by Laurie Miles

Created on: April 07, 2009   Last Updated: April 15, 2009

I lost 25 pounds within the last year which has motivated me to change my different look. I am approaching 50 years old and I most definitely don't want to look it. But, I am also on a budget so I have to choose my new clothes wisely. I need to get a lot of mileage out of them and accessories are key.

I started with thrift stores. I needed everything (including bras and underware), so I had to save money where I could. I was also dating again and I wanted to look good. I wanted a hot pair of jeans that looked really good on me but didn't want to spend the money to go designer. It took a couple of hours to go through about 10 racks of jeans, but it was well worth it. I ended up with a pair of Tommy Hilfiger jeans that looked fantastic and cost $6.00. I smile every time I put them on.

The next step was basic tee shirts in black and any colors I could find. These little numbers were a steal at Walmart for $5.00 each. I bought 6 different ones.

I took my cardigan sweaters that were all too big for me and wear them with a belt. I bought a new black skinny belt for $1.99 at the Goodwill.

I hit the clearance racks at Target for pants on sale. I scored big with a brown and grey pair. I paid about $13.00 for each. I have also done myself a big favor now that I am back to my fighting weight of 120 pounds and I shop in the junior section of J.C. Penney and other stores. The clothes are a little cheaper and for most of the pants I tried on, no hemming was necessary. Sometimes the "low-rise" is a bit too far below the belly button to suit my taste, but it's quite the ego boost to know they fit and I can still do it at 49 plus.

I have also turned to Walmart and CVS for most of my makeup. I tried Cover Girl foundation for "mature women" and it is amazing the difference it made in my skin. The best thing about both of these stores is that they will allow you to return the makeup if it doesn't work out. Target no longer offers this option, so I buy elsewhere. Let's face it, with the economy the way it is, every penny counts.

I color my hair myself, both because it is easy to do and cheaper than a salon visit. I wear it short and find that I cannot stand the grey creeping through, so I do it every 3 weeks and keep it looking good.

The bottom line is, I have taken the time to reinvent both my look and my finances by thinking outside the box. Who needs Nordstrom anyway?

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