What to buy, what to buy...

[CannibalHippo]

Help?

My parents are giving me a couple hundred to spend on what I would like once that tax return comes in. and to be honest I have no clue what I should get!
I know I need jeans. (I like light and dark wash jeans that sit low on my hips)
But as for basics and clothes go I don't want to blow it away on two or three items.
So my question is what should I get that's very versatile? and how do I go about finding the best things at cheapish stores. Like H&M and Salv. Army and maybe TJ max? I've heard they are sort of discount but honestly I hate shopping for myself and do more window shopping than anything.
Also I will be moving into an apartment in June so I would like to know what are some necessities I should get for moving in?

TLDR; version.

What quantity of things should I get? (#of jeans, sweaters, shirts)
Is Salv and H&M/TJ Maxx really the best places to find good cheap clothing?
How would I find the best I can that looks good on me?
What are necessities I should get for my apartment?

[O sweet spontaneous]

What quantity of things should I get? (#of jeans, sweaters, shirts)

It depends on how much of each item you need.

Is Salv and H&M/TJ Maxx really the best places to find good cheap clothing?

If you have a Plato's Closet near where you live, I would go there. It's basically Goodwill for designer clothes. Also, I love Ross and Marshall's for good, cheap clothing. I have no experience with Salvation army or TJ Maxx.

How would I find the best I can that looks good on me?

Before you go, research what types of clothes work best for your body shape. Know what colors suit you as well as what styles.

What are necessities I should get for my apartment?

I have no idea. My sister just went through that, but I didn't pay much attention to what she got.

[Forever Eccentric]

TJ Maxx has really good stuff, if it's in a better area.

[t e l e b i z a]

When I need new clothes I usually hit up all the thrift stores in my area. Goodwill, Salv. Army, the cute locally owned ones. If I