Draven Jackson
Blogger | Teacher
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Between your family’s needs, your pets’ needs, and your home’s needs, it can be hard to find time to satisfy your needs – namely, your need to build the perfect dream closet. “Treat Yourself” is a phrase that’s easier said than done when you need to put food in the fridge and clothes on your children’s backs.
But having to shop on a budget is no reason not to shop at all! You work hard, and you deserve to find outfits that make you feel like the queen you are. Here are some great ways to stretch your dollars while still creating your perfect dream closet.
Thrift Stores Are a Girl’s Best Friend
The best way to satisfy a dream closet on a budget? Thrift stores. Whether it’s your closet, your partner’s closet, or your kid’s closet, thrift stores have low price items to fit everyone’s needs.
I know what you’re thinking – but every time I go to a thrift store, I never seem to be able to find what I’m looking for! And while I know that finding exactly the look you want at a thrift store isn’t as easy as pulling it straight for the pages of a department store catalog, the search is part of the fun!
Shopping at thrift stores is like a treasure hunt to find those hidden gems for half the cost. Recently, I went to visit a thrift store and found a brand-new, brand-name skirt for $4. You heard me right – never worn for $4. Not only did I get to have some fun searching through the racks, but I also bought it for a fraction of the original price.
While you may not be able to find what you want at the first thrift store you visit, don’t be afraid to visit as many as you can in your area and make a day of it! Invite your friends and make it a whole girl’s day – maybe even make a game of it to see who can find the best (or most ridiculous) outfits by the end of the day!
Consignment Shops Give You More Bang for Your Buck
If thrift stores aren’t your thing, try shopping at consignment shops to find all the perfect pieces for your dream closet! The biggest difference between a thrift store and a consignment shop is that thrift stores are usually non-profit, while consignment shops are for-profit and pay for their merchandise upfront or when the item sells.
Because they pay for their merchandise, it’s usually of a slightly higher quality than you might find at a thrift store, so the gems aren’t quite as hidden. While the prices at consignment shops are usually a little more expensive than thrift stores, they are still usually sold at a fraction of the original price.
So if sifting through thrift store racks isn’t your thing, try to give consignment shops a shot! You might find just the look you’re looking for while still stretching your dollar a little farther.
Call The Girls – It’s Time for A Clothing Swap
One of my favorite ways to build my dream closet for next to nothing is through a good, old-fashioned clothing swap. You might be asking yourself: What’s a clothing swap? A clothing swap is a fun girl’s night activity where you and all your friends get together with bags of clothes you don’t wear anymore and spend the night searching through each other’s things to see who’s got the clothes you want.
It’s cheap, it’s easy, and it’s loads of fun. Sometimes the best way to build your dream look is just to trade for secondhand items for your besties! Put on some music in the background, grab a bottle of your favorite sparkling drink, and you’ll have a blast with your gal pals trading outfits (and gossip).
Reuse, Reduce, Recycle
Another great way to get the best bang for your buck and build your dream closet on a budget is to reuse and recycle clothing items you already have. With this tip comes the requirement of having some sewing skills, but if you enjoy making different things with your hands, this can be a great way to make your closet stretch farther.
Plus, recycling, reusing, and remaking items you already have is a great way to decrease environmental waste. Textiles for clothing can have a terrible impact on the environment over time, so thrifting, trading, or revamping old outfits can be a great way not only to make the best closet you can imagine, but also to reduce your carbon footprint.
Environmentally friendly and imaginative crafting? Sign me up! While I personally have very minimal sewing skills, I’ve spent a lot of time watching Youtubers and TikTok Influencers recreating outfits they bought while thrifting. And let me just tell you – if you have the skills to sew, embroider, or revamp old clothes, don’t be afraid to get a little creative!
Accessorize To Get the Most Out of Your Closet
One of the most underused items in every woman’s closet – dream closet or otherwise – is her accessories. While we may have boxes and stands showcasing our amazing jewelry, we always seem to forget about them when the time comes to get ready.
Your accessories are the hidden heroes in your closet. Just one change in your necklace, bag, earrings, or hair accessories can drastically change your look – even if you’re wearing the exact same clothing pieces. In order to really get a dream closet on a budget, don’t be afraid to accessorize! You may find that what you were looking for wasn’t really a new closet – just a new perspective on the closet you already have!
There are tons of ways to create a dream closet worthy of you while still being on a budget that satisfies all your family’s needs. All moms deserve that little extra love – especially from themselves.
Tell us in the comments about your favorite ways to stretch your dollar while still treating yourself!
About Draven Jackson
Draven is an avid writer and reader who enjoys sharing her opinions on movies, books, and music with the rest of the world. She will soon be working as a teacher in Japan and hopes to use her experience to connect with other teachers and students around the globe. Draven spends most of her time at home with her family, her dogs, and her ferret.
To see more, view all posts by Draven Jackson here.
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