6 Tips to Shop like a Diva on a Budget

Have you ever wanted to be that girl?  That girl who has it all or just look the part until you get it all?  Are your pockets too empty right now to afford such a look?  No frats.

Just become a diva on a budget!  Look like a million while you’re working your way towards making your million.

Here are 6 tips to get you started.

1. You Can Actually Make Money While Shopping Online

There are many online deals as we all know.  Most people these days do their entire shopping online. A few of the most popular sites like Ebay and Amazon.

Ebates offer everyday bargains on clothing that can easily fit into any budget.  Ebates will actually cut you a check to shop through their site.

Great deals can also be found on Sammydress.com, JC Penney, Macy’s, and Old Navy. To optimize your savings look for promo and coupon codes. You can check the retailers own site or check out offers on Groupon.

2. Make A Statement By Shopping At Consignment And Thrift Stores

Thrift stores and consignment shops are great places to fine some real treasures.     I like to frequent the more influential upper class neighborhoods to get great expensive designer clothes for a bargain.

The secret to finding great diva deals at a second hand store, look for well know designers, check the inside seam of skirts and slacks for good stitching, choose items that can go with everything and look for good quality materials like 100% cotton, silk and wool.

Some consignment stores even have designer handbags at more than half the original price. I have gotten plenty of compliments on outfits I’ve found at the Goodwill.  Don’t knock it til you try it.  Own your inner diva.  Also think of it as helping to give back to the community.

3. Don’t Miss Out On The Savings Discount Stores And Clearance Racks Offer

Every store has a clearance rack and sometime huge clearance sales.  The best time to venture toward a clearance bargain is right before a change in the season.

For example when summer is coming to an end around August check out the winter items that are usually on clearance or at the end of winter for great accessories like hats, scarfs and gloves. Try for summer items in September and October.

Most retailers accept coupons for clearance items in addition to regular priced and sale items. You could end up with a bill totaling $20 at the cashier and only pay $2.00 for the entire purchase.

Discounts stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, and Burlington have designer affordable items for everyone in the family.

Pay next to nothing on your next shopping spree!

4. Have A Party With Your Best Girlfriends And Swap Clothes With A Swap Party

Do you have a lot of girlfriends who love to shop and have excellent taste and an expensive wardrobe?  Have you ever just wanted to rummage through their closet or just take a peek at their shoe collection? Well then do it.  But, do it in style and not in a creepy way by hosting a swap party.

Invite a group of friends over and have them bring a bunch of their clothes (at least 5 outfits).  Among your invites have similar sizes.  For example if you have a petite friend try to find another petite person to invite so they can have a person to exchange clothing with.   Swapping accessories like scarfs, hats and costume jewelry is also a good way to go.

To start the party off have some wine and hors d’oeuvres while going through each other’s clothing collections.  Make sure each invite, including yourself, select items never worn, no longer needed and are in good condition or no longer fit.  Next party step, everyone just picks out items they want and tries them on.

This is a great way to get rid of some old clothes and bring in new ones without spending a dime.  Your diva transition is in the making!

5. Have Fun Making Your Own Clothing And Accessories

I have a friend that not only makes her own earrings but she sells them as well.  She creates the perfect companions for her outfits and makes some extra cash on the side.  It’s a win win situation.  If you are one of those nifty creative artsy craft types you can do the same too.   If not you can always learn. Maybe even try to do your own scarfs, hats, clothes, tote bags or even scented lotions for a touch of fragrance to add to your new diva look.

Stores such as Michaels, A.C. Moore and even Walmart have great deals on raw materials to easily make these items.  Some craft stores even offer classes at a low cost and some are free.

If you are looking to expand your budget and make a little extra money on the side you can always sign up at Etsy Seller to sell your handmade creations.

6. Complete Your Outfit With A Hair And Makeup Remodel

Being a diva just isn’t complete without your hair and makeup looking flawless.   Friends who do hair, family members and hair schools are great low cost options.  Here are a few places online to get discount deals:

Beautybrands.com

Solonsavings.com

Discountbeautycenter.com

Allcosmeticswholesale.com

These 6 tips will not only leave you looking fabulous, they will keep more of your hard earned money in the bank and in your pocket book.

To expand your savings take that extra change you save and put it in a separate savings account or cookie jar.  Use it toward a summer vacation, to pay down a credit card or put it towards a down payment for a new car.

How do you keep your look stylish on a budget?