Let's talk about us, shall we?

I am well aware of the fact that we actually cannot make our entire wardrobe out of thrift stores. They just are not designed that way, and for better or worse sometimes we will find ourselves in stores, actual stores...with that in mind that is the theme of this post; Adult clothes, from the retailer. I realize I do speak about children's clothes often, and that is because typically those are the cheaper variety. The goal of this post will be to show you all of the ways you can get more bang for your buck and more contrast in your closet...without the conflict in your wallet.

Seasons: Ahhh, seasons. If you live in South Carolina you actually get to experience all of them. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall..However here in the dirty dirty we typically have a LONG summer...that turns into fummer. Our seasons remind me of painting with watercolors...they blend. Now let me be clear, if you are the type of person who would not be caught dead in last seasons clothes go ahead and read another blog. This one is for those folks who could literally and figuratively not give a damn. Having said that, let us dive into those retailers who despite their better efforts find themselves in January staring down the hem of a linen dress.

Dresses: If you know me at all you know that I do not sing the praises of the legless pieces of clothing, however I have many dresses that I keep for those special occasions. Occasions such as weddings, fundraisers, pictures, Clemson football games, funerals and meetings at work when it is better to look like you have some sense...Stores like JCPenney, Belk, Macy's and Dillards are usually the best place to get decent dresses for these types of occasions. They are modest (they also do carry a line of I want to look like a prostitute) if that is your style but all in all if you are looking for business casual or cocktail hour these stores are not what you think as older folk stores. Stores like JCPenney have awesome brands and really great styles that are very appropriate across the age spectrum. JCPenny, Belk, Dillards etc have dresses that range from $30 to $200 when they are in season, well those bad boys get marked..marked down come January and February. I have seen dresses in these stores start at like $175 and get marked down over and over again until someone walks out with it for $7. That is SEVEN DOLLARS. It is insane, honestly. 

Pants: Now to the style that I tend to be more partial to. Pants are wonderful because they are always on their A game if you need to pop that unexpected Indian style...But also because they can be dressy or casual. Places like Macy's, Dillards etc have really nice Chino style pants in many different colors, if you go around March-ish you will score big time. They will have Ralph Lauren Chino pants for $12 as opposed to $60. If that does not scream deal...you're not listening hard enough. They also have fantastic linen pants, which are a personal favorite of mine. A louder color on the bottom and a pattern shirt...cute..Don't argue. Reinventing your style season to season is fun, and if you are smart about it, can also be cheap.

Formal type get ups: Whether you are going to Prom, Formal, or that best friend that is having a 6 o'clock wedding; having a nice formal is something you need to keep on hand. And hey you never know, you may find yourself walking down the catwalk just because...rather be prepared. There are tons of formal dresses in these stores, they are relatively inexpensive too...if you catch them at the right time. However it never seems to fail, whenever you need your dress to be fancier than usual..nothing is on sale. So instead of putting the fate of your wallet to chance, why not swing by one of these stores at the end of each season, getting a formal type dress for that previous season. See look at ya, a prepared life is a happy life. This particular example dress struck me as LOUD and PROUD therefore I thought I would use it as my example. This may not be very appropriate for that 6 o'clock wedding at the Baptist church, however it would be completely appropriate for...just about everything else.

You see shopping at a thrift store will give you plenty of extra money for those ohhh so often trips to everywhere else...with your wallet less worn out you will have the ability to get things that you really wanted/needed and not have to think about eating Ramen noodles for an entire week to pay for your new dress. Just shop better, it really is that simple. If you walk in a store, go to the clearance area first, if you do not find anything there, then go to the non-marked down section. At least then you tried not to spend that much...give it the old college try.