Tip #24: Shopping my Closet... Outfit #1

This is the first of a "How to Shop Your Closet" series...

I rarely throw clothes away.  Yes, that goes against all the advice.  Have you ever heard the phrase "80% of people only wear 20% of their closet"?  That may be true, but I WILL wear the other 80% another season(s)!!

I was at Salvation Army this summer and stumbled upon these grey pants.  They are comfy, polyester pants.  I knew I would be wearing something long over the top, so I didn't have to worry that they fit well, I just had to like the leg.  I love these type of pants because they are so comfortable, you can wad them up in a ball and they won't wrinkle - great for traveling.  Pants = $2.00

I didn't wear the pants for awhile.  Then I found this tunic shirt at Plato's Closet in Centerville, VA (a great 2nd hand store!) and knew I could wear it with theses pants or skinny jeans (dress it up or down) - a very versatile piece.  Tunic Shirt = $7.00

Belts are definitely the trend right now.  This belt came as part of another outfit.  Putting the belt high on the waist makes your legs look long.  Placing the belt low would look less polished, but definitely hip.  Belt = $0.00

Earrings and ring I bought at Forever 21 several seasons ago. I look for round earrings since I have a long, narrow face.
Jewelry = $6.50

My boots!  Love these!  Got them 2 years ago at Aerosoles - end of season (February - I do most of my winter shopping in February) .... $15.00!  They are SO comfy.

A COMPLETE WINTER OUTFIT FOR $30.50!!!

Any questions? - Hip Bargain Chick

Tip #23: Rite Aid Wins

I am constantly trying to save as much money as I can.  Recently, it came to my attention that I was NOT saving as much on groceries as I could.  There are people out there that spend <$100 a month on groceries for a family of 6!!!!  Now, I am on a quest!!!!!

So, I heard that Rite Aid was the best pharmacy to find bargains (vs. CVS, Walgreens, etc.)  

Here is what happened:

Bought               = $75.00

After Sales         = $57.50

Coupon Savings = $23.00

Total                   = $34.50

UP Savings        =  $18.00

TOTAL             = $16.50

SAVINGS OF 78%

How did I do it?!?

1. Go to www.southernsavers.com
2. Click on Rite Aid ad
3. Follow instructions (I suggest the Getting Started Guide)

From what I hear, the savings only get better because of the UP rewards.  

Share your stories!!!  - The Hip Bargain Chick

Tip #22: 2010 Xmas Card

Ordered my Xmas cards through Shutterfly.  Went to ShopatHome.com first to get 10% cash back (see link at the right), Free Shipping (SHIP25) and used CSEVEN5 code for extra discount.


Make a statement with Shutterfly Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Tip #21: Happy Thanksgiving and great deal from Justice

I don't love Justice for their bargains, but I know that some girls HAVE to buy their clothes there.  For those that fall into this category....

Use Justice Coupon Code ‘779‘ to Save 40% on any order.
If that’s not enough, you’ll also be able to receive 9% Cash Back at www.ShopatHome (see link at right)!

Tip #20: Fall 2010 Accessory Trends

• Heavy layered Jewelry
• Long Leather Gloves
• Micro purse
• Snood Scarves

Tip #19: Perfume Rings!!!

OMG... have you heard of these statement rings that also hold perfume?!?  Of course, the ring MUST be cute and smell good :)  Not sure if this could be called a 'bargain', but it is a neat idea that I wish I had thought of first!!

www.sephora.com sells all of these shown.  If you click the Shop at Home link to the right, you can look up Sephora, get free shipping and 3 free samples (must spend $50) AND 9% cash back.  If anyone finds a better deal, please let me know!

Could be an awesome present for yourself or someone else heading into the holiday season parties.  Great for people going to an office every day - you know you will always be the one smelling good :)

Tip #18: Xmas Gift Idea for $1.40!!!

Do you have people in your life that you would like to give a present to, but can't afford it?  

Don't know what to get the in-laws?

Great Aunts/uncles?

Cousins?

Nieces/nephews?  

Restaurants.com is a GREAT option...  but, do NOT go to www.Restaurants.com

Start at the Shop at Home link to the right

Shop at home gives you the discount code (right now it is GOBBLE) to receive 80% off the coupon price AND it will give you 30% cash back on the coupon purchase!  

