Get ready to bargain shop! We have four ways for you to be fashionable and fabulous without plummeting into debt.


1. Thrift Stores
Several towns have a local thrift store whether it is Goodwill, Salvation Army, or an independent consignment shop. Some are run by a local organization or church. The clothing is used, but most shops only sell clothes that are in good condition. If you don't mind wearing hand-me-downs, then thrift stores are for you!

Much of the fashion trends today are vintage-inspired such as boho fashion from the seventies and bright colored ensembles from the eighties. Pieces from these eras are normally easy finds at consignment shops. Most items are under $20 and usually unique pieces that cannot be found anywhere else. If you're not into the vintage look, there is plenty of modern clothing too. Brand names such as Gap and Tommy Hilfiger are possible finds at any thrift store. You never know what surprises you'll find!

2. eBay
Tons of clothing, both new and used, can be found on eBay. Abercrombie & Fitch skirts, Levi's jeans, Tripp dresses, and other popular clothing brand items can be found with starting bids of $0.99. Vintage pieces are abundant on eBay as well. Although most items have low starting bids, bidders usually drive up the price to the same as retail. It takes a great deal of hunting and a little luck, but significant deals can be found on eBay. Happy bidding!

3. Etsy
Etsy.com, like eBay, features a vast amount of items. The difference is that Etsy is geared more towards handmade items and is not an auction site. Sellers can put their handmade products up for sale as well as factory-made new and used items. Want your own custom tutu? You can find a handmade one for as low as $25. Vintage Dr. Martens boots and Hello Kitty purses are among the various items that can be found at affordable prices. Etsy is full of unique gifts, jewelry, clothing and more and most are at a reasonable price.

4. Online Stores with Coupon Codes
For a variety of retailers' websites, there are coupon codes. Coupon codes are entered into the promotion code box during checkout and discount your order. Numerous websites like Retailmenot.com and Couponcabin.com offer codes for many popular online stores such as Macys.com, Kohls.com, and Forever21.com. Some codes expire or just don't work. On Retailmenot.com, they give you a percentage rate of the success of a code based on other online shoppers' usage. It's not unusual to find 10% off and 20% off coupons on these sites. Coupon codes are a helpful tool in getting deals and saving money.


Story by Sara Martone

Starpulse contributing writer