Gotta Stretch that Dollar Bill

With an open mind, you can find some fantastic fashions in a variety of places. Here are some tips on how to make your dollar go even further.   

1. The most important money-saving tip: the purchase is not the end

• After you buy something, check back on it. Most stores will do a one-time price adjustment within two weeks. If the price of your item goes down, ask for a price adjustment. You just need your receipt or order number, not the item in hand. You can even email this request for online purchases. 
• If a sale occurs that offers 20% or more off an item you've ordered online within two weeks, call the company and ask them to reduce your cost so you don't have to re-order the item and return or cancel your original purchase. Most will. If the reduction is significant and you don't want to call, do reorder it and return the first one.
• If you return an item purchased online and then choose to reorder the same item in a different size or color at any point in the future, ask the company (email the request for online orders) to waive the shipping costs since it is an "exchange," albeit much later. Most will.

2. Use reward points

• I'm not a fan of most store credit cards, but a few like the Banana Republic LUXE card offer you free shipping on any purchase. More stores that offer free or inexpensive shipping here. 
• Some store credit cards allow you to earn points toward "cash" for store purchases.
• Your usual Visa, Master Card, or American Express credit card likely offers points that add up to gift certificates to select stores. 

3. Be aware that many companies carry popular athletic brands like Patagonia

• Patagonia, North Face, PrAna, Marmot--several companies carry these brands, so if you see a Patagonia dress you like in a catalog, be sure to check Sierra Trading Post.com, Campmor.com, Altrec.com, REI.com, Backcountry.com, WinterWomen.com, Departmentofgoods.com, Moosejaw.com, and Buckmans.com for the same item for less. 
• All the websites listed above are reliable, good companies with safe websites.

4. Special rules for shoe shopping

If you see a shoe you like in a store or catalog, get its exact name and look it up online. Many manufacturers will carry it, and you may find a lower price.

Often the manufacturer's website itself, like Timberland or Ralph Lauren or Aerosoles, will offer the lowest price.