Building Your Wardrobe on a Budget

I like pretty clothes. I can’t help it.

If I suddenly, unexpectedly fell into a great sum of money, you’d most likely find me at the mall, shopping the likes of Banana Republic, White House Black Market and Ann Taylor. I wouldn’t be buying big labels mind you (well, okay, I’d probably buy one pair of Christian Louboutins), but I’d keep my spree decidedly mid-range — so I could buy as many pieces of clothing as possible.

Because, as I’ve already mentioned, I like pretty clothes.

But here’s the thing. Pretty clothes cost money. And with the economy being what it is these days, there isn’t as much disposable income to throw around. My clothing budget has been scaled back significantly.

So what’s a clotheshorse to do?

Well, there are ways to build a wardrobe on a budget. It just means you might have to look further than your local mall.

Enter: the Consignment Shop

Two years ago, if you asked me to go to a consignment shop, I would have looked at you funny. Isn’t that where people sell their old clothes? Why would I want someone’s old clothes?

Fast forward to today, and I can tell you with confidence that my local consignment store is one of my favorite places to shop. Simply put, a consignment shop is a store that sells high-quality secondhand clothing, shoes and accessories in partnership with the owner of the clothing. Oftentimes this means you can find quality labels at a fraction of the retail price.

And for the most part, the clothing is in excellent condition. Why? Weight fluctuates. Styles change. People will always buy an article of clothing and take it home to think, “Why did I ever think that looked right on me?” Think of your own closet. How many pieces do you have hanging in there that you haven’t touched in six months and probably won’t touch a year from now?

The consignment shop in my neighborhood specializes in higher-end labels. Prices are about 1/3 of retail. But, the shop runs frequent sales, so you can often save even more.

I like to go to consignment stores to look for quality wardrobe staples and occasional trendy pieces. Let me show you what I mean.

This top was one of my first consignment store purchases. I love the detailing. It’s literally brand new. And it’s from one of my favorite labels — BCBG Max Azria. Take a look:

It’s fabulous for a date night or girl’s night out. But because a top like this retails somewhere between $80 to $100, you won’t find me buying it at the mall — no matter how cute it is. This gently-worn top cost me $30. That price definitely works for my budget.

This second find is one of my favorites. I rank it up there as one of my all-time greatest clothing bargains ever (let’s just ignore my hair, though. Because I have no idea what’s going on there):

It’s a two piece neutral cordouroy suit. The label is Susana Monaco. I picked this up with the thought of breaking up the pieces and wearing them separately, although I have also worn them together. The versatility of having a suit in your wardrobe cannot be overstated. This fabric works well because it’s a little more casual for me as a stay-at-home mom. The suit was bought during the consignment shop’s 50% off sale. I paid $28. And seriously. I have worn these pieces constantly this winter.

The final consignment find I want to share with you is another jacket. I love jackets and I’d been looking for a great black one. This one is from a label called Hot Kiss. The fabric is a soft, velvety chenille and the jacket has very tailored lines (which this picture doesn’t fully capture, unfortunately):

The sleeves are a touch long, but that’s an easy fix by a tailor. In fact, seeing as I only spent $26 on the jacket, I have a few dollars left over for a small alteration.

Not all consignment stores are created equal. Some carry nicer inventory than others. And shopping consignment does take a little more work. You do have to look through the racks and you may not find something on every visit. But this is a case where patience and perseverance will ultimately pay off. And when you find that perfect piece? I promise you’ll be on a shopper’s high.

Now is a great time to darken the doors of your local consignment shops. Many are trying to clear out their winter inventory, so you can find some great pieces at steep discounts for next year.

Do any of you regularly shop consignment? What’s your favorite purchase?