Thrifty Tips--Shopping for Clothes

We are constantly tempted by the latest fashions, new accessories, and endless sales. Our closets are filled to capacity and there is often overflow into our bedrooms and other rooms of our homes.

According to professional organizer, Peter Walsh, we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. So, it makes sense to limit our expenditures and carefully consider each new purchase.

We should use the changing of each season as an opportunity to review our wardrobes and get rid of last season's clothes.

The following tips will help facilitate this process:

• Do not impulse buy. Create lists for what you need each season, take time to shop carefully, and then purchase.

• When you purchase a new clothing item, get rid of an old one by donating it or gifting it to a friend.

• Save all receipts and apply the two-week rule. If you don't wear the item within two weeks, you can probably get along without it.
  

• Having too many choices can create confusion. It is easy to gravitate towards a particular style and colour of clothing. As a result, we often purchase too many identical items. This is especially true of t-shirts and pants. Eliminating and giving away extra items can free up our closets.
  

• Ask your family and friends to help you stop frivolous spending.