For many of you, shopping is a favorite pasttime. Unfortunately, it's not a good activity for those of us trying to save money. But I have some ideas on how to feel like you've been shopping without spending a lot.
Have a clothes exchange. Get together with a dozen or so of your favorite people, preferably ones that are your size, and have a clothes exchange. You each gather from your closet unwanted or unused clothing, meet somewhere and display it, and swap clothing. I know I've got practically unused items in my closet that I will never wear, and they may be just what someone else is looking for. You can also include handbags, costume jewelry and hats and scarves.
The other idea is to visit a consignment store. There are several in the area to choose from. My favorite is Take Two in Rancho Penasequitos.(9917 Carmel Mountain Road 858 484 3300) This is run by my friends Alex and David Collett, and has been a big hit ever since they opened. The clothes are high end and merchandise is always changing. I have seen several friends, including Carole, who have bought some exquisite outfits there, at a fraction of the original cost. Another good consignment store is Double Take. They have three locations, Carlsbad, Encinitas and Solana Beach. They have a good selection of clothing also, with merchandise changing often.
Finally, thrift stores are everywhere. Every charity and church seems to have one, and if you've got the patience to sort through the stuff you may find something great. Generally, the items are not of the same quality as those you'll find in the consignment stores.
So feel like you've been on a shopping binge. Have a clothing swap with your friends, go to a consignment store and buy a really expensive outfit at less than half the price, or browse in a thrift shop and discover something wonderful. Any which way, shopping will brighten your mood. If it's good enough for Sarah Palin, it's good enough for me!
Have a clothes exchange. Get together with a dozen or so of your favorite people, preferably ones that are your size, and have a clothes exchange. You each gather from your closet unwanted or unused clothing, meet somewhere and display it, and swap clothing. I know I've got practically unused items in my closet that I will never wear, and they may be just what someone else is looking for. You can also include handbags, costume jewelry and hats and scarves.
The other idea is to visit a consignment store. There are several in the area to choose from. My favorite is Take Two in Rancho Penasequitos.(9917 Carmel Mountain Road 858 484 3300) This is run by my friends Alex and David Collett, and has been a big hit ever since they opened. The clothes are high end and merchandise is always changing. I have seen several friends, including Carole, who have bought some exquisite outfits there, at a fraction of the original cost. Another good consignment store is Double Take. They have three locations, Carlsbad, Encinitas and Solana Beach. They have a good selection of clothing also, with merchandise changing often.
Finally, thrift stores are everywhere. Every charity and church seems to have one, and if you've got the patience to sort through the stuff you may find something great. Generally, the items are not of the same quality as those you'll find in the consignment stores.
So feel like you've been on a shopping binge. Have a clothing swap with your friends, go to a consignment store and buy a really expensive outfit at less than half the price, or browse in a thrift shop and discover something wonderful. Any which way, shopping will brighten your mood. If it's good enough for Sarah Palin, it's good enough for me!
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