How to Save Money on Your Summer Wardrobe

Summer gives you an excuse to switch out all your drab winter garb and frumpy spring galoshes for fresh, flirty skirts and fun, strappy sandals. But adding to a summer wardrobe can be a time- and cash-consuming proposition. That’s why you should consider shopping at local consignment shops for your new summer outfits. Consignment shops offer an unbeatable combo: sizzling summer fashions at smoking-hot prices.

Grab your Yellow Pages and flip through it for the locations of consignment stores in your area. Visit two or three to get a sense of what they offer. Some consignment boutiques specialize in vintage designer clothing, while others offer the latest in designer accessories and shoes. Make consignment shopping a regular habit. This way, you’re more likely to find just the right summer dress or sandals at just the right price.

A smart pair of sandals will make your summer outfit. You’ll want to look for something that’s comfortable yet fashionable. And you'll need a discerning eye to find the best women's designer sandals at the best prices. A few simple tips will help you spot the best consignment bargains -- as well as any knock-offs masquerading as the real deal.

• Quality of the leather. Women's designer sandal leather should be thick yet supple. If the leather feels thin or stiff, it's of poor quality and will more likely bring blisters than bliss to your feet.
• Quality of construction. The best sandals are made entirely of leather. Women's designer shoe makers will generally indicate all-leather construction with an insignia stating this fact. Beware of shoes having only leather uppers, or, worse, no leather construction at all. These generally indicate inferior quality.
• Stitching and seams. The leather of designer women's sandals of any sort should be stitched together, never glued -- or (heaven forbid!) stapled.
• Flexibility. Designer women's sandals should flex easily at the forefoot.
• Heels, outer soles, and inner soles. Heels, outer soles, and inner soles of sandals should not show excessive wear. Bear in mind however, that wear to these portions need not be a deal breaker. They can be replaced. The cost of replacement should, of course, factor into the amount you're willing to pay for the pair of sandals.

Inspecting for quality of construction is just part of the equation when it comes to buying sassy summer sandals on consignment. The real bonding with your sandals begins when you try them on. You’ll want a pair that will hold up on summer vacations, when you might be logging serious miles walking around. These few simple guidelines will help you find the best fit, and will keep woes from befalling your toes on summer holidays:

• Your toes should not reach the tip of the sandal. There should be at least half of an inch between the end of your big toe and the end of the sandal.
• Your toes should flex easily and comfortably.
• Your heel should fit snugly. Any slippage around your heel as you walk means the sandals are too big.

Be sure to take sufficient time to walk about in the sandals you're trying on, taking several laps around the sales floor if you need to. This will give you a better sense as to how they'll feel if you were to wear them in ordinary circumstances -- or even in the extraordinary circumstances you might find yourself in during your summer vacation.

Keep in mind that feet have a tendency to swell as the day progresses. It's smart, then, to confine your summer sandal shopping to the late afternoon or evening in order to find the most precise fit.

Buying your summer clothes on consignment is a win-win situation. It’s typically inexpensive and what you don’t end up wearing you can just bring back to the consignment shop for resale, thereby saving money for next summer’s fashions. There are some tips you should follow, however, when buying summer togs on consignment:

• If your object is to save lots of money, plan ahead and shop at the end of the season. Many times you’ll find items at deeply discounted prices.
• Examine closely the clothes or accessories you intend to purchase. Look for missing buttons, stains and rips.
• Make sure the size indicated on the price tag matches the size indicated on the clothing tag.
• Stop by your local consignment shop on a regular basis; you’re more likely to get first dibs on the best merchandise.
• If you find an article of clothing that you really love, but it doesn’t fit quite right or has details that bother you, remember that you can always alter clothing, or have it altered by your local seamstress or tailor.

If you are buying summer clothes on consignment online, do not hesitate to contact the seller with questions about the article of clothing in which you are interested. Also, familiarize yourself with the seller’s return policy just in case the item does not fit, as often happens with clothing sold online.

Buying consignment clothing can be a fun and rewarding hobby. It allows you to replace last summer’s fashions without your having to burn up your pocketbook. And don’t forget that you can also buy more than just clothing and shoes on consignment: jewelry, handbags, and men’s apparel can also be bought at consignment shops. Become familiar with your local consignment shops and frequent them on a regular basis. You’re sure to find quite a few treasures worth taking home.