by Lynesha McElveen
It hasn’t always been easy to “Ball,” but as a young college student I learned early to “Find a way or make one.” This included finding unique ways to look good on a dime. I learned to do this by shopping at various places, including:
1. Thrift Stores-Look in your local phone book for thrift stores or do an online search for “Top Thrift Stores” in your city. Some to look for are: Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent DePaul, ValueVillage, and 2nd Chance. I have gotten everything from Coach bags for $7 to Ralph Lauren dress shirt for $3.95 to Gucci shoes for $9.95
2. Consignment Stores-Talk to local department stores to find out where they donate clothing. Finders Keeper inAtlanta, Snooty Fox inCincinnati, Sweet Repeats in Charlotte, Inga’s Once is not Enough in D.C. I purchased a $5000 Derek Lam at a consignment shop inAtlantafor $150!
3. Resale Shops-These are great not only for buying clothes, but for reselling unworn, unused, or unwanted items. Try Plato’s Closet, Buffalo Exchange, and Lucky Exchange.
4. Vintage Shops-Try Lucky Exchange inAtlantaor C Madeleine’s inMiami. You can also look for vintage clothing at thrift stores.
5. Discount Department Stores- Perfect for finding new, designer clothing for discounts. TryMarshall’s, Ross, TJ Maxx, Burlington Coat Factory, K & G, Loehmann’s, andValueCity.
6. Outlet Malls- You can find outlets in most major cities. Some may have last season’s clothing, or clothes with minor defects, however, many have current styles of the season. Some to try are Tanger Outlets, Premium Outlets, Discovery Mills
7. Wholesale Stores- You can find clothing, accessories, lingerie, and much more at these stores, for 50%-75% off retail. Check in advance because you may have to have a business license to go into some stores.
8. Flea Markets-This way of shopping is a great way to find unique items where you can negotiate your price. You may also want to consider renting a booth and selling some of your own items.
9. Yard Sales-Also another unique way to find all kinds of items. You can often find valuable items, including: clothing, purses, jewelry, house wares, and even one of a kind or historical pieces. Check your local newspapers or just drive around neighborhoods and look for signs.
10. Trade Parties- This requires getting together with friends and trading items you can no longer wear, don’t like, or don’t want. Best of all you can get new items with no money. I was able to snag twoSt. Johntops at my last party!
I hope you can combine these strategies to get what you want and save money in the process. You can use 1 or all, but best of all, you are sure to find some great deals along the way! Happy hunting as you continue in your search to “Ball on a Budget.”
