[afishwithabike]

I live in a VERY mainstream area and I am sick of NOT having many clothes that fit. Problem is that the clothes at the local thrift stores (IE: goodwill and Salvation Army) Do NOT have clothes I like. I could really use some long skirts for church so I don't have to wear the same one week after week. I over rode the temptation twice in the past few weeks to buy some that are what I am looking for. Please HELLLLLP! We can't afford it. We really can't. Tell me going without is better than having what I want at such a high cost to our budget. Talk some sense into me please.

 

[ChioMamaPT]

I can't help but I think many of us can sympathize.

I am doing the No Spend August challenge and 5 days in I am struggling. I keep thinking if I make it a few more days the urge to spend money will die down. We REALLY can't afford it either...a latte here, a quick snack there...it really adds up. Well, I think it adds up and I'll finally realize that this month when I see how much money is left over.

Do you have women's consignments store nearby or have you checked E-bay? How about some church thrift sales? Any friends that want to purge their closets?

 

[mama-meg]

Its hard to buck the mainstream isn't it? I run into that at times myself. If you're not having any luck at the one thrift store can you try others? Or consignment stores?

Do you have access to a sewing machine? Long skirts are pretty easy to whip up if you have access to one. Personally, its shirts that confound me

Many times I have luck shopping clearance at outlet malls and other stores, many times the prices are similar to thrift store prices.

Can you modify your clothes to fit? Take them in or add panels?

Good luck!

 

[mightymoo]

I have a really hard time too. Not with clothes, but with other things.

One of my best methods for staying in budget is to create a jar of 'fun money'. The money DH takes in all goes to our budget. But any money I get from selling something around the house or on ebay, that's fun money. So maybe you could look for some things you don't need and sell them and save that money for some new clothes?

 

[afishwithabike]

I have a sewing machine that I share with a friend. We trade it back and forth as we have need. I am not sure what patterns are going for right now but it might work. As for clearance shopping I usually wait until our local Meijers store has their stuff marked down at the end of every season. They don't keep stock so when it's marked down it is usually really cheap. I am just ill at the new styles. It's hard to find the cute broomstick skirts and the mini's are plentiful. Even if I looked good in one I surely wouldn't buy it.

 

[swimswamswum]

I think there's a limit to sacrifice with frugality. I am really tight about most things and don't spend money willy nilly on clothes- but if I really need something (need as in literally don't have anything that fits or things are worn out) I get it. I am sure this isn't what you wanted to hear, but if you can find what you need on sale or at a thrift store, then should get it. Clothes are a need.