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Chosen by The Cheap Chick
One In, One Out
I have a clothes shopping rule that has served me and my over-stuffed closets well. Every time I bring a new item into my closet, I have to donate something from my closet (or consign it, if I think the item will sell). One item in, one item out. That way, I never have to buy new hangers! Well, okay, that’s not the real reason. That way, I alway know what is lurking in the depths of my closets, and stuff isn’t just being shoved to the back to make way for the new. If I’m not wearing something, someone else could.
So wear do I donate? It depends on time, volume, and whether or not I need a coupon. Typically, I’m pressed for time, so I drop my donations off at the Goodwill in Roseville, which I pass my way to work. If I want a coupon for my next thrift store shopping spree, I donate to Savers. Also, if I have a ton of stuff to donate, I’ll typically go to Savers – either in Columbia Heights or Bloomington.
And if I want to consign, and I have the time, I hit up Nu Look Consignment in Minneapolis (call to see if you need an appointment first). If I’m consigning on the fly, it’s either Clothes Mentor or Turn Style in Roseville.
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SHOP NOW!!!!! Okay, Go To Work First…
…then? After work? Hit those post-holiday sales!
1. Shop the clothing stores for discounts on winter gear. As Minnesotans, we know winter is here for at least another 4 months (if we’re lucky). That means buying winter wardrobe items today doesn’t mean they go into a closet for later – they go on your body NOW.
Stores like Old Navy are slashing prices on items like winter coats and sweaters. You’ll save 50% on online purchases, and 75% on store merchandise now until the end of the year. Macy’s 2-Day post-Christmas sale ends today, and Target has 50% off their Neiman Marcus collection. And speaking of Target…
2. Hit your local big box store for their holiday decorations. Sure you can stock up on lights and ornaments for next year. But you should also look for home décor you can use right now. For example, at Target, “flameless” candles and various candle holders are all on clearance, and these are items that do NOT go on sale often. Scented candles are on clearance as well, and who is to say your home can only smell winter pine or sugar cookies during the holiday season?
Look for other winter-themed décor like tablecloths and runners, hand towels, picture frames, etc. which will work after the holidays. You want designs and colors such as deer, owls, snowflakes, pine trees, and white, gold or silver colors. Even plain red or green items look appropriate, if they’re not covered in Santas or reindeer.
3. Grab as many gift-sets you can find. For example, Bath and Body Works is having their semi-annual sale, with 50 to 75% off almost everything. You can buy items individually, but the big saving are in their discounted holiday gift sets. Buy the sets with the smells you like, take the products out of their holiday-themed packaging, and reuse them as birthday presents or to stock your own bathroom. Often times, you can reuse the packaging, too, once you remove the holiday trimmings.
Stores like Walmart and Target also have gift-sets on sale, filled with items like monogrammed handkerchiefs, pocket watches, electronic picture frames and auto-banks (I have one for a sample). The only thing that makes these gifts holiday-themed is the packaging, so just re-package them in something a little less Santa-like, and they work for birthdays, graduations, or whatever gift-giving opportunity that arises.