ME ME ME!!!! I make my money stretch. I love those consignment shops.

be sure to double and triple check your items. Make sure all the buttons are there. The zippers work. the hems are intact. The fabric isnt dry rotted, or stained. Smell it! tug it. stretch it. look and see if the hem isnt ironed down because of a cuff that keeps rolling.

Rule #1 take a tape measure with you to the stores! many things say a size 8 or 6 when they measure out to be a 4! Many times hems have been raised or lowered and if you put that on, your bum would be hanging out. dont rely on the label to be a guideline for what size it is. Every designer makes clothes on a different cut, and that means it fits differently than the next guy. In some clothes I can wear the 8 and in others I need the 12. I dont go by the label, I go by what fits properly.

Take in your old stuff, and make some profit! Many places will give you 50% of what they make on that item. it must be clean, in style, and in good repair. Goodwill uses a 'boutique" section and has the higher quality, better brands on that rack. Your donations to the Salavation army or goodwill are tax deductible.

Remember they sell more than clothes in those places. You can get furniture, appliances, and household things from toasters to TVs. Make sure to test it BEFORE you leave the store with it. Dont be afraid to really tug on it, and check all the seams.

I am so proud of you! we throw away many great items into our landfills, when they are perfectly good useable items that others can use, and get at a bargain. Way to go!

Last tip, dont be afraid to bargain shop! If they want $7 for something ask the cashier "will you take $5?" 99% of the time, they will! and even if they dont, you are getting a good bargain. You will learn which stores will negotiate for a lower price, and which ones wont. Never hurts to ask.