Question:
How do we afford to stay in clothing?

My family lives on a week to week pay check. I can not afford to buy clothing to fit every month. Any ideas on how I can find some cheaply priced, nice clothing? I have my email blocked to protect my children...but you can IM me any time...I'm on line alot. WDPLM on aol Instant Message...it's free to all services. Thanks.    — Kathie S. (posted on October 2, 1999)

October 2, 1999
Kathie, why don't you check to see if there is a consignment clothing store in your town? Or maybe check St. Vincent De Paul or Goodwill? I myself just weeded through my clothing, and see that I can still fit into some of the clothes, without them being tight, that I did 39 lbs ago. Hope this helps?
   — Laura L.

October 2, 1999
Kathie, Check with your WL support group. We have weekly meetings and it seems like everyone is always bringing a bag of clothes to swap with each other. So far, it's been working out great! Hope this helps!
   — Peri B.

October 2, 1999
I bought everything at thrift stores and garage sales. EVERYTHING. Shoes, socks, lingerie--EVERYTHING and still do. Have been at goal for nearly 4 yrs, but I can't go back to paying full price. You have to work a little harder, but you can often find brand new things, with tags. Our doctor throws a fancy "ball" every year. Like I can afford a new party dress annually? NO WAY. The first one was from my last dieted period. The 2nd one was brand new, with tags & extra sequins, from one of the best stores in town. I paid $20 for the dress, $1 for the zipper and $12 to a friend to put it in cuz working around the sequins is hard. (it's on our web site!) I can only wear it THERE once, but I can wear it anywhere else. The next year, I got the dress, shoes, purse, earrings AND tennis bracelet for $25. Last year, I found 3. Oh dear, what to do? I waited til their 40% off day and bought all 3. But the one I wore, I paid $12 for. Had shoes, had earrings. And the dress was such a smash,that a year later EVEYRONE is still talking about this dress. Kind of a long answer, but MANY items I got were .25 to $1. MANY. You can do it! We keep a perpetual clothing exchange going here for all the locals, so that helped, too. Maybe your doctor's office would help refer you to one another?
   — vitalady

October 2, 1999
I'm not too sure how you feel about second-hand clothing but it is a very inexpensive way to keep up with your weight loss. If you are involved in a local support group in your area you can exchange clothes amongst yourselves. Besides your regular support meetings you can have clothing exchanges. It's a fun way to get together and talk about your weight changes and help out others who may not be able to afford new clothes either. If you don't already have a local support group you might want to start one up yourself. If that suggestion is not an option, you could alway hit the thrift stores. Consignment stores tend to be a little pricier but the thrift stores are a viable option for anyone, if they don't mind wearing second-hand clothes. I myself don't have a problem with it and I have found it to be a great way to get clothes that fit me and not spend a lot of money (knowing I'm going to be passing those clothes up pretty soon too). Well, I hope my suggestions help you out a bit. I'm in the same situation. We live from check to check and it does get tight on those in-between days. If you'd like to chat, just drop me an email. Keep up the good work! My email address: [email protected]
   — Talullah

October 2, 1999
I don't know if your surgeon has a support group or not, but mine has a clothing exchange from time to time. Also another this I would suggest is the Salvation Army or Goodwill and Garage sales. If you can wear dresses they don't look as baggy as pants will.
   — bperrin

October 3, 1999
Hi, invest in a cheap sewing machine, and take up clothes as you downsize. I wish I could say I have your problem, but my insurance negated my request.
   — Nancy B.

October 3, 1999
Hi Kathie,
   — Angel G.

October 3, 1999
Hi Kathie, Try [email protected] It is a clothing exchange where people request and offer clothes for sale and/or to give away just for paying the postage. Good Luck! :)
   — Angel G.

October 3, 1999
We have several nice consignment stores in our area. I use them pretty regularly. They take the old stuff I can't wear anymore and sell it for me, and I can afford to get new things. This is pretty important since I work in an environment where the public sees me on a daily basis so I have to be dressed nicely.
   — dboat

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