New clothes - how much money does it cost to look good?

How much money does it cost to look good?

I mean really good. Like, I look like I care about my looks and my clothes.

I always struggle with this concept. I'm usually so concerned about saving money and so focused on making sure everyone else has what they need. Don't get me wrong, I do hit up the Nordstrom anniversary sale or black friday...and I entertain a wonderful capsule wardrobe...

but is there room for more?

Cosmo says we should spend 5% of our take home pay on our clothes.  Hahaha I guess that's pre-day care costs?

I guess the key is making sure you have a few key pieces that work - basic pieces, follow the whole capsule wardrobe thing where every piece matches - and budgeting whatever amount suits your budget for a few splurges along the way.

Saving money on airline flights

Who knows how airlines figure out prices.

I've tried to research in and out and have only found two decent sources for cheap airline tickets.

1) The ultimate ITA matrix

2) Skiplagged

ITA

With the ITA matrix you can use their calendar to determine the best time to buy your ticket. So let's say you see an advertised ticket of $300 per person for some flight.  You can go to ITA to try to see what the price actually is for which dates and have more data to make a good decision. It also gives you the airline code so you can make sure you will get enough airline miles.

You can make the decision between buying the $300 dollar tickets for half miles or the $400 ticket for full miles. 

Skiplagged

Skiplagged is a really cool tool that basically takes your location out of the equation.  So, if there is a really cheap flight from Chicago to San Diego, with one stop in Los Angeles, most people wouldn't take that flight if they were going to Los Angeles.

If you searched the "normal" way - through kayak for example, to try to find a trip from ORD to LAX...it wouldn't show you the super cheap ORD - San Diego route. With skiplagged, it shows you this option, and many more.

It is usually the best when you have last minute travel.  For example, we wanted to take a trip to Los Angeles, and checked ITA and in two weeks, tickets were about $500 ($2,000!).

Then we checked skiplagged, found that San Diego flight, and the price went down to $1,000.  

The only bad thing is that you can't really check luggage, but for a short trip a few carry on suitcases or a backpack will do. 

If you travel frequently, or even if you don't, you should sign up to be a frequent flier and stick with it.  If you fly enough, you can redeem free airline tickets or other items.

If you are just searching for flights, you only have to two places to go now! Yay for saving money, big living, and not having to search a gazillions sites for affordable tickets.  

Saving money on airline flights

Who knows how airlines figure out prices.

I've tried to research in and out and have only found two decent sources for cheap airline tickets.

1) The ultimate ITA matrix

2) Skiplagged

ITA

With the ITA matrix you can use their calendar to determine the best time to buy your ticket. So let's say you see an advertised ticket of $300 per person for some flight.  You can go to ITA to try to see what the price actually is for which dates and have more data to make a good decision. It also gives you the airline code so you can make sure you will get enough airline miles.

You can make the decision between buying the $300 dollar tickets for half miles or the $400 ticket for full miles. 

Skiplagged

Skiplagged is a really cool tool that basically takes your location out of the equation.  So, if there is a really cheap flight from Chicago to San Diego, with one stop in Los Angeles, most people wouldn't take that flight if they were going to Los Angeles.

If you searched the "normal" way - through kayak for example, to try to find a trip from ORD to LAX...it wouldn't show you the super cheap ORD - San Diego route. With skiplagged, it shows you this option, and many more.

It is usually the best when you have last minute travel.  For example, we wanted to take a trip to Los Angeles, and checked ITA and in two weeks, tickets were about $500 ($2,000!).

Then we checked skiplagged, found that San Diego flight, and the price went down to $1,000.  

The only bad thing is that you can't really check luggage, but for a short trip a few carry on suitcases or a backpack will do. 

If you travel frequently, or even if you don't, you should sign up to be a frequent flier and stick with it.  If you fly enough, you can redeem free airline tickets or other items.

If you are just searching for flights, you only have to two places to go now! Yay for saving money, big living, and not having to search a gazillions sites for affordable tickets.  

Shopping for backpacks

The new scholastic year.

I can't believe the summer is over.

It has gone by so fast!

Both kids trashed their backpacks this summer. I've vowed to have them keep their backpacks and not purchase a new one every year, but the zippers are so cheaply made, they no longer zip up and there are holes in the sides.  I've been holding off buying a new backpack until summer is over.  They will need a new backpack once school starts. You know, so pencils and homework don't fall out.

Every year I debate - should I use a 20% off coupon and shell out $40 for a high quality pottery barn backpack?  Or should I spend about $20 on a Target backpack that might lose a zipper half way through?

I've given it quite a bit of thought and decided it makes more sense to go the Target/Walmart route because...either way they will trash their backpack.

Initially, I was going to wait until my state's tax-free weekend (find your tax free weekend here ) to purchase, but Target has 10% of backpacks through July 30th, so I'm going to take advantage!

I've also seen pretty inexpensive backpacks on Zulily but I am often frustrated by the length of time it takes to receive purchases.

If you decide to purchase a new backpack online, don't forget to go to dealnews and other sites to look for coupons.  See my previous post on Coupon Tricks for additional tips to save as much as possible!