It actually didn't take a long time. I think the longest I ever took was at a Dillards where they practically had half the store 75%-90% off. I waded through tons of racks and lots of designer names to find some things I really liked. I ended up with something like 20 pieces of clothing marked originally up to $200/piece for $20 and under.

Of course there are some things I'll splurge for like I ordered a winter coat that is $300 and it was a major splurge for me. I decided I wanted it, decided that I'd get it tailored when (hopefully) I lose more weight, etc. The coat was also originally $700 so I figured why not?

I really don't see a point to spending a lot of money on regular clothes when if you wait, everything eventually goes on sale. I rather spend my money on traveling or buying other expensive toys.

Way to go with finding that deal on a coat! Don't get me wrong, I love a good sale too. My point is just what you're saying - treat yourself to the things that you like because you're worth it! I do shop for discounts at TJMaxx etc., but don't mind paying a lot for clothes if it's something that I really like and would wear with pleasure. Being thrifty nowadays isn't only for those struggling financially, it's everyone's responsibility to save money for our uncertain future. Designer clothes although beautiful are not necessary - I wouldn't spend $1,700 on a designer handbag even if I had that money because it's simply not worth it to me and I don't want to support an industry that tells me I have to spend thousands of dollars to be "somebody". But on the same token I don't mind spending a decent amount of money on something that is well made, with quality fabrics, and that will last.

Target for lounge clothes.
TJ Maxx for trendy stuff.
WalMart, Kohl's or Target for workout clothes.
Banana Republic for classic work pieces that I intend to keep.

OK, and here's my dirty shopping confession: I bought $115 jeans last month and am going to buy a pair of Lululemon pants -- both because they make my *** look so great! ;)

I feel like you right about now. All my life I've bought cheap clothes and had to continuously buy new clothes. When I was younger I used to shop mostly in junior clothing and clothing stores/or the stores for the younger crowd. Well I am a mature woman now and proud to be. It's time to treat myself like a mature and classy woman. So with that said I plan to start buying higher quality stuff. Since I used to look for and pay for shirts 10$ or under and jeans/pants 20$ and under I feel that I could add 10 -20 to the shirt max and 20 -30 on the jeans depending on how well they fit. I tried on some clothes in the store yesterday because I've loss about 15 lbs and wanted to see what I could fit into now. Well I tried on clothes at 2 different stores and I now understand a big difference in junior and women's clothing. I am in love with Vera Wang jeans. I tried on a pair yesterday and I loved them!!! They fit so well and looked so nice. They were 4 sizes smaller than what I wore a month ago and a size smaller than a pair of pants I tried on at the other store. I went to Kohls and DOTS. Kohls had the Vera Wang. The jeans were 50 dollars, not too bad at all. I could so see myslef in them with a nice shirt and some heels and a beautiful purse and jewelry. I have forewarned my husband that I am going to start dressing classy when I reach my weight goal. I have a new job too that I want to look good for. I'm so tired of feeling frumpy in my clothes. It's time for me to start taking care of myself for me and my family. When I buy cheap I get rid of clothes several times a year because they get ruined over time so easily.

I will definitely look for sales though in my new journey to be classy. I will, however, purchase a reasonably priced item if I see it, love it, got to have it and have the money to spare. Like the Vera Wang jeans :). In this case though I have about 20 more lbs to lose so I want to wait a bit.

Oh I agree. I would never pay 1700 for any article of clothing or accessory. I don't care how much money I have, it's still clothing and accessories. Not even a wedding dress(fortunately I'm already married...lol). Now I don't fault anyone else paying this much, it's a matter of what's important to you. I want to look classy, but I'm pretty sure in my mind I can for a lot less. I just got my first coach purse because my husband bought it for me. It was rather sweet. I kept saying I wanted one and I was going to buy one, I just couldn't convince myself to pay over 100 dollars for a purse. Well I started convincing myself because I've bought at least 3/4 purses this year alone so far because they would start to fall apart. Well he got a good deal on one on base and I love it. I told him it's on now...lol, now fancy clothes, nails, hair etc. High maintenance, he said it's okay. I think it's since I'm okay with him golfing all the time and he just got some new clubs.:^: Not to mention the fact that I finally dedicated myself to losing weight and I think he is very proud of me for not quitting.

