New Experiment: Buying All My Clothes Online!

Alright guys – I’m on a new mission over here!

I’ve whined about this before, but ever since I’ve gone down this glorious road of minimalism and not shopping anymore, my wardrobe has gone completely from Rockstar to Vagabondstar and my clothes are literally falling apart.

Here are the jeans I’m currently wearing:

ripped jeans

Notice the beautiful patches along WITH the holes :) Not so bad to wear in the summer, but we all know winter is coming!!

(I REALLY want to insert a Game of Thrones gif here, but I’ll spare you)

But here’s the thing, it’s not that I’m lazy or don’t have the money to buy new clothes or anything, it’s just that I NEVER go shopping anymore, nor do I have the energy while watching over precious little babies and websites all day long. Ain’t nobody got time for that!

(I feel like I’m a walking meme right now?)

All this changed last week, however, when an epiphany hit me as I was scrolling through Amazon:

What if I could just buy all my clothes online like I do everything else? Then I can shop anytime I want AND get things delivered to my door AND can just keep buying the same things over and over again, maybe just changing out colors every so often? How easy would that be? Why has it taken me 20 years on the internet to even THINK about this???

Haha… and just like that, my new experiment was born :)

And there’s only one rule: Keep shopping until I’ve at least replaced *one* item in every category of clothing to make sure I fully give it my all. So no starting it and then giving up after one round of shopping, buster! You’re in it for the long-term play!

I’ve already made my first purchase too – woo! Here’s what I got:

  • Two packs of white tees
  • A pack of 3 boxers
  • 10 pairs of socks
  • 1 long sleeved casual shirt
  • 1 pair of jeans
  • 1 pair of my favorite shoes in the entire world!!

I even wore all them on the same day and have since dubbed it the “Amazon Outfit” haha... The only thing that was missing was a new belt – which is next on the list :)

And I gotta say, it feels damn good so far!! Just DOING SOMETHING about it, ya know? Look at these bad boys!! (I picked up the blue pair)

saucony retro shoes gif
[Hat tip to Ozy.com for the gif]

Another interesting thing I’ve realized in this process, is that my whole life I’ve only prioritized items that were *on sale* vs those that are full-price. Which is great for the wallet, of course, and something that’s helped my money grow substantially over the years, however it also meant I was always at the mercy of sales events and then praying that my right sizes and styles and all were there too. And that’s a hard way to shop when you don’t have the luxury of time.
So this will be an experiment that hits two main areas, it looks like:

  1. To get a better system in place for acquiring new clothes!
  2. To get over the (self-imposed) stigma of buying something at full-price, or at least in this case “internet price” which I’m learning is cheaper than full-price store items, but certainly not close to TJ Maxx or Thrift store sales.

But so far so good! I bought my first pair of shoes at full price and it felt amazing, haha… You can get any color and style you want when you’re not looking at the price tag! (Just thank GOD I don’t have expensive taste)

So we’ll see how it fares! Maybe I’ll wear my Amazon Outfit around you guys one day if you promise not to laugh :)

Anyone else shop online exclusively these days? Am I the only one who’s never bought clothes on the internet before now?

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87 Comments

  1. Nineandahalffingers September 18, 2017 at 5:39 AM

    I am loving those jeans and the words vagabondstar! Blooming brilliant.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 18, 2017 at 6:55 AM

      I shall wear them for you if we ever meet up one day :)

      Reply
  2. whiskey September 18, 2017 at 6:24 AM

    The problem I found with online is more often than not, the clothing is sized wrong. I know exactly what sizes I wear and depending on the manufacturer, ie Large Tshirt can be anywhere from a womens medium to a man’s XXL.
    That being said, I much prefer online as to dealing with going to the store (for the most part). I can go try it on at a store and then order it online later or if the store is having a sale then buy it now.
    Amazon is my default goto but I have stores that I prefer because of the above statements.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 18, 2017 at 6:57 AM

      Ahhh that’s a good idea about trying on in store. Or at least being able to *return* them to the store later if need be – I hadn’t thought about how annoying/tricky it will be to return stuff online, hmm…

      Reply
      1. Anne Marie September 18, 2017 at 10:06 AM

        No, no. Returns to amazon are SO easy – for clothes or anything else! Online is the way to shop!

