Mommy's Ten Tips for being fashionable on a budget. Plus: GAP discount code

Let's face it, money is tight these days. That's why the folks at Gap and TwitterMoms have joined forces to share their money saving tips with blog readers across the nation. You can join the discussion and share your own ideas!

1. Shop your friend's closet. See if there are any items you would like to swap. 
2. Don't be afraid of resale shops! You can find great deals on clothes in great condition.
3. Garage Sales can be gold mines - ESPECIALLY for children's clothes. 
4. Check out E-bay or Craigslist for designer items at discounted prices.
5. Check online for discount codes.
6. Look in your Sunday Paper for special deals and sales
7. Take advantage of "Bonus Bucks" programs. Kohls is one of my favorites. Earning $10 on a $50 purchase is the equivalent of an additional 20% off your purchase.
8. Use discount coupons that come in the mail. Many department stores offer these promotional coupons on a regular basis. 
9. Pay cash. You're not saving any money if you're paying interest on a credit card. Sure, it may be on sale for 15% off, but you'll actually LOSE a greater percentage if you have a high interest rate of around 20-25%. 
10. This may sound like a contradiction to #9, but take advantage of any special "card-members" discount programs. THE ONLY REQUIREMENT: pay it off immediately. You can even pay it off right then while you are in the store. That way you still reap the benefits of an additional 15-30% off without the temptation of spending more money than you actually have.

I hope these tips were helpful to you! I'm always on the lookout for ways to save more money. So if you have any additional ideas I would love for you to leave a comment! I can always learn from your experience and wisdom!

Here are some current specials running as part of Gap's campaign. Feel free to take advantage of these discounts and keep a little extra cash in your wallet!
 
Gap Outlet is offering summer dress and cardigans for $15 and up to 40% off other select items from May 7-24, 2010!  Also, Gap Outlet is offering an exclusive coupon code to the TwitterMoms community for an additional 15% discount on all purchases, with a minimum spend of $75. This exclusive additional discount is available to all TwitterMoms friends and family from May 11-May 24th, 2010! 

Banana Republic Factory Store's "It's All About Her Sale" offers savings of up to 50% off all women's clothes from April 30th through May 19th!  In addition, Banana Republic Factory Store is offering an exclusive coupon code to the TwitterMoms community for an additional 15% discount on all purchases, with a minimum spend of $75.  This exclusive additional discount is available to all TwitterMoms friends and family from May 11 through May 24, 2010, so hurry to your closest location today. 

Happy Savings!



I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Gap Outlet blogging program to be eligible to win a $20 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here