Buying Clothes for Work

I work in an office and I really try to buy nice clothes.  I like pieces that I can mix and match or may even serve as clothes for work that can be used for casual times to meet with friends.  I am not into searching, searching and searching for clothes as I do tend to get bored after awhile.  Weird, I know!! I like to find and wear clothes that I can utilize for years to come.  I want to buy clothes that will last and can look just as good today and then look good three or five years from now.  Also, I am a bit larger and have to shop in the "Women's" section.  Sometimes clothes from this section is not what my thirty-something self wants to really wear - maybe twenty years from now though!! What do I do? Here are a few things I do utilize while buying clothes:

1. Sales:  Try to hit up sales as much as possible.  However, that does not mean you have to buy something just because it is on sale.  Make sure you will wear it, wear it often and will last.
2. Quality:  I do not buy clothes that often which means that the clothes I do have must last.  Nothing that looks cheap and wears out after a few months.  Also, nothing that by this time next year will be so out of style that I cannot wear it again.
3. Size:  I buy things in my correct size and fit.  This may mean that the size I am in one store may be slightly different in the next store.  I try not to buy clothes that are too big or too small for me.  I really try not to think that if I am trying to eat and get fit that buying a piece of clothing the next size down will help motivate me.  I just do not work that way.  It will end up going to the thrift store unworn and the tags still on it.
4. Return to Stores I Like:  If I happen to find things in stores that I like, I am more likely to return there for more pieces to wear.  Sounds like a no brainer but I am a creature of habit.  Their prices might be higher but I know I like their clothing and I know how their sizing works for me.

These are just a few ideas that I try to look at when purchasing clothes.  I have gotten some really nice clothes as gifts as well.  Sometimes if you let friends or family members know you like stores, they may keep an eye out for you for new items in the stores or for sales.  Even having someone to go with you to give you an honest opinion is good too.  I have bought clothes that I liked in the store and a few days later, wondered what in the world made me buy it.

So, this is just a start on my work clothes series but I wanted to get a start on some basic information to get started on how I think about buying work clothes.  Do you have any tips or hints for your work clothes? Do you have a favorite store? Let me know!!

Jenn

Let's Get Back in the Habit....Again....and Again

I have been doing some serious thought and a little bit of research on writing and blogging.  I have read that I should be blogging on a consistent basis - whether that be once a week, twice a week or some set schedule I come up with that fits around my lifestyle.  The other thing is that I have started coming up with ideas on what to write about with respects to me, trying to be frugal and this blog.  It has been a good idea to start coming up with ideas as I have noticed that I can do some posts that might have a common theme in them - coupons, budget envy and even buying work clothes (shoes and jewelry) on a budget.  I hope this will help me to better keep this blog going and to have better ideas on what to write here.

Trying to be frugal is not easy for me.  I found that I have some things I need to let go of (envy) and things I need to work on and even just being consistent in doing things to be frugal.  I hope that you will not mind this and even hope you will like my blog enough to come back and read it some more!! If you have any thoughts on posts, please let me know and please do not post anything mean or use bad words.  That is just not cool!

Until next time......

Jenn

Saving (Or At Least Trying to Save)

Since there is now two paychecks coming into our bank account, I am trying to start saving some money.  I had read some articles that said to treat saving just like another bill.  I have been trying to do this and so far, it has been working.  Slowly, our savings account has been growing each paycheck.  It is nice to see it growing each week, and then each month.  There are times that I have thoughts about "Do I really need this?" when I am out in a store or even think about going to a store on purpose.  It has helped to have that thought of needing it come across my mind.  In that sense, I think I am starting to think more of my wants versus my needs.  I have had a few moments of weakness but I am trying to then think of what happened, why did I do that, what was going on that I ended up buying that item (or items).

Putting the money aside just like it is a bill has helped.  Husband and I have a few goals for this money and faithfully putting it aside is good.  Not thinking about it is even better.  When I sit down to pay bills, I transfer the money into our savings.

I have found that it is tempting to take out the money and buy one of our goals with it.  "Hurry up" my brain tells me.  Let's get it now!! Not wanting to have payments or use credit is hard to deal with but I do not want to put things on credit if I can totally help it.  Denying myself instant gratification will not be worth it.  I have done it before and know how it feels once the "newness" wears off.  That is where saving for the purchase is totally worth it.  I know walking out of the store after paying cash for the item will feel absolutely great!! I just have to keep reminding myself to wait, to be patient, that it will be worth it in the end.

So, one of our goals is a new bed and mattress.  I have found a new bed but not a mattress.  I think once we get the bed, getting the mattress will be definitely next but I want to save for the bed first.  I have been doing some online research of beds I like and getting some prices for this bed.  Right now, IKEA looks like our best choice for a bed.  I am still looking around just to make sure and to get an idea on cost.  Plus, I also need to know if this is something that can be purchased locally, if there is some travel to pick up the bed or if it must be shipped to us.  If we go with IKEA, we can either travel a few hours to get it or have it shipped to us.  Still debating on that idea.  Also, I need to make sure that Husband likes it too.  So, just "window shopping" is good in this area to get an idea on price and where we are going to get this big purchase.

In the end, saving for bigger purchases will be good.  It will also be a test in patience and learning to research and find the best item that will fit our needs, not someone else's needs.  Our savings is growing, I just got to make sure it keeps going that way!!

Do you have any tips on saving money that you would like to share? I'm definitely open for your suggestions!! Thank you!!

Jenn