        Reply
    2. Ramona @ Personal Finance Today September 18, 2017 at 12:11 PM

      My issues as well. Either I go trying out stuff and ordering the same things online or just buy them from the store, if I’m already there. Sizes don’t always fit well, although I’m actually pretty ‘model shaped’ so to say. :D

      Reply
  3. Ember @ An Intentional Lifestyle September 18, 2017 at 6:53 AM

    I’ve been thinking about doing that!! Well, I have been wondering about the StitchFix and ThredUp companies, because I’m not great at shopping in general. I don’t really like to do it, so I am interested in other options :) I’m wondering if these are good to buy from in the sense of how much more am I going to pay to use those services….

    I have one big problem though, and that’s that I want to try things on before purchasing. As a woman, I feel like clothes all fit so different, so I’m super hesitant to order clothes online. This does make me want to a little more, especially since I was already thinking about it…. Ugh decisions!

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 18, 2017 at 7:01 AM

      I don’t know anything about those companies, but I do know how frustrating it is to always be thinking and wondering about stuff, so for that reason alone I’d say give it a shot and see if you get lucky :) You can always stop at any time, right?

      Reply
    2. Katie September 18, 2017 at 8:15 AM

      I have used StitchFix in the past, and I have several items in my wardrobe that I love from them, however, they are a bit pricey, even when you request the lowest priced items in every category. If I didn’t have time to even browse online, they would probably be a good option. But I felt the same way you did about the sizing in different brands and styles of clothing, it’s hard to say how they will fit. I have never tried ThredUp, but would say both StitchFix and ThredUp would be worth trying once from what I know of them.

      Now, I do buy a lot of clothes online, but mainly from stores with physical locations for the return simplicity, and where I already have clothes from, so I know how they fit and what size I need.

      Reply
    3. Jody September 18, 2017 at 9:39 AM

      I just had my 13th box from StitchFix, I think I started doing it about 2 years ago. I’m not a fashionista by any definition, believe me, but this has been fun. Yes, they are pricey; I have my clothes set for the second-lowest tier. That being said, I feel like it has been worthwhile for one primary reason: they send me a lot of styles I would walk past in a store without a second glance, but when unpack the box and I put them on I love them! It has happened with almost every box I get. That has made me look at things in stores now with a different eye.

      I do most of my clothes shopping in thrift stores and Goodwill, and I’m killing it. Because of this, I’m willing to pay $88 for a pair of pants from StitchFix that fit like they were made for me when I would never pay for something like that otherwise. I feel it evens out. I have a hard time finding pants that fit, so when I find them like that I just decided I’m going to go for it. So far there have only been 2 boxes where I didn’t keep anything.

      J$, they do StitchFix for guys now, too….

      Reply
      1. J. Money September 18, 2017 at 5:41 PM

        I was about to ask if they have a men’s version! You need to work for their marketing team! haha… Going over now to look into :)

        Reply
  4. Lily @ The Frugal Gene September 18, 2017 at 7:13 AM

    I buy my hubby’s clothes from Amazon but I buy my clothes in thrift stores. Hubby only wears fruit of the loom shirts and levied jeans…man is it easy to be him. We make one or two orders a year and he’s set. I’m scared of buying my clothes online because I’m not your standard size…plus I like digging in the dollar bins for treasure in the thrift stores.

    Really, really cool jeans by the way! I’d wear that! Looks like something from Jean-Paul Gaultier.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 18, 2017 at 5:45 PM

      I keep meaning to try out Levi’s – I don’t think I’ve ever actually owned a pair?

      Reply
  5. Clarissa September 18, 2017 at 7:33 AM

    I only buy my clothes online and have done so for a few years now. But I buy them from the big name store sites, like JCP and Kohl’s, so that I can return clothes that don’t fit very easily. But I’ve also found brands and items that I love so I just keep buying them.

    Reply
  6. Hannah September 18, 2017 at 7:35 AM

    My most recent batch of clothes came from ThredUp which is kind of an online thrift store (I don’t think they have men’s clothes).

    Now I need to buy workout clothes which are cheap at Walmart or Target but I’ll definitely try those on first.

