Ever since ThisFits linked that last post, my wife has been asking me to edit it to tell you exactly what I was wearing and where I bought it. Realistically you can’t get any of that stuff. The coat is Banana Republic Heritage collection from F/W 09 (I think) purchased on clearance, with an extra 40% off code, and it was the last one then. Instead, I thought I’d do something more useful and tell you how I shop. To put it simply: on the cheap.
I’m not a man of means, by any stretch of the imagination. I’ve got a regular, grown-up job, and regular grown-up bills but that’s it. I’m also not an easy fit. That’s a six-foot fence behind me in that pic. The key is to be patient, diligent and flexible.
Patience:
Buy out of season. If you’re buying timeless staples, there’s no reason not to buy spring clothes in the fall. They aren’t going to be out of style when you get around to wearing them. The wool cardigan in the photo is Burrberry London. I bought it during Saks’ Consolidation sale on a 90+degree day two summers ago. I’m not going to give you the exact price, but suffice it to say, there are sweaters on Banana Republic’s site right now, that cost more than I paid for that sweater.
Dilligence:
I love knit ties. I also don’t like spending a lot of money on accessories (or anything for that matter). Instead of spending $75 for a tie, or buying one of those polyester jobs Macys was selling a few months back, I sat on my wallet. Every time I found myself in a store, I made my way to the accessories in hopes of finding knit ties…even at the most unlikely retailers. When I stumbled upon these (I bought four) at a Barbour factory store for $15 each, I pounced.
Flexibility:
You can save a ton of money if you’re willing to buy pre-worn clothing. I bought those dub-monks from Jesse over at PutThisOn. I know some of you are going to say ewwww, used shoes are gross. In some cases, yes, in others, not so much.
Like many bargain seekers, Jesse bought these shoes on the interweb. Without the ability to try them on, he rolled the dice and crapped out. They just didn’t fit. The shoes were worn twice, in his house and the soles were pristine. Do you realize the average pair of new shoes you buy in a brick-and-mortar store has been worn more than that and by multiple people? My apologies to any germophobes I freaked out just now, but it’s true.
Anyway, it’s a journey. Take your time, learn as much as you can, and share your knowledge when you can. Whatever you do, don’t go broke in the process.
Great lessons for the out-of-seasoned shopper!