Thrifty but oh, so nifty

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Fashion Writer

From left, Anisse Gross and Willow Chang altered these dresses from Savers and Goodwill, and Nathan Mochizuki got his hat and pants at Ross. Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

We sent four of our Advertiser Fashion Forum members shopping to see what they could find for $25 or less. They weren't looking for a head-to-toe new look — just a few pieces to spruce up their seasonal wardrobes. And they hit pay dirt, the makings of a unique look that cost only a little.

Cut a dress, cut down cost

Willow Chang found a pink prom dress for $4.99 at Savers. She cut off the big, puffy sleeves and shortened the hem. A fabric cross ornament from Neiman Marcus ($10) was transformed into a bodice embellishment, to which she sewed sequins and beads. The sandals are her own, from the Victoria's Secret catalog. She found the bag at a collectibles show; the earrings were a gift from a friend.

Total expense: $14.99.

Where would you wear this outfit?: "A festive party such as New Year's Eve, an art opening or fund-raising event, a concert or symphony. I'd have to stifle the urge to wear it to the movies."

Where do you find bargains?: Goodwill, Salvation Army, Savers, eBay.

What items do you splurge on?: "One-of-a-kind items made by artists; rare or vintage pieces that are hard to find in Hawai'i — signature pieces. Also, shoes, handbags and jewelry, or something that's extremely well tailored, such as a jacket. And alterations — I'll pay $7 for a dress and $125 to make it fit perfectly."

What will you scrimp on?: "Jeans and bras, as long as the line is smooth under my clothing."

What to watch out for when bargain-hunting: "Beware of stains and smells that are really set in. They're impossible to get out — especially body odor or cigarette smells. Ask yourself: Are you buying it because you love it or because it's a bargain?"

"If it's dusty or deteriorating, you may only be able to salvage bits and pieces of it. Look at the shoulders — if there's wear showing there, it's been hanging too long and it's kind of dead."

Layering for a novel look

Anisse Gross cut off the sleeves of a dress from Goodwill ($4.25). Her gold rubber, kitten-heel slippers were $9.99 at Ross. Her bangle bracelet was $1 at Goodwill. She's wearing her own jeans.

Total expense: $15.24.

Where would you wear this outfit?: "Anywhere. All I do is wear dresses over pants."

Where do you shop for bargains?: "Places like Goodwill and Savers are often expensive these days. The real bargains are at church thrift stores. But you have to be really committed to going, as there is often nothing there."

What items are you willing to splurge on?: "I would never buy cheap lingerie. Also, I like expensive hosiery."

What will you scrimp on?: "Just about anything else. I love the look of clothes that don't need to be worn uncomfortably. Oftentimes, you see people wearing clothes that they obviously paid too much money for and they're afraid to wear them because they might get their outfit dirty or something. That's no way to live. You have to love your clothes enough to wear them."

What to watch out for when bargain-hunting: "Watch out for small imperfections in clothes, like stains or rips. If you still want to buy it, they'll usually give it to you for nothing if you point out the flaws. Also, watch for other savvy shoppers. ... Just get to the racks before they do!

"The one thing I make sure to look for is antique lace and linens. These fabrics are so quality that you should buy them and affix them to other clothes of yours. Also, I buy sacks of buttons wherever I can find them, since buying buttons individually is so expensive."

Tip: "One time at Goodwill, the cashier was ringing up a large purchase of mine, and when she hit $100 worth, she just said I could take the rest. Sometimes when you buy a lot of stuff, they give you a great deal."

Rock-bottom bargains

Nathan Mochizuki found a Kangol hat ($12.99) and Dickies pants ($17) at Ross Dress for Less; he added his own shirt and shoes (Adidas Galaxies).

Total expense: $29.99. (Oops! He went over the limit.).

Where would you wear this outfit?: "Nighttime, to a dinner or a bar."

Where do you shop for bargains?: Savers, Ross, Wal-Mart, Goodwill.

What items do you splurge on?: Shoes, CDs, music equipment, dinners out.

What will you scrimp on?: "I don't know. I try to find the best value."

What to watch out for when bargain-hunting: "There's always gold in the tape section: Poison ... Motley Crue ... Oh, yeah!"

What else?: "I really want a blue '70s or '80s prom shirt that's poofy in the middle, but I couldn't find it anywhere."

Collaring a deal

Sherry Chock Wong found a jacket ($8) and sequined shoes ($8) at Assistance League of Hawai'i, and a fur collar ($7) at Savers. Her necklaces were found on another Goodwill visit.

Total expense: $23.

Where would you wear this outfit?: "To any holiday party. And I may wear it to the grand opening of the Cheesecake Factory."

Where do you shop for bargains?: Thrift shops, Goodwill, Savers, consignment stores.

What do you splurge on?: "A good pair of jeans, because I get a lot of use out of them, and the fit always matters."

What will you scrimp on?: "Costume jewelry and trendy items I'll only wear for a season."

What to watch out for when bargain-hunting: "A good fit — because it doesn't make sense to spend more on the alterations than on the item."