Example:  I bought three $25 off coupons for Eggspectations for $2.00 each.  I spent $6.00 and received $1.80 cash back (30%) for a total of $1.40 per coupon!!!  THIS IS CHEAPER THAN A CARD!!!!!!!  (When your account hits $20.00, Shop at Home sends you a check.)

NOTE:  Please read the fine print on the restaurant.com coupons.  Some say SUN-THURS only.  Most of them exclude alcohol and there IS a minimum purchase.  For the $25 off coupons, you must spend $35.00. The person receiving the coupon could go out for a meal for $10.00 + tip.

I printed my coupons out on nice paper to give as a present!

Tip #17: SHORTCUTS.COM

If you shop at SAFEWAY, CITY MARKET, VON's, RALPH's, KROGER (see website for more):

1. Register your club card 
2. Load coupons
3. Go shopping and swipe your card.... voila - money saved!!!

NO CLIPPING COUPONS REQUIRED!!!

Tip #16: DON'T THROW IT AWAY!

I do not follow the rule "if you haven't worn it for a year, then get rid of it"  

You NEVER know when something might come back into style (and save you $) 

OK - so I have a lot of clothes I don't wear now

BUT I might wear them next season :)  

EXAMPLE #1: Bought 2 argyle sweaters at Kohl's about 5 years ago... Argyle is back!  Just layer it with a jacket and a hip necklace... Voila - brand 'new' outfit - COST = $0

EXAMPLE #2:  A shirt that may not look good with mid-rise jeans, may look good with low-rise jeans and vice versa - it depends heavily on the trend of the moment.


Only get rid of clothes when:

1. You will never wear that size again
2. Stains
3. In bad shape (and then I may still save it for a rag, paint clothes or pajamas)

Note:  This only works if you continue to remain close to the same size over time

Tip #15: Q-TIPS ROCK

You think I am crazy, right?  "Q-Tips?!?  She is blogging about Q-Tips?!?  

What is Hip and Fashionable about Q-Tips?!?"  

THEY CLEAN HARD TO REACH AREAS (and what isn't Hip about being clean!)

THEY ARE CHEAP

Buy a 150 pack of Q-Tips at the $1.00 store.  

(I actually like these best because there is NOT a lot of padding and the sticks do NOT bend)

FOR CLEANING:

1. In-between crevices of REMOTE CONTROLS
2. The most stubborn areas of your COMPUTER, lap top, cd player, DVD/VCR, Cameras, radios
3. Tiny CAR INTERIORS (cd areas, beverage holders, buttons)
4. NAIL POLISH goofs 
5. Small KNICK KNACKS
6. The fins of furnace and air conditioning DUCTS
7. Small, permanent WASHING MACHINE SCREEN in the cold water supply line
8. Rubbing alcohol + Q-Tips = BATTERY CONNECTIONS (cordless phones, cell phones, battery-operated toys, radios, etc.)  
9. Food from the corners of SQUARE CONTAINERS
10. Indents on SHOES
11. DRILLED HOLE DEBRIS before you insert a screw or other fastener

OTHER:

1. Remove Make-up (especially under the eyes)
2. Apply ointments in between your toes 
3. Apply make-up (Make-up artists do NOT use the expensive pads - they use Q-tips to perfect and blend)
4. Light hard-to-reach candle wicks
5. Get into intricate detailings, cracks and crevices when refinishing furniture
6. Q-tip + Olive Oil acts as Lubricant for sticky zippers
7. Apply glue to small model parts, craft pieces 

KEEP Q-TIPS IN YOUR CAR, KITCHEN, BATHROOM, GARAGE, PLAY ROOM

Tip #14: What would YOU do?!?

NO MORE EXCUSES!!  

• Shop Clearance!  
• Clip Coupons!  
• Thrift Stores!
• Comparison Shop on the Internet!
• Use Entertainment Books to choose your restaurant/activities!

IMAGINE WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH THE $ YOU SAVE!!!!

• Vacation somewhere warm
• Take your family out to dinner
• Buy that one 'thing' you couldn't afford
• SAVE and pay CASH for your next car!
• GET OUT OF DEBT!

REFER TO TIPS #1-13!!

Tip #13: Kohl's Sales

Just received my Kohl's coupon in the mail - the one where you peel away to find your savings.... finally got the 30% :)  Yeah for me!

In addition to the coupon....

• They are having a huge sale right now

AND

• If you use your Kohl's card you receive $10 free dollars for every $50 you spend.  

