I wear old clothes(flannels, sweats, etc) around the house, buy them from Goodwill, and save the good clothes for when I go out. Layer clothes at home and turn the thermostat way down
As everyone else seems to do, I hit thrift shops and yard sales. Good-quality stuff from Eddie Bauer, Lands End et al. can be found for practically nothing. You have to wade through a lot, but it's like a treasure hunt. :-)
I've seen winter clothing offered on Freecycle, e.g., "Moving to Florida -- anyone want my winter gear?"
And: I compile Amazon gift cards by using the Swagbucks search engine. Right now I'm visiting Alaska and staying warm with wool socks and polypro long johns that I got for free with those gift cards. Whoever wins the Amazon gift card offered on this post would do well to shop for snuggies, too.
Some very good thoughts here. For people who do end up buying too much of some food(s), whether through coupons or warehouse store shopping, please remember that often the extra can be donated to a food bank or soup kitchen.
I buy quality and buy infrequently. A good winter coat, hat, gloves and boots should last years and years.
I wore my Columbia coat for about 8 years in Michigan and Minnesota for shoveling, winter camping and any outdoor activity I was involved in. As it was showing strong signs of wear and tear, I gave it to someone in need and bought a black Caarhartt coat. I expect it will last at least 8 years, and probably longer.
Check the used sports supplies stores. I live in a relatively small town and we've got two of these places that sell used ski jackets, gloves, hats etc. The stuff is in great shape.
As a person who is cold, dressing warm in the winter is VERY important. I use what I have already for as long as I can. I try to take care of it. When I need something, buying second-hand is first choice. While thrift stores are great, garage sales and rummage sales are cheaper if you happen to find something there. I got a warm pair of wool gloves at a garage sale for a quarter.
If I do need to buy new, clearance items are first choice.
I'd be insane if I had to do that! I have 1.25 hour commute each way to work! I shop very carefully, buying meat only on sale or marked down. I don't use coupons very often becuase they generally are hard to find for fresh fruit, fresh veggies and meat! I use my freezer to advantage--freezing meat (and appropriate fruits) when on super sales. My local supermarket only gets so many shipments a week so I can't top what's there most days for freshness. Boutiques and CSAs are far from where I work and further from where I live. I'd love them if they were available.
Resale shops, hand me downs, and thrift stores! That's how we save on clothes year 'round!! We do love our local resale shops, and do most of our clothes shopping there, me included!
I shop at Goodwill, of course! Many people are heading to the malls to update their wardrobes, and at the same time, donating their old ones. Lots of people buy something that doesn't fit or they don't wear for some reason, and I end up buying a LIKE-NEW item for $6 or something. Once found a new w/tags teal blue lined suede Coldwater Creek jacket for $10. Awesome!
Black friday clothes + the changing of seasons sale from the previous year! Between March and April I think? Dept stores should be getting rid of their winter stock
I shop in the off-season, but I also have clothing swaps with friends where we trade seasonal clothes we're tired of. We all get new-to-us clothes for free that way!
I try not to buy super specific winter clothes, and just layer my existing wardrobe - knee high socks or double socks and long johns under the jeans or work pants I already wear, sweaters over my work blouses. I look for gloves at discount stores like Marshalls, and try to make our own scarves and hats.
I buy during Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales and at the end of the season in January/February. By that time spring is beckoning and retailers need to dump excess inventory. So I usually get them around 40-60% off this way which includes free shipping.
I don't really spend any money on Winter clothes. When the temperatures drop, I pile on the layers starting with Summer t-shirts covered by long sleeved items. I scored a heavy wool coat several years ago for free at a food and clothing pantry. It's in excellent condition. I make my own caps, mittens, and house socks (better than house shoes because they keep your legs warm too.)
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I wear old clothes(flannels, sweats, etc) around the house, buy them from Goodwill, and save the good clothes for when I go out. Layer clothes at home and turn the thermostat way down
Off-season. Shop for Winter gear in the Spring.