    Rob gets a lot of clothes from my younger brother, and he buys the rest online.

    I wonder if you’ll buy less clothes during this experiment. It seems like it will be easier to avoid stocking up, but you might end up buying much more frequently

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 18, 2017 at 5:47 PM

      Well considering I haven’t bought anything in two years (?) I’m pretty sure I’ll be buying MORE than usual :)

      Reply
  7. [HCF] September 18, 2017 at 7:46 AM

    I’m with you J$. If I would have the chance doing so would do without a second thought. I have a similar system just use a local “flea market” (maybe that’s not the most fitting word, but close enough). I keep a fixed number of inventory of all types of clothes and replace them when it is needed. Also, I restrict those occasions approximately two times a year, before summer and before winter and buffer the goods for the year coming. I hate shopping even at that two times so if I find a good piece I wear it until it completely fell apart.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 18, 2017 at 5:49 PM

      Love flea markets! They never seem to have many good men’s clothes at any I go to, but my wife loves them for kids’ clothes and toys :)

      Reply
  8. Belle September 18, 2017 at 8:02 AM

    Only thing is, if you buy clothes online, it’s going be tough trying to figure out whether it’s your size or not. Some things are just easier in the store, methinks. Good luck, though!

    Reply
  9. Mrs. Groovy September 18, 2017 at 8:02 AM

    Hah! And I thought Mr. Groovy’s jeans were weird!

    While Mr. G can buy a pair of 36/32 jeans without even trying them on, my size might vary, even for the same brand/style I’ve been wearing. So I only buy on line from Kohl’s, JC Penny, or Belk — all of which have brick and mortar stores nearby for returns. For several different weddings I bought half a dozen dresses on line from Belk, with the intention of returning all but one. That worked out well. It’s also easier to find discount codes for online purchases than it is to get your hands on in-store coupons.

    Reply
  10. Lance @ My Strategic Dollar September 18, 2017 at 8:05 AM

    I’ve never really been one for shopping online. I’m generally ok purchasing socks, t-shirts and some of the smaller things but not sure I can do jeans and other things that have to fit a certain way. Best of luck!

    Reply
  11. Fulltimefinance September 18, 2017 at 8:21 AM

    Not exclusively but heavily tilted that way. With kids it’s easier then trapping through the store with them. Besides sometimes you can get better deals. We do buy clothes online, as well as most household necessities. Food would be the big exception, I’ve yet to find food delivery that makes economical sense in my area.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 18, 2017 at 5:51 PM

      My wife is about to look into Peapod as she’s tired of shopping every week haha…

      It would be too funny if now we get groceries and clothes strictly online :) (and most def. with kids too! she’s always ordering things with them as they def. don’t make it easy on us taking them to stores)

      Reply
  12. Brian September 18, 2017 at 8:30 AM

    Not exclusively, but we are purchasing more and more online all the time. Prime and most other companies offering free shipping are making it easier to do so. At my fingertips, I can do a search and compare prices to ensure I’m getting the best deal makes it that much sweeter.

    Reply
  13. Austin Krause September 18, 2017 at 8:36 AM

    My cousin and I just spoke about Amazon clothes shopping yesterday. He said he buys IZOD dress pants off of Amazon. He already knows the size he wants and he can just have it shipped to his house. Easier than having to drive to the store just to find out they don’t have the correct size. We need a picture of the full Amazon outfit!

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 18, 2017 at 5:52 PM

      I think that’s going to be the trick – finding the perfect brand + size and then just keep re-ordering them wherever they’re cheapest.

      I’ll see what I can do about that pic ;)

      Reply
  14. Apathy Ends September 18, 2017 at 8:51 AM

    I have 5-6 shirts that I absolutely love, and have been considering buying doubles of them so I can cycle through and do laundry every 10 days. I might jump on board with this since I know they fit and I love them.

    Been buying boxers/socks online for about a year now – I should get an Amazon dash button for them

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 18, 2017 at 5:53 PM

      YES! The second you find something you love you should totally buy double!! I’m starting to do that too with stuff and will most def. do so with clothes now that I’m working on a system here :) Next up is another pair of Sauconys!