If you have to do Christmas shopping, now may be the time.  

DON'T FORGET TO SHOP CLEARANCE (the coupon still works)

Tip #12: ROSS Stores for household items

I LOVE ROSS!!!  

I decorated most of my home by shopping at Ross (see below for some pictures).  Yes, it is one of those stores you have to keep going back to.  Most Ross stores get 2 new shipments a week (which days vary per store), so their turnover is good.

• Luggage
• Pillows - NO WHERE else can I find nice pillows for $3.99 - $7.99. If you know of another place, let me know.... I have been pricing them for years because I can never get over how expensive they are!
• Sheets - they have every thread count imaginable
• Cookbooks/Books
• Decorative vases
• Shower curtains and accessories
• CURTAINS
• Curtain Rods (adjustable) - Bought all of mine there for $4.99 to $9.99 per rod (and I have some wide windows).  TOTALLY CHEAP!! The picture is of Cindy Crawford rods at JC Penney ON SALE from $30+.  I bought the same looking ones for $9.99 per rod.

Next time you are shopping for your home, I challenge you to TRY Ross first and see what you can find

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!

Tip #11 - Dollar Stores

Important to Note when shopping Dollar Stores:

• Not ALL Dollar Stores are created equal.  Be careful that the Dollar store is in fact a place where EVERYTHING is a dollar.
• If you consistently use grocery coupons, dollar stores may not have the best deals on certain items. 
• BE CAREFUL - those dollars add up quick!!!

Good bargains at Dollar Stores:

1. Cleaning supplies (like sponges)
2. Chips (depending on the size of bag)
3. Greeting Cards
4. Spices (Got a HUGE bottle of Cinnamon and Ginger there the other day)
5. Seasonal Items (like Christmas ornaments)
6. Tin Foil containers (the ones you use to bring meals to people)

Is there an item(s) that you always buy at Dollar Stores?

LET ME KNOW!

Tip #10: Denim Trends 2010

Like them or not, here are 7 denim trends this fall/winter... 

1. Paneled Denim
2. Cropped '50s Style Jeans—In slim straight cuts, dark washes, and with zippered ankles
3. Graphic Print Denim
4. Skinny Cargo Jeans
5. The Straight Slouch Jean—Part ex-boyfriend jean, part mom jean, the new straight slouchy style is perfect for all you girls who want a slightly more tailored pair.
6. Denim In Saturated Fall Colors—Rich, autumnal shades of velvety eggplant, deep olive, and antique mustard gold.
7. Revamped '70s Style Jeans— '70s-inspired styles that range from crisp trouser cuts to a more modified boot-cut.

NEVER DISCARD YOUR FAVORITE PAIR OF JEANS BECAUSE OF TRENDS!!!!  

If they look good on you, then they NEVER go out of style!

Tip #9: CRAIGSLIST

A girlfriend from the gym told me that I write too much!  So, this blog is for you Brandy!

SHOP CRAIGSLIST!
I always go there first for items such as furniture, lighting, musical instruments... mostly big, bulky items that people do not want to put on eBay and have to ship it.

• Do NOT respond to ads in your local listing from distant sellers.
• Don't be afraid to haggle about price.  Chances are they priced it knowing that someone would haggle with them.
• Do your homework on similar items - used and new.  

PICTURED are 2 big ticket items we have bought for our home:

Tip #8: More Accessory shopping

Today is going to be a short tip because it is my husband's 39th birthday and I have TOO much to do :)

Tip #1 was about accessory shopping at Kohl's...

I bought the necklace I am wearing in these pictures at Kohl's clearance for $2.00!!!  I LOVE this necklace and get so many compliments on it.  It can be worn as a long chain as well, but can be doubled because it has a clasp (very important when looking at long necklaces - can it be doubled/tripled).

I have to say that I love that dress, too.  $20 Calvin Klein dress at Ross.  Felt weird about wearing black to a wedding, but with the bright necklace, I felt better.

Another great place to buy trendy, cheap jewelry is Forever 21 (by far my favorite store for trendy bargain shopping).  You can buy rings for $2 and earrings for not that much more.  And you don't have to feel bad when it goes out of style because you didn't spend a lot of money :)

Isn't my husband cute?!?!?
:)  Hip Bargain Chick

Tip #7: Salvation Army Shopping

Picture #1

Went to Salvation Army today (Wednesday are 25% at Salvation Army on Balls Ford Road in Manassas)!!!!  I am SO excited to share with you what I got and WHY I got it....

