Where to shop

Where does everyone go shopping for new clothes? Where do you find the best bargains. I like nice things but am not about to spend a lot on clothes I hope to wear for a short time. I went to a local thrift store and found a nice pantsuit for $5. Jeans and khakis were just a dollar or so each and I also found a great denim skirt for 3.99. None of these clothes look worn! (Except the jeans) Any more ideas? I do find that there are no shirts at the thrift store. I think we plus sizes must wear them out. I know I do. Looking forward to any input. Grins, Kaye 3/12/04

Kaye, The local support groups here in Phoenix have clothing exchanges and a clothes closet. You take in your old clothes and can pick up stuff that fits. No charge. I've donated a ton of stuff and picked up a couple of pairs of pants. Actually, someone was kind enough to think of me and brought me a couple of pairs of pants from the clothing closet. A very nice pair of Gloria Vanderbilt jeans and a pair of navy slacks. Contact the local support groups and see what they have. We also have some discount stores here that sell closeouts. Ross, TJ Maxx and Steinmart are all good. I haven't really been shopping in a store yet because I've been shopping in my own closets. I'm such a clothes horse. I have one walk in closet and two regular closets full. I also have 4 dressers full of clothes. I'm set all the way down to size 14. So far, all of my size 24s are gone and the 22s will be joining soon since I'm now starting on the 20s. Yippee! Connie

Thanks for your input! How great that you have all those clothes. We are retired and I need to keep costs down on the clothes. I had gotten rid of all my smaller clothes as I had given up. (Weren't that small anyway!) I am now getting into some 22's. That is the smallest I have been in many many years. I was looking for my favorite vest that was a 22 but can't find it anywhere. Sigh. Probably gave it away! I can't believe I did that. It was a dream to wear it again. It was a soft sweater vest in muted blues. Oh well... Thanks again for answering. I am just curious as to how others shop now. I know I will enjoy it once I get to goal. Then slowly build up what I need. (And want! lol) Grins, Kaye

Well, I still have old clothing I can fit into, so I haven't gone shopping yet, but here are my ideas: Walmart clearance. You can shop ahead for the next season and try to calculate out what size you will be by then and get something with give. Yard sales Clothing exchanges Ebay! Dina

The thrift shops are great for transitional clothing and you know you're in size transition all the time while you're losing! I like Dina's idea too, especially for motivation. My birthday is next week and I've asked my husband and 2 kids to just buy some item of clothing that 1st, they like and would like to see me wearing, 2nd, that they I would like, and 3rd, in a much smaller size. And when I am able to wear those pieces, it will be a great gift for ALL of us! Maureen

I go to consignment stores, Wal-mart, and get clothes from my friends. I think most women have a drawer full of stuff they dont fit into. One of my friends lost some weight and gave me a ton of clothes(I still dont fit into them but I am close). LaDonna -67lbs

I have found a few things on Kohl's clearance rack for $1 - $5. I'm buying a size or two ahead when I find bargains like that. Joy

Such great responses. I was going to say I've gotten basic clothes (I don't work) at KMart, Target, and Wal-Mart. They all have casual tops and shorts and I've paid anywhere from $5 - $12 a piece. I'm living on 4 pairs of shorts and 6 shirts. I'm discovering this weekend I need new panties! Then when fall gets here, I'll surely need smaller clothes and for the colder weather, too. Karel