      Reply
  15. Amanda September 18, 2017 at 8:53 AM

    I know you did a write-up on Honey, but they’ve added a lot of features since, especially for the Amazon site. The “Drop List” and the “Get the Best Deal” tool are really beneficial because you can see the price variance over the past 30 days to see if you’re getting the best deal. If the need isn’t immediate, add the item to your “Drop List” and Honey will send you an email with the price change information. I have saved over $100 on Amazon alone since they’ve updated their app with this change because there is so much price fluctuation with Amazon.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 9:39 AM

      Ahhh very cool!! Did not know about those two upgrades!

      Reply
  16. Leo T. Ly September 18, 2017 at 8:54 AM

    I don’t like to shop and I rarely go shopping. when I do, I usually buy my clothes a great discounts and I get what I want in the size that I wanted. The key here is to buy your clothes before you need them. This system has worked very well for me over the years…

    …until I started gaining weight.

    Reply
  17. Mrs. Picky Pincher September 18, 2017 at 8:55 AM

    You know, it’s becoming increasingly popular to buy clothes online these days. I’m a fan of the online thrift stores that offer free shipping and returns, although I haven’t used them myself. I stock up on clothes only when my local thrift store is having a 75% off tag sale. And that means I score pants and shirts for .50 apiece. :) I just updated my wardrobe for fall for $13.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 9:41 AM

      Oh my gosh, haha… you are a frugal QUEEN!!

      Reply
  18. Lisa O September 18, 2017 at 9:00 AM

    Never buy clothes on lines..I have to touch them and try them on to see if I really want them. We lost our Macy’s store and I cut up the card. When they called to ask why, I told them that I am kind of shopper that needs to see/touch/feel with brick/mortar. They have lost a shopper and a pretty darn good Macy’s spender….oh the pain! It has helped my budget and I have moved on to another store for my go to!

    Reply
  19. Paul September 18, 2017 at 9:06 AM

    Eddie Bauer outlet off season. I get shirts for 5 bucks, I have purchased 2 jackets for less than 50 dollars and many sweatshirts for less than 20 bucks. They are just about the only place that consistently has tall sizes. I’m not tall nor fat enough for big and tall stores, and most normal clothing stores are only good for people up to 6’2. I’m 6’5 and really there is a gap from about 6’3 to 6’7 in most clothing stores. If I do buy online my return rate is around 90%, so I typically avoid it other than shoes. I can usually get something decent online as opposed to brick and mortar which have 2 choices in the whole store for me. I know if I buy Nike I need a 15 and pretty much everything else a 14 is fine.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 9:49 AM

      I think you found your next business idea right there :) Stores catering to only 6’3 to 6’7’s!

      Reply
  20. Jason@WinningPersonalFinance September 18, 2017 at 9:26 AM

    I love shopping online to replace an exact item that’s warn out. I do this often with shoes as I find that if new shoes are not comfortable, I won’t wear them. I keep replacing old shoes that fit well with the same model. When I’m buying new clothes, I prefer to buy in person. The lazy side of me may keep an item that’s not an ideal fit just so I don’t have to return it. I’d rather just try something on in the store and get it right the first time.

    Reply
  21. Ms. Montana September 18, 2017 at 9:59 AM

    I hate shopping too! Even buying food feels like a horrible inconvenience. Actually, Mr. Montana takes care of 80% of the food shopping! But clothes are the worse! I’ve taken to buying all my clothing staples while I walk through Costco. I would love to just order things online, but the reality is even in person, if I try 10 items on, only 1 will fit right. I mostly blame my 6 foot tall, slender frame. After years of being tortured my jean shooping during my high school years, my mom still won’t step foot in a store with me. My “if I ever win the lotto” splurge has always been a personal shopper and first class flights.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 9:50 AM

      Hah!