Picture #1:  I work outside the home and need outfits that I can dress up and dress down.  The Yellow/Green blazer is not something I would usually buy because of the color, but with cut and black underneath it looks stunning.  And the Spring 2011 trends say that vibrant hues will be in

Picture #2

The tan jacket is military style and is in now and will continue to be in-style in the spring. The Green sweater is Benetton, made of Alpaca wool  - it will look great with jeans and with dressy slacks.  The grey sweater is H&M - just saw this on the rack a month ago!  Love turtleneck sweaters - hides my long neck.  The shoes are designer and can be worn with jeans or slacks

Picture #2: These are the buys I got for my girls... 2 cute dresses and 3 pairs of shoes.  They fit my older daughter and will fit my younger daughter next year!

Picture #3

Picture #3:  The black coolate shorts still had the tag on them!  Originally $44 at Macy's.  I got them for $5!

Picture #4

Picture #4:  Black blazer... find one that fits and you will have it for years!!

In addition to the above I bought: 

• 2 pair of pajama bottoms
• Black sundress
• Dressy black pants
• Purple t-shirt with puffy sleeves

17 items for $80, which averages out to $4.70 an item!!!

I don't always buy this much for myself, but I was specifically looking for blazers and sweaters, which tend to be a little bit more money.  

Any questions?  Need any help with shopping?  Help knowing HOW to shop for YOU?  

LET ME KNOW!!!  

See Tip #4 How to Shop Clearance

Tip #6: www.Eyeslipsface.com - GREAT DEALS

Ever considered buying your make-up on-line?  If you know what colors work for you, it is a lot easier to feel confident in doing this. 


I found this great website that is offering 50% off your entire order with the coupon code SAVINGSELF at E.L.F. Cosmetics. This deal expires December, 31 2010, which gives you plenty of time to find something for the holiday parties.   AND they have FREE SHIPPING until November 8th, 2010 (I try to never pay for shipping unless it is a really good deal like free business cards at www.vistaprint.com)


Personally, I buy all my make-up brushes on-line... they can get EXPENSIVE.  They have brushes, false eyelashes, mascara and more for $1.00!! 
And they have customer ratings, so you feel more comfortable with the buy.  


TALK TO ME GIRLS!!!  Any feedback?  Suggestions? Bargains?

Tip #5: Spring 2011 Fashion Trends

Tip #4 talks about How to Shop Clearance Racks.  I noted that clearance racks mostly consist of last season items... so, I shop for spring/summer in the Fall.

Therefore, it is important to know what will still be in style next year when shopping the clearance racks to get the most bang for your (discounted) buck :)

1. 60's A-line coats
2. 70's flashback to satiny dresses in emerald or sapphire.
3. Still 'in' from the fall... Military cargo jacket or military-inspired vest.  Paired with a flirty bottom, this outfit will last through the fall and in the the next year.
4. Mix-and-matching will continue to be trendy into spring.  Remember to stick to one or two colors when mixing patterns!  
5. Flatform Sandals!  Part flat, part wedge... if you see any on sale - BUY THEM!  They are the sandal to have next year!
6. Trench dresses.  You will find trench coats all over the stores right now.  The trench coat will morph into the trench dress for spring.
7. Layering Sheer material.  You may find some sheer tops in clearance.  Make sure it is 'layerable' and buy it knowing you will be in-style for Spring.
8. Put all those embellished pieces away.  Spring 2011 is low-key and come in desert-inspired colors like rust, sienna and sand.
9. More colors... sand, buff, beige. Neutrals not your thing... pair it with red or black.  
10. Japanese-inspired pieces including obi belts, kimono-like coats and satiny pieces in festive blues and pinks.
11. LOVE THIS ONE... Dig through your closet or visit your thrift store to find PREPPY oldies but goodies such as ladylike watches, woven bracelets, tasseled loafers and a striped tote. Wear these once-out-of-date accessories all together and look totally 2011.
12. There’s no easier (or more affordable!) way to update your look in a hurry—just slip on an armful of colorful plastic or wooden bangles. 
13. Vibrant citrus hues are big for spring! This hot new color makes updating last summer’s cobalt and aquamarine clothes easy.
14. So long, crop tops, short shorts and too-tight dresses. Look for looser, easy-breezier shapes like long, billowy blouses and swingy dresses.