Five Great Money Saving Tips For The Savvy Fashionista In You

Especially in these tough economic times, girls still want to look good, even if splurging on a $200 bag is out of the question. So, what do you do to still get "the look" without burning a hole in your pocket? Well,  I have some tips and tricks for you!

1. If you see a product you like, find an off brand or store brand. With medication this is pretty easy, just find the same thing under a different name. Well, with Runway looks and top of the line clothing stores, its a little harder to do that. If you print out a photo of a look you like, say from a magazine or online source, take it with you to the store and recreate it for less. No, the shirt wont be Dolce and Gabanna BUT you still have a comparable look and for a much nicer price. :)

2. Don't forget to buy staples. Now, I'm not talking the metal things you put in a stapler to hold your papers together, but something like a nice pair of black slacks, a good pair of dark jeans, a white cami, a good fitting bra, etc. These pieces are the kind of things you want to work off of and can dress up or dress down. They are the foundation to a good wardrobe and easy to find, and if they don't fit perfectly, you can send them to a tailor or (if you're good with a sewing machine and have one) tailor them yourself. They will last for a long time and save you from wondering if you have something that matches every new top you buy. And for all you girls out there, I bet you've already got a lot of these items in your closet just waiting to be unleashed, and all you have to do is find a  few things to jazz them up. :)

3. Don't buy everything at once. By doing so you immediately burn a big hole in your pocket and, if your not having a good day, may blow this month's rent money before you know it. By shopping in small increments, you still will have a wardrobe that looks amazing without paying a fortune.

4. Hit the sale racks. Anytime something's on sale it doesn't necessarily mean its damaged or broken. Most stores just want it out so they can bring in a new line. By shopping on sale days, you not just save money but save having to work an extra few hours every week to pay off your spendings. Another way is to cut coupons. Yeah, Grandma Pearl and Grandpa Joe did that in the Depression, but you'd be surprised how much 50 cents here or there adds up. A great time to shop (if you don't mind crowds) is a few days after each holiday. Most things are half price or 75% off and are still perfectly good.

5. Save your change. At Wal*Mart or BJ's (I can't remember now) we found a jug that holds change but counts it as you put it in. Every time I come back from the store or have loose change we put it in the jug. In six months we have passed the $100 mark- all in change. With the jug, you can't take it out until you absolutely need it or have a plan for what you want to do with it. For us, its a great way to save up for that summer trip, without having to save out $5 every week, and still be able to have a great time. It also shows us how change does add up and is a great learning tool for younger siblings or younger children in general. It also makes it more fun to spend as you know you personally have saved it yourself.

Now, hopefully all you girls out there will become great at saving your money for everything else life throws at you and don't forget to enjoy these last few days of warmth before good Old Man Winter arrives!

Lots of love,
Amii