C is For Clothing Never Pay Retail Again

Clothing has a huge mark up on it! Which means you can get deep discounts if you're looking and know where to look. Discount sites are a great way to start but they are by far the only way to find a great deal on clothing. Here are the top 5 ways to get the top brands, styles, and lines while paying the bottom line price.

1. Compile The Coupons & Outlets 
Here's one of my favorite outings. Sign up for e-mail or mail newsletters from your favorite brands then look up where their nearest outlets are to you... combine the coupons with the outlet clearance prices! Here in Utah I can take a 30% off Old Navy coupon to the outlet about 40 minutes from my house (which I usually make into a family date day or a girls night out) and get their season close out clothing already marked down 70% for an additional 30% off! Last month I got 3 shirts 2 pair of pants, and 4 outfits for my kids, 2 pair of flip flops, and my husband a t-shirt for $32.13 with tax. That's a phenomenal savings it was fun and easy to do!

Not all places send out amazing coupons but many clothing stores do, here's a great list of places to sign up for their coupons... keep in mind if you can't get to an outlet you can combine most of these with online sales, in-store specials, and the clearance rack at your regular store.

1. Victoria Secret
2. Old Navy
3. BeBe Clothing
4. Aeropostale & PS For Kids
5. Carter's
6. JC Penny
7. Forever 21
8. Kohl's
9. Journey's
10. Hot Topic
11. Crocs Shoes & Clothing
12. Destination Maternity
13. Pacific Sunwear

Don't just use these though go to your favorite clothing stores and sign up with them directly. Then watch your e-mail and start printing those coupons.

2. Buy The Sunday Paper 
Inside the Sunday paper you'll find a slew of exclusive deals and coupons in the ads! If you're planning on going out clothing shopping during the next week you'll want to start at the news paper stand. The $1.50 to $3.00 you spend on the paper will more than make up for it's self in a single coupon. Plus you can see what sales and hot specials your local companies are offering that you can find coupons to compile with. Some of the specials in the newspaper are exclusive and not available to print online, the reason companies do this is to be able to track where their customers are coming from. But don't forget most companies will allow you to use multiple coupons, the ones from your e-mail, the ones from the newspaper, and the ones that come in the mail are often all different and all combine-able.

Previous Newspaper Special 

3. Check Out The Clearance Racks First 
Don't get caught up in the beautiful manicans wearing the clothing you wish "you looked like that in". Pass them up and walk straight to the clearance rack. If you can find the shirt you're looking for there, there's not even a reason to look at the newest trends that will be hitting the clearance rack in another 3 weeks anyway. Keep in mind the newest styles in most stores do not last more than 3-5 weeks, so buying the newest thing isn't worth the extra money you'll spend. No one will realize it's newer than what was new a few weeks ago anyway. Clearance shirts can often be found from 50% to 80% off and pants from 30% to 70% off depending on the brand.

4. E-Bay
Don't forget to check e-bay! Lots of people sell their slightly used clothing, or never used clothing on E-bay. stuff that was given to them, or stuff they took the tags off with out trying it on. I've gotten several sets of Calvin Kline, Marecess and BeBe tops and bottoms off E-bay all for half or less than I would have paid in-store!  

5. Clearance & Daily Deal Sites
Check out your local deal sites before hitting the malls, outlets, and other clothing stores. The upside here is you can get 'the latest fashions' at the clearance prices. The downside? You have to plan ahead.You won't be able to order a shirt for a dinner out tonight, or even an evening gown for this weekend. Keep in mind most major discount sites have a 2-3 week shipping expectation. So order an evening gown for the ball next month now... and save 80% but if you wait last minute you'll be looking for a half decent deal at Macey's. Below is a great list of discount and daily deal sites that offer clothing:

Beyond the Rack
No More Rack
Modnique
Ideeli

Zulily
Totsy

Want even more hints and tips on getting a great deal on clothing? Look at the stores you'd go to online! By shopping their sites first you can see what you're expecting to pay, and you'll know if you're getting a great deal... or just a big flashy sign!