A Penny Pincher’s Favorite Stores

As school comes to an end and summer is quickly approaching, I find myself thinking about a lot of things. Obviously, I’m thinking about my future career…Where will I get my first job as a college graduate? Where am I going to be living? What is the dress code going to be like at my job? Dress code!? Oh crap, I’m going to have to get new clothes.

Obviously, shopping for clothes is not on the top of my list right now, but once I find the answers to my first few questions I will definitely begin looking for some items to freshen up my wardrobe. When the time comes, there are a few stores that I will be sure to hit. As a frugal, college student I hardly ever go shopping at department stores. If you have read any of my other blog posts, you know that my first stop is most often Goodwill. If I can’t find what I need there then I hit some of my other favorite stores. 

Rugged Warehouse, Burke’s Outlet, Plato’s Closet, and Marshalls are really great clothing stores that usually have some stellar deals. As always with bargain shopping, it is important to fully check the items you want to buy for damages. The difference between Plato’s Closet and all of the other stores that I mentioned is that Plato’s sells gently used clothes. They offer cash or store credit to people who bring in used “name brand” items. Plato’s is pretty picky about what they accept. Therefore, if you find something in the store it is usually good quality. 

Here is a video on how Plato's Closet operates: http://www.platoscloset.com/how-it-works

Out of all of the stores that I mentioned, Marshalls is probably the most expensive. A lot of items that they sell are overstock.  Typically, their items aren’t damaged or “last season,” the factory just made too many of them.  As a result, their prices don’t tend to drop that much from normal retail price but be sure to check out their clearance racks for some major steals.  

I'm digging that green dress! It is work appropriate, but also good for a dinner date.

Rugged Warehouse and Burke’s Outlet are national chains that offer some amazing deals. *Burke’s also goes by Beall’s in some states. These stores sell a mixture of damaged goods and overstock. Burke’s/Beall’s offers incredible savings on the last Thursday of every month. Every item on clearance has a color coded sticker on the tag. Each color represents a percentage of savings. The savings go from 10-95% off the lowest advertised price. Their already low prices make it possible for a customer to purchase pieces of clothing for less than $1. 

I’m sure in the next month I’ll be stopping in these stores hunting for the best bargains. Next time you find yourself in need of a wardrobe update, try to find one of these stores near you and pinch yourself some pennies.

Don't Forget to Donate

Two bags of clothes, ready to be donated!

 Not everyone has to face struggles such as running out of hangers or closet space. Some people face a little more serious issues- such as having clean clothes that fit appropriately. I know that I have always been incredibly blessed and that I have never gone without anything in my life. I also know that there are many people that aren’t as lucky or as blessed as I have been. 

I had always grown up giving my hand-me-downs (or clothes that I had grown out of) to my younger sister. Starting in my early high school years though, I started buying a lot of my own clothes with money that I earned working. Whether or not it was the right thing to do, I felt like if I was paying for my own clothes then I should decide what happens to them after I grew out of them. From then on, I gave my sister some of my “hand-me-downs” and the rest I donated to Goodwill. 

I always feel a lot less guilty about purchasing new clothes after I donate some clothes that I no longer wear.  Other places that accept clothing donations are homeless shelters, churches, schools, and soup kitchens. 

 It doesn't take too long to go through your closet and drawers and pick out clothes that don't fit or items that you no longer wear. Collect them in a bag and next time you are running some errands, take them anywhere that accepts donations.

So, next time you feel like you need a little retail therapy, consider those who can barely afford to put a shirt on their back.  There is no better feeling in the World than the satisfaction received from helping others.

Time For a Guest Post! Reece Shares Her Love For rue21

When I was asked to do a guest post for Brandi’s blog, Pointers from a Penny Pincher I was very excited, not only because she is a wonderful person but because her blog is about saving money when shopping and finding great deals, and that’s something I personally love to do when I go shopping as well. 

What’s so great about rue21?

 

I personally love to shop at rue21 because they have great deals on everything. Every time I go to rue21 I never leave empty handed because I always find something cute, but at a very reasonable price. One time I walked out of the store with a dress that only cost me $3. Clearance, yes, they have a great clearance section, don’t be afraid to check it out because usually that’s where all the good findings are- trust me. Another great thing about rue21 is that they not only sell great clothes for women but for men as well.  They also sell jewelry, shoes, hats, perfume etc. all at good prices.

Here are a few dresses and tops that I purchased from rue21 and none of them cost over $7.

 

 

 

       Here are some earrings, necklaces and rings that I have purchased at rue21 all for great deals.

Online shopping at rue21

Yes, they even have online shopping at rue21 you can check out all their great deals, so if you like to do all you’re shopping online go check them out and find some great deals without even going to the store. 

http://www.rue21.com/

                        

Thank you so much for your post, Reece. I love your style and you always have the best tips for saving money- especially on beauty products. Your blog, Beauty Tips on a College Budget is one of my absolute favorites.