I live in a rural area and we don't have a lot of thrift stores. Goodwill in my town is full of dated, unfashionable junk. There are probably a few treasures in amongst the embroidered jeans and pastel windbreakers, but I get quickly impatient with digging through.

Most of my work clothing comes from Macy's or Penney's. I try to get stuff on sale when I can. I don't buy many clothes at Target; again, our store here doesn't seem to have much choice. I actually loved Lane Bryant; if not for LB, I'd have had to go to work nekkid for several years.

I spend more on my clothes now, because they look better and fit better and last longer. Classic clothes don't go out of style season to season. I buy a few inexpensive things that are "the style" every season and mix them with the things I already have. You can spend a little more and buy less if you get good things.

for example, i am going to buy a grandfather sweater this year to go with my classical white shirt and jeans. I'll wear it buttoned half way and belt it.

I can echo what you and most others say. I always bought cheap until I started to shift towards quality at around age 30. At age 20 I did not have the spending power, and then, I thought I did not have the figure - I refused to spend on clothes in a size I did not intend to maintain. I then came to accept that I would not lose the weight and started to invest in things which cost more but fitted better, looked nicer and therefore made me feel better about myself.

I just bought 4 cheap-ish pairs of trousers (because I urgently needed them) but anything I will buy from now on will be what I like and not what`s cheap. After all, I intend to maintain my now weight (and lose more) so I expect to get plenty wear form it! :-)

Stella

I just discovered Platos Closet last week. Well, I'd been there before for my teenager but it occured to me last weekend when we stopped by that they had some pretty nice shirts that would not be too young looking for me. I also hit Goodwill and am fortunate enough to live in close proximity to a few outlet malls.

I've always, been the type that would rather have 1 good quality piece of clothing than several cheaper pieces. I have several blouses and dresses that I've spent hundreds of dollars on, and they've held up beautifully and are still in style 5 or 8 years later. I have a gray wool cardigan that I spent about $350 on and it still looks as good as the day I bought it. I get complements on it all the time. I fully believe in calculating the cost per wear. I could spend $20 on a shirt I'll wear once or twice costing me $10 each time I wear it. Or the cardigan which is a huge up front cost, but I've worn at least once a week for the past 3 years has a cost per wear of about $1.50. To me that's worth it.

Things like, tank tops, socks, plain t-shirts those I buy cheap. No one can tell the differences between a $2 Hanes t-shirt or a $50 designer one. So I save there.

I also spurge on shoes. A good quality pair of shoes and take a less expensive outfit and turn it into a million bucks. Plus, they're my feet, they deserve to be treated well!

Accessories are the other area I spend on. I don't do well with cheap jewelry! I will totally admit to being a jewelery snob!!!! I prefer simple classic pieces that will never go out of style. Jewelry is an investment to me. Many of the pieces I have can and will be passed on to my future children or nieces and so on. A simple classic necklace and a quality pair of earnings is the best way to look polished and pull together a look, so I'm willing to save up so I can spend in that area.

I would spend the money on expensive clothes if I fit into ones I loved, but until then, I'm sticking to clearance :(

I'm with the majority I think. Buy the best you can afford that fits well, and shop sales.

For casual I'll go with Target basic tees, shorts, socks etc since this is what I wear with the kids, errands, garden, etc. But I'll put more effort and consideration for other kinds of clothes and I buy seasonally and put some thought into it.

Here is my break out:

HIGH priority given to quality (If I need it, I'll even skip the sale!):

• shoes, any kind
• bras
• dress pants, tailored/fitted tops
• glasses
• perfume, make up, lotion, soap (sensitive to chemicals)

MEDIUM priority (prefer quality but on sale):

• jeans
• dress jackets/coats
• dressy skirts, dresses
• workout clothes, bathing suit
• undies other than bras
• pantyhose, socks
• hand bags, wallet

LOW priority (Ex: Target is good enough on sale or not):

• leggings
• camisoles or tank tops
• socks
• basic t-shirts, shorts, skirts for casual
• wallets
• pj's
• casual summer dresses

A.

i'll go cheap on things like tanks, socks, & leggings. when it comes to my other clothes, i like to shop at nordstrom, macys, off saks (clearance store for saks) or wherever i see something cute. what i've found is the more i spend, the longer my clothing tends to last.

So jealous! I wish we had those stores up here in Canada! No Victoria Secrete either! They're my first stop whenever I head to the States, which isn't nearly often enough. Shopping sucks up here in Canada.