Sucker For Savings

Okay. So I'm a sucker for savings. When I found "Penny Pinching: Advice for the Tightwads," I knew the article by Sandra McElwaine was speaking to me. Some of the ideas were obvious like "walk or take the bus to work" and some were a wee bit more inventive, "split your used Christmas cards and send them the next year as postcards!"

Here are a few of the more novel ideas:

1. Put money aside each time you shower, run the dishwasher or wash and dry your clothes.

2. Buy unisex clothes for your kids.

3. Exchange clothes at a "potluck" party.

4. Wear panty-hose only when you have to.

Ways to Save Money on a Limited Budget

I've noticed a new phenomenon around our area. Vacated stores that once housed booming businesses are now home to consignment goods. It appears that people are trying to stretch their dollar more in trying times such as these.

Today's local paper shared other ideas by Sheba Wheeler (Denver Post) on ways to save $$$. Here is a shortened version of her bargain-hunting article:

1. Look for low or free admissions to professional performances and art at universities and schools.

2. Celebrate special occasions at home with memorable menus.

3. Save the cost of a pet bed by making your own.

4. Create toys from items around the house.

5. Barter and share services.

6. Gift your time and pool your money for shared items.

7. Rather than pay for expensive test preps, look for low-cost or free resources.

8. Review FreeCycle.org for inexpensive furniture.

9. Keep the box-spring (if it is in good condition) rather than replacing it when you get a new mattress.

10. Use independent agents to sell your home by negotiating lower percentages.

11. Retrieve free health advice over the internet.

12. Try generic drugs and ask your doctor for 90-day prescriptions.

13. Rethink collision insurance on older cars.

14. Consider buying a "demo" at the auto dealership.

15. Use less energy by keeping your freezer full.

15. Slow-cook cheaper cuts of meat.

16. Use up what's in your kitchen cupboard.

17. Spend on a late lunch rather than dinner.

18. Look for copies rather than the more expensive original clothes designers.

19. Shop the outlets.

20. If you're small and female, consider boys departments for blazers, cashmeres and pull-overs.

Boomers Unite: It's Time to Raid Your Daughter's Closet

Ladies, it's time to raid your daughter's closet, according to 40+ style consultant and costumer to the stars Sherrie Mathieson. Borrow the denim jacket, cashmere cardigan or cool, chunky necklace.

Sure you should purchase the classic wardrobe pieces. But spruce them up (and make yourself look more hip) by borrowing the best of your daughter's look in age-appropriate ways.

Mathieson recommends staying out of stores that cater to boomers. Instead add a twist to age-old classic styles.

"Sporty (not sloppy) makes you look younger...(but you) need to learn how to get sporty right." Accessorize well by wearing more prominent jewelry rather than delicate chains. Choose nice quality fabrics. Don't overdo anything and check out ageless collections at J. Crew and Ralph Lauren.

I bought Sherrie Mathieson's book, Forever Cool, and got great ideas to create a more youthful and modern personal style.

Check out the other blogs I've written concerning ladies fashion and start having fun:

Modern, Youthful Fashion

A Favorite Boomer Fashion Site

Buying Clothes When You're Over 50

Affording Clothes when You Don't Have the $$$$

Mama Knows Best: Clothes for the Older Woman

eBay to the Rescue: Ladies Clothes at Great Prices

You Can Find Clothes That Suit You--Honestly!

Clothes for Mature Women: How Boomer Women Are Adjusting to the Recession

Carol Orsborn at VibrantNation.com wrote about the ways upscale boomer women have reacted in the marketplace to the economic meltdown.

She reported that even though these women have "always been discerning and demanding value shoppers even in the best of times," they are exhibiting even more creativity and resourcefulness.  

Mix and match is in.  So is spending less on something like a t-shirt but indulging in something likely to last more than one season--like jeans.   Many are shopping online not only for the convenience but also for price-comparisons.

Out-of-work boomer women have figured out ways to get exactly what they want at a price they can afford.  They're convinced that they need to keep their career wardrobe fresh for when they re-enter the workforce.  But their time off has enabled them to go from store to store or search online or hit the resale, thrift shops and garage sales.

You Can Find Clothes That Suit You--Honestly!

Hey, ladies. Fabulous After 40 gives some of the most valuable fashion and beauty advice I've found on the web. The Glam Gals, Deborah Boland and JoJami Tyler, who co-author the site are well-regarded professional image and style experts. They've appeared frequently on television and radio programs and have also contributed to various publications regarding style tips and advice.

Here are two sites they recommend:

1. MyShape

Former Fashion Director of Saks Fifth Avenue Patty Fox now divides her time as fashion coordinator for the Academy Awards, a consultant on Oprah, Entertainment Tonight, CNN, and other popular shows, and the Chief Creative Officer for MyShape.

Launched in September, 2006, MyShape helps you create your own personal profile based on your measurements, your body shape (one of 7 shapes), and your favorite designers.

Then ShapeMatch not only recommends clothes for you but it also guides you to your correct size (manufacturers sizes can vary greatly).

Finally, should you have any problem, simply chat with a professional on Live Chat.

Read the testimonials. Some women were skeptical at first. Some claimed they were hard to fit. All congratulated MyShape on its service and its advice.

Standard shipping is free for orders and for returns. New members get $25. off their first order if it exceeds $50.

2. SavvyCircle

SavvyCircle goes one step further. This site records the fashion and other products you like from a generous range of stores. When the product goes on sale, you receive an email with the sale price.

To me, ladies, you have much to gain and little to lose by utilizing these sites. Have fun!