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I moved to southern AZ 7 years ago and now I don't need winter clothes! I think I own 2 sweaters. :)
As everyone else seems to do, I hit thrift shops and yard sales. Good-quality stuff from Eddie Bauer, Lands End et al. can be found for practically nothing. You have to wade through a lot, but it's like a treasure hunt. :-)
I've seen winter clothing offered on Freecycle, e.g., "Moving to Florida -- anyone want my winter gear?"
And: I compile Amazon gift cards by using the Swagbucks search engine. Right now I'm visiting Alaska and staying warm with wool socks and polypro long johns that I got for free with those gift cards. Whoever wins the Amazon gift card offered on this post would do well to shop for snuggies, too.
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Some very good thoughts here. For people who do end up buying too much of some food(s), whether through coupons or warehouse store shopping, please remember that often the extra can be donated to a food bank or soup kitchen.
I buy quality and buy infrequently. A good winter coat, hat, gloves and boots should last years and years.
I wore my Columbia coat for about 8 years in Michigan and Minnesota for shoveling, winter camping and any outdoor activity I was involved in. As it was showing strong signs of wear and tear, I gave it to someone in need and bought a black Caarhartt coat. I expect it will last at least 8 years, and probably longer.
layers, especially wool from thrift stores
Check the used sports supplies stores. I live in a relatively small town and we've got two of these places that sell used ski jackets, gloves, hats etc. The stuff is in great shape.
As a person who is cold, dressing warm in the winter is VERY important. I use what I have already for as long as I can. I try to take care of it. When I need something, buying second-hand is first choice. While thrift stores are great, garage sales and rummage sales are cheaper if you happen to find something there. I got a warm pair of wool gloves at a garage sale for a quarter.
If I do need to buy new, clearance items are first choice.
I'd be insane if I had to do that! I have 1.25 hour commute each way to work! I shop very carefully, buying meat only on sale or marked down. I don't use coupons very often becuase they generally are hard to find for fresh fruit, fresh veggies and meat! I use my freezer to advantage--freezing meat (and appropriate fruits) when on super sales. My local supermarket only gets so many shipments a week so I can't top what's there most days for freshness. Boutiques and CSAs are far from where I work and further from where I live. I'd love them if they were available.
Resale shops, hand me downs, and thrift stores! That's how we save on clothes year 'round!! We do love our local resale shops, and do most of our clothes shopping there, me included!
I just recycle the clothes I have. Just add a pair of black tights and a jacket to make it winter clothes! :)
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Easy. Wear the same stuff from last year. But I also frequent clearance racks for items that I may need later on.
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I shop at Goodwill, of course! Many people are heading to the malls to update their wardrobes, and at the same time, donating their old ones. Lots of people buy something that doesn't fit or they don't wear for some reason, and I end up buying a LIKE-NEW item for $6 or something. Once found a new w/tags teal blue lined suede Coldwater Creek jacket for $10. Awesome!
Black friday clothes + the changing of seasons sale from the previous year! Between March and April I think? Dept stores should be getting rid of their winter stock
I shop in the off-season, but I also have clothing swaps with friends where we trade seasonal clothes we're tired of. We all get new-to-us clothes for free that way!
I try not to buy super specific winter clothes, and just layer my existing wardrobe - knee high socks or double socks and long johns under the jeans or work pants I already wear, sweaters over my work blouses. I look for gloves at discount stores like Marshalls, and try to make our own scarves and hats.
I buy during Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales and at the end of the season in January/February. By that time spring is beckoning and retailers need to dump excess inventory. So I usually get them around 40-60% off this way which includes free shipping.
I don't really spend any money on Winter clothes. When the temperatures drop, I pile on the layers starting with Summer t-shirts covered by long sleeved items. I scored a heavy wool coat several years ago for free at a food and clothing pantry. It's in excellent condition. I make my own caps, mittens, and house socks (better than house shoes because they keep your legs warm too.)
My 2012 financial goal is to finally pay off my credit card.