One way is to shop at consignment sales, such as the twice-a-year events sponsored by Just Between Friends, a group that helps mothers save money on kids’ clothes or make some extra cash by selling what their children outgrow.

"I'm probably spending a little over $100 and, had I gone to the store and bought it, it would've been well over $300 to $400,” said Reja Spaeny, at a recent consignment sale at Remington’s in Springfield.

With a lot of patience and a little luck, you can find name brand items for up to 70 percent off what you'd pay in the store.

For people looking for professional attire without the painful price tags, the Junior League’s Plaid Door is a popular stop.

"We always maintain a high quality of designs and designers that are highly sought after. People know they can go to the Plaid Door and find name brands,” said Heather Trinca of the Junior League of Springfield.

The Resale Boutique also specializes in helping people dress for success on a starting salary.

"We've been approached by a lot of banks and businesses to do fashion shows to teach people how to dress for job interviews,” said store manager Lori Kindle.

Here are some examples: A Yansi two-piece suit that sells for $300 new cost $75 at the Resale Boutique. A BCBG dress that still had its original price tag of nearly $200 was slashed to sell at $50. A brand new leather jacket ticketed for nearly $1,000 is a steal at $230.

You’ll also find designer duds for mean and boys, and even formal attire for special occasions.

"We have some prom wear. Once in a while we have some good wedding dresses too,” said Kindle.

Savvy shoppers can also stretch their dollars at the Review Shoppe in Springfield for deals on end-of-season styles that didn’t sell in stores. It also has enough stylish shoes to make even Imelda Marcos jealous. A pair of Marc Jacobs sequined wedges that would sell for $260 are just $48.

A stone-studded Cole Haan handbag that retails for hundreds of dollars goes for a bargain $68.

You can also clear out your own closet and cash in those contributions.

"When you're in the business world, it's nice to have more suits and this is a good way to do it,” said shopper Carol Carlson.
----

Just Between Friends will hold its next consignment sale this fall, so watch for that. As for the bargain boutiques, sales associates say shoppers should keep checking for deals, since the selection is constantly changing everyday.