      Jim Want from WalletHacks.com just told me that he buys 100% of his clothes at Costco ;) Y’all need to start some sort of club, haha…

      Reply
  22. Adam September 18, 2017 at 10:00 AM

    A while back my wife signed up for a Banana Republic credit card. The rewards rate is pretty fantastic; every month there’s another $10-$50 credit toward BR/Gap/Old Navy products. On top of their routine 40% discounts and $50 free shipping cutoff, it means I very rarely spend actual money on clothing. They also happen to be about the only company on the planet to make medium-tall slim-fit shirts — a huge bonus for 6’2″ 165-pound me.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 9:52 AM

      You need to shop at Paul’s new store up above ;) (Though you’ll need to ask for special permission since you miss the cut off of 6’3, haha…)

      Reply
      1. Paul September 19, 2017 at 11:07 AM

        I’ll allow it. All money is welcome at Paul’s Tall but not freakishly tall wholesale emporium. I even accept bitcoin and ethereum.

        Reply
        1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 11:10 AM

          Haha… best comment you’ve ever added right there.

          Reply
  23. Working Optional September 18, 2017 at 10:22 AM

    We started buying clothes online as well. Amazon has free returns on a lot of them. We also go for other stores that we can buy online but return in store if they don’t fit right etc. Works great!

    Reply
  24. Jeff @ MaximumCents September 18, 2017 at 10:32 AM

    I think buying clothes online is going to be the norm soon. Retailers are already hurting lately and as more stores close down people will take advantage of the internet for their wardrobes. However I like to try on my clothes before I buy them. Buying online will result in a lot of returns.

    Reply
  25. Ms. P. September 18, 2017 at 10:46 AM

    I have bought clothes online for years. As I got older and busier, convenience became more important than hunting down the biggest bargain. This past Saturday, I was lured to the shopping center by half-price bras and a coupon for $30 off $100. I drove to the store, picked out my items and added a pair or two of underpants. I waited in line, presented my coupon, and was told it was not good on the half price items. What about the full priced underpants? No, not on that brand. I did end up buying 3 bras because the price was still good. But next time, I will save my gas and my time, and if I pay a few bucks more, so be it. Another advantage of online shopping is that in my state, if there is no brick and mortar store within state lines, I pay no tax–7% saved right there.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 9:54 AM

      Ugggh that’s so annoying! Good thing you found something to still buy though so it wasn’t a waste :( I am in FULL agreement that convenience is much better than a few savings in this current phase… And yet another thing managing your money well gets you! A luxury you can’t afford when dead broke!

      Reply
  26. Mr Crazy Kicks September 18, 2017 at 11:14 AM

    Those shoes are Crazy Kicks approved. Love me some saucony :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 9:54 AM

      I see what you did there!!

      Reply
  27. Elsie September 18, 2017 at 11:18 AM

    I recently started buying clothes from wish.com which is mostly all cheap clothing made in China sold at a deep discount. Another thing I do is give Amazon reviews in exchange for free merchandise. I pride myself on having always been 100% thrift store clothing adorned. Lately, though, Ive been short on time. I haven’t decided if the cost ($3 more per item give or take) is worth the convenience. Thanks J

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 9:55 AM

      Fascinating…. didn’t know you could get free clothes in exchange for reviews? Even if you give $hitty ones?

      Reply
      1. Elsie September 19, 2017 at 10:17 AM

        Haha no, you have to give nice reviews. They tend to get mad if you give shitty ones. I have no problem fibbing for some free stuff. Maybe I have no soul.

        Reply
        1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 10:39 AM

          as long as you don’t do that for $$ resources on your blog, I’ll forgive you :)

          Reply
  28. Robert Finch September 18, 2017 at 11:21 AM

    You should try Tilley’s in Canada. Thats all I wear. Some are for Life. Expensive but last
    a long time.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 9:57 AM

      That stuff is a bit too stylish for me, haha… but they do look comfy :)

      Reply
  29. Shannon September 18, 2017 at 11:37 AM

    I love that you just discovered buying clothes online as of now! hahaha

    I buy nearly everything online, I even get my groceries delivered.
    Ain’t nobody got time to walk around a store!

    I buy clothes online too, but I buy only thrifted and second hand clothes. That’s right, for nearly 5 years now (underwear I buy new of course) and I not bought one retail item. My best sources are eBay and thredUP. It’s an online consignment store but only women’s and childrens clothes. Free shipping and free returns (read the deets). I found some excellent scores from that site, amazing condition. If it’s second hand it still looks good, then I imagine it will last me years. I think there are just so many articles of clothing that are already made, resources are already used to make it, floating around this world, that I know I’m going to find what I need that already exists.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 10:01 AM

      Ebay!!! Yes!!! I keep hearing about thredUP but sucks it’s not male-oriented yet… maybe just a matter of time?

