A Classy Wardrobe Without the Classy Price

The first thing many ladies say they would buy when they win the lottery is clothes. A full wardrobe. While its I advisable to base yourself on your appearance, it can boost confidence. Also, you can only make a first impression once. Which would make a better first impression of being a classy lady: worn, dirty sweatshirt and jeans or a clean, tailored dress? But which would cost more?

Depending on how you shop, you could easily get a nice tailored dress or less than a good sweatshirt. I have purchased a DVF silk wrap dress for about $30. And despite the fact that it is adult size, the fact that it's wrap makes it look tailored just for me on my petite frame. I purchased this several years ago from Plato's Closet, a consignment shop chain. But with the scare of bedbugs over the past few years, the idea of purchasing second hand may scare you. If you decide to go for it, here are some tips:

• Before you even begin your search, do some research. There are websites where people can report bed bug sightings. Once you arrive ask an employee what actions they take against the pest. No one wants to be known as having bed bugs, and so it would be in their best interest to fight them.


• Before you expose your belongings to something second hand, inspect it. Look in every seam. Bed bugs are similar to ticks, they are flat and can squeeze into any crevice.


• Before you purchase the item do a closer inspection. If you find any evidence of a bed bug (little black spots (feces), eggs, or a bed bug), I would advice to carefully and discretely give the item to an employee, explain the situation, once again discretely. Before you enter your car make sure you don't have any bed bugs on you. I would suggest postponing any plans. Go home, change, and put all your clothes in the dryer. Heat kills bedbugs and their eggs. This is something done in NYC apartments. Rather than using expensive and dangerous chemicals, the thermostat is cranked up for a few days and this kills everything. Also once you get home I would suggest finding a website to report the bed bugs. Reporting it to a local news agency will also get the word out.


• Once you find your perfect clothes and make your purchase, tie the bag tightly so nothing can escape. But the bugs won't suffocate, they can become dormant for up to a year and a half (I think, that seems excessive but I really think its true), without food or air. As soon as you get home carefully put your new purchases in the washing machine (or dryer if it's dry clean only), use hot water, and dry it with hot air. Consignment shops also don't clean the clothes before putting them on the rack so I would suggest washing the items anyway.


• Anything can be purchased second hand if you are careful. Even if an item has no fabric, check every crevice. Also smell the item very carefully, who knows how the item was cared for before,

If purchasing second hand scare you, I don't blame you. Clearance racks at high end stores are great places to find items. Getting on email lists will tell you when things go on sale. If you know your size at a particular store, and/or the items are returnable, feel free to order online. This will give you a larger and more organized selection. This is how I would suggest purchasing your staple items.

I'd also suggest checking stores such as Target or Forever 21. Items purchased at these stores may not last very long (although I've had some items from both stores that have lasted a long time), but these stores are great for items that will out of style within a few seasons. Accessories can also be purchased at these stores. But once again, they will easily fall apart quickly. They also often look cheap, so either be picky or only wear them when those around you won't look very close.

Sample sale sites are another great resource for great items at a low price. Ruelala and GiltGroup are two of my favorites. Both sites will give me a credit with your first purchase. It will give you an option to insert a reference's email. Please enter ryann.warlick@gmail.com.

I hope this information helps you. Enjoy shopping and looking classier without spending as much!