Dress a Woman for Less

After you have culled your wardrobe of those clothes that are unbecoming to you and do not fit your life style, it is time to select a new wardrobe. For those of us who want to save money, the best alternative is to shop at discount stores, Second Chance, and Thrift Shops. Go when you have plenty of time to find your perfect style and the correct size. It’s no bargain if you get it home and find it doesn’t quiet fit or you didn’t see that tiny hole near the hem of the dress. Before you purchase anything, think about what you have in your closet. Make each item you purchase do double duty. Match a new blouse with the skirts or pants you already have. Buy a jacket that will go with several items you already own. You might find you don’t need as many pieces of clothing as you originally thought.

Remember to keep it simple. Beads, fur, sequins and other decorative touches increase the cost, and make the item harder to care for. It’s a good idea to buy plain versatile pieces and add some of these colorful accessories instead?

• A lace collar
• A colorful silk scarf around the neck
• An oversize wool shawl around the shoulders
• An eye catching brooch
• Several strands of beads
• Funky earrings
• A striking belt
• Patterned stockings or tights
• Shiny new buttons, or button covers

Proper care extends the life of your clothes, and that means savings. Each time you undress examine your clothing for stains, holes or loose buttons or anything else that needs repair. Take care of it right away. It’s especially important to take care of stains right away because the longer they sit the harder they are to come out. Here are some hints to make caring for your clothes easier.

1. Do not over-dry clean your clothes. The harsh chemicals can cause fabric to fade and weaken. Dry-clean only when soiled, and never dry-clean one part of the suit without the other.
2. Read the care label. Follow the instructions if they make sense to you. If they don’t, test an alternate cleaning method on a hidden area. For example; silk often carries a label for dry cleaning but hand washing works better. Always use a warm iron to iron silk.
3. Lower temperature when washing; if the load is not to soiled use warm or cold water. It will save your clothing and electricity.
4. Use a clothes line: When the weather is fair hang your clothes outside. They will smell fresher and you will save money.
5. Don’t iron more than you have to. Remove the clothes promptly from your dryer and hang at once.
6. Never iron over a stain. Heat will sit the stain and it will never come out.
7. Repair if you can; damaged clothing should be carefully accessed. Cut off a skirt with a worn hem. Make a shirt with stained cuffs short sleeved. Sew up rips. Darn holes in sox. Some holes in clothing can be patched and hardly be noticed.