      Reply
  30. Mr. Tako September 18, 2017 at 11:42 AM

    Unfortunately the thrift store doesn’t sell clothes online. I mostly wear clothes from the thrift store because they cost about half as much as retail.

    I know there’s websites like thredup that sell high-quality used clothes online, but I’ve never used it. Expensive brands aren’t really my thing.

    So no, probably not going to be buying my clothes online anytime soon. ;)

    Reply
  31. Stephanie Chin September 18, 2017 at 12:08 PM

    Shopping online for clothes is not awesome. I shopped on zulily for a long time. Lots of good deals! Like the time I bought designer clothes a few years later resold on Thred Up for a profit. But then there were a few epic fails. Once I thought I was buying a vest and it turned out to have a mini skirt thing attached Or the shoes that were $10 but were two sizes too small even though I bought my regular size. Then the opposite happened and I decided no more. Now I only by brands I know and like.
    The best thing I ever did was go to a Nordstrom personal shopper a few times. Now I know what looks great on me and I just reorder online when I want another color. And the clothes last longer.
    I also discovered I hate trying on clothes!!! So I may shop in store but order online

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 10:02 AM

      that’s hilarious about the vest/skirt thing haha… so random??

      Reply
  32. Tina September 18, 2017 at 12:24 PM

    J. Money, I got pretty excited when I saw a portion of your blog title in my inbox ” New Experiment: Buying All My Clothes-” because I was sure the last bit was going to be “Used” or “Second-Hand”. As I’m reading all the comments here I’m suprised no one has touched on the dark-side to retail clothing industry. To really embrace minimalism, in addition to asking “how”, we must also question “why”.
    There’s a reason you can go online or Walmart or Target and get those deep discounts on clothes- the working conditions that make those prices possible are abhorrent. Sure, I can go to Walmart and pick up three shirts for less than even some thrift stores- but now I’ve just created a demand for three new shirts to replace them- the raw materials, chemicals, labor and fuel to get them back to Walmart where the cycle begins again. And the three cheap shirts when I tire of them? Off to the land-fill.
    Another alternative: buying second-hand breaks this cycle because the items are already circulating and there’s no demand to replace them. Nowadays its so much easier to buy second-hand with Craigslist, Thred-Up, E-Bay and the like. You can customize your Thred Up and EBay accounts to display Nearly New/ Like-new/ Used, with your specific size, even radius (if you want to cut down on carbon emissions for shipping/transport). I particularly like Thred-Up because they minimize packaging and you can return anything you don’t like, either for a refund minus handling (I think its 8.99 per shipment) or return it all for credit.
    Can’t get over wearing “someone else’s” clothes? I’m pretty sure no one is washing those returns before they go back on the rack to be tried on again.
    J., I’d encourage your readers to watch “The True Cost” documentary (available on-demand Netflix) as its a real eye-opener into the human and ecological damage done by our demand for cheaper, faster, newer clothing. Second-hand is not a solution to every need. It’s not zero-waste. It’s not perfect. But it’s a start.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 10:05 AM

      Yes!! I am allllll for used clothes and will start looking more on Ebay now and others too, due to all you smarty people here sharing ideas :) back in the day all my clothes came from the Salvation Army and Goodwill, and if it weren’t so time intensive these days I’d still be there shopping (except for shoes – that’s the only thing I can’t wear used, besides underwear).

      So I hear you!! Especially as a zero-waste movement lover/novice as well! I just need constant reminders cuz no one around me ever cares/thinks about it in the real world :( so thanks for the ping.. and for the documentary recommendation – I will queue it up!

      Reply
  33. Done by Forty September 18, 2017 at 1:49 PM

    For years, I would just buy the same pair of non-Chuck Taylor converse shoes (White with blue chevrons). When one started to wear out, I’d just get the same pair online sent to my door. As you said in the post, it was easy because I already liked them and already knew they fit.

    Then, I noticed I couldn’t find them online anymore, not even on ebay, at least not always in my size. So I had to bite the bullet and, gasp, find something new.

