you’re just going to wear it for one night or a few performances. Instead, go hunting for your Halloween costume or theater ensemble at a thrift store where you can find a million costume ideas with just a good eye for what you need.Thrift Store Costume Ideas – Shopping With Sarah

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Hi guys, I’m Eva!

Welcome to TeensGotCents, my name is Eva Baker and I founded this site when I was sixteen. I'm a complete money nerd and I love helping teens learn how money works. Also, I watch too much Netflix. Although I still have a lot to learn about personal finance I hope you will use my successes and failures to help reach your own goals whether you want to go to college debt free, get a part time job, work on a fun DIY project that will save you money or just read about ways you can learn to manage your money well as a teen. So glad you're here! Read more about my story here.

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