Here’s a few of my winning moves:
1. When you have a thirst for a deal, but you don’t have hours…try this: Each item on the rack usually only shows a tiny strip of cloth up by the shoulder, all packed together tightly. First thing I do is filter out all colors that I don’t want right now. Focusing on the color, my next filter is the shade of the fabric or pattern. When I know I like that little bit of shoulder I see, I pull out the item, and see if it fits my approximate size and style, it goes in my cart.

2. Eat first. You will be at your largest, and the clothing will you buy will fit even better at home!

3. Some stores (like Value Village) will do color-tag specials. All clothes on a particular tag are a percentage off, sometimes even more on sale days!

4. Return frequently. I found a backup one-piece swimsuit for $3 after going back several times. It was easy to spot what was still there, and I was able to quickly notice new arrivals. If you can get there just after they stock each day, even better!

5. Every time I shop, I go home and pull out something I haven’t worn in forever and bag it, ready to donate. My whole closet rotates once every two years, and I still spend less than a regular Macy’s/Nordstrom’s shopper!

Some thrift stores publish coupons or run regular discount events; if there are lots of thrift stores in your area, find out when they run sales for even better deals 🙂 My favorite local thrift store runs “Everything half-off” sales on major holidays; some of the others will do “Every clothing item is $.25” sales.

Happy shopping!