    But then I tossed out the system, even though I could find the same shoe if I wanted.

    Maybe it’s time to renew the system…

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 10:07 AM

      I want to try those Chuck converses soooo bad! i think they look SO damn cool on people and have never picked one up in my life. Though I also hear they’re terribly uncomfortable, so really not sure what to think…

      Maybe one of these days I’ll just suck it up and go to the mall and try on a bunch of brands and styles and then go back and order everything online later :) I surely don’t want to order shoes to try them on for the first time from online.

      Reply
  34. Cassandra September 18, 2017 at 4:17 PM

    I had to reach out as I’m a small business owner. I don’t sell clothing, but I do sell housewares and furniture, which is easily obtained online…

    I too, am frugal and want the best possible deal — I do buy things online too. Typically online purchases can be cheaper, due to bulk purchasing/shipping/supply chain type stuff. Sizing can differ of course too, and you don’t have the opportunity to get to know your local retailer. Local retailers may offer you the same deal if you ask; or often have frequent shopper discounts.

    Shopping local helps keep money in your neighborhood, community, and keeps cities and towns vibrant and healthy. Even in communities that only have “big box” type stores. It really does help.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 10:10 AM

      YES!! Agreed! I can be better about this, but I DO do my best to eat local and shop local especially in my hometown. And most def. at farmers markets, mmmm…. Usually it costs a little more at least in my experience, but totally worth supporting the community for sure. I gotta be better about it though.

      Reply
  35. Bailey @ Becoming Bailey September 18, 2017 at 7:59 PM

    I’ll see you at FinCon in my own Amazon outfit. 99% of my tunics and leggings come from Amazon these days.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 10:10 AM

      Haha… we’ll be twinsies!

      Reply
  36. Revanche @ A Gai Shan Life September 18, 2017 at 9:28 PM

    My friend, welcome! Welcome to the wonderful world of not shopping in stores again except MAYBE once a year or two. It’s fantastic. I’ve gone to the mall 3 times in the past 5 years to return things and pick up some mega-clearance stuff for gifts, and I appreciate every minute of the days that I don’t spend going to, being at, or driving back from the stores :) I will shop for groceries, though, picking my own food is a high priority.

    Someday I would LOVE to buy all used clothes but my odd size still means that it’s really hard to find anything close enough to the right size to be a good steady source of clothing. And I also try to be environmentally sound and ethical along with my bargains – no buying from fast fashion outlets, no overbuying just because it’s a deal, no purchasing from places that use sweatshops or prison labor. We vote with our dollars, right?

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 10:12 AM

      Love it :) I only ever go to the mall during Xmas for gifts or if I’m out of ideas of ways to entertain the kids, haha… They like all those play areas in the middle of them but they are SO FULL OF GERMS!! :)

      Reply
  37. Ms. Frugal Asian Finance September 18, 2017 at 11:13 PM

    Oh my Mr. FAF has a pair of jeans that look very similar to yours! His 5 year-old jeans got ripped at the bottom, and he tried to mend it. It just looked miserable with his sewing >_<

    I've tried buying clothes on Amazon before. I got 2 dresses that I really liked and that fit me well. The rest? Not so much. It's so far for me to buy clothes online because most of the time the clothes don't fit well. I need to drag myself to the stores to try on what I think looks nice. :D

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 19, 2017 at 10:13 AM

      Hey – at least you husband TRIED to sew them! I’m a wuss and always ask my mother for help whenever I’m in town :) (But now she says it’s time to throw them out as even she can’t save them, haha…)

      Reply
  38. ZJ Thorne September 19, 2017 at 9:32 AM

    Online clothes shopping can be wonderful. Returns are always accepted. I’ve strangely found buying silly costume-ish pieces for under $5 that clearly ship from China have often fit enormously well. It’s been fascinating as women’s sizing makes no sense. I still get the majority of my clothes from TJ Maxx though. Easily replicable items – camisoles, etc – come from Amazon. Things where fit is more important usually come from a store I enter.

    Reply
  39. Vanessa @ Achieving Freedom September 19, 2017 at 10:54 AM

    Unless I’m traveling and seeing stores I don’t usually get to experience I’m exclusively an online shopper. I love being able to go straight to the sale section, see if anything suits me and if not I just don’t buy anything. While I also dive straight for the clearance rack in clothing stores, I still have to walk by (and touch, I love touching materials as I walk by) all the non clearance items. Online shopping gives a clearer path.
    Sometimes on smaller websites with less options I pop into the non clearance section for whatever item I’m buying (most recently long workout pants I desperately needed) and checked if the other non-sale offers were worth $70 more than what I had picked out. Unsurprisingly, nothing was. So here I am, expecting some nice leopard printed tights instead of a subtle black.

    Reply
  40. Cynthia September 19, 2017 at 1:51 PM

    Well, there has to be a nay-sayer in every group I guess, but I hate buying online. I like being able to touch the fabric, look at the workmanship, and yes, return or exchange things easily. I’m also a people person and I actually chat with the sales clerks and cashiers. If you know what you need and which stores usually have good prices or sales on what you like, it doesn’t really take that long. I also like shopping at thrift stores.

    Reply
  41. Adriane September 19, 2017 at 6:07 PM

    I hate shopping. But I also like to feel the material (and sometimes – okay all the time – clothing fits differently). The struggle is real.

    When I do buy online, I make sure to read the reviews closely as they will usually give you a hint to whether it fits ‘as advertised.’ I’ve saved myself a lot of returns that way. Even if I’m buying from Ebay or Poshmark, I check Amazon for the item reviews.

    Reply
  42. Eddie September 19, 2017 at 7:24 PM

    I’ve been buying some stuff on amazon lately, but I stick to the standard brands that I’d find in a B&M store here. And sold by amazon, since returns are way easier than the rando brand-x made & shipped from china stuff my wife ends up getting herself.

    Something I didn’t see mentioned was CamelCamelCamel…. I haven’t started using it, but I might need to so I can stock up when something I like gets near a historical/recent low price.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 20, 2017 at 5:13 PM

      I’ve heard about that one before! They’ve been around for years, right? Will have to start poking around them all as I find my stride here… so much to learn but kinda fun!

      Reply
  43. Miguel @ The Rich Miser September 20, 2017 at 10:30 AM

    I buy about half my clothes online and have been doing so for years. I’d say the key is to find brands with consistent sizes, and then order stuff from that brand (the sizes that you already know will fit you). Ordering new brands or brands you haven’t previously worn is more risky, since the clothes may not fit you well. Although Amazon will let you return stuff that does not fit you, there are anecdotal reports on the internet of people getting banned from Amazon for life for too many returns. For that reason, I try to limit my Amazon returns.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 20, 2017 at 5:14 PM

      Totally. That’s my goal – to find brands I just love the $hit out of and keep ordering over and over from them… At least that’s how I see it happening in my head :)

      Reply
  44. Jeffro September 21, 2017 at 7:40 PM

    I wish there was a good online store for men’s gently used clothes that don’t look like they are from the 70s. Women and children have plenty of good options. Men, not so much.

    Reply
  45. Owen @ PlanEasy September 22, 2017 at 4:38 PM

    I’m a big fan of buying online. I really enjoy a particular Banana Republic shirt. Its a non-iron button up. It fits me well. Whenever I need a new one I wait for a sale and buy it online. I know the sizing works for me so its just down to a decision on the style/pattern. Makes it pretty easy to buy new clothes and still save money with a sale.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 25, 2017 at 12:07 PM

      That’s my ideal situation too! Find the right sizes/brands and then just keep re-ordering as time goes on, love it.

      Reply
  46. Tony @SmartPennyPinch September 24, 2017 at 12:40 PM

    To get the right size and save money, I buy all my tennis shoes online. I order from the same manufacturer every time and I know they will fit.

    I wait until they are on sale for 1/2 off, then buy several pairs for the next year or two.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 25, 2017 at 12:07 PM

      very smart – I’d totally stock up too like that :)

      Reply
  47. Bill October 10, 2017 at 3:55 PM

    A great thing about buying online is they take things back for almost any excuse in the book, no questions asked. In fact, one company Jack threads will even send you stuff to try before you buy. They’re making too easy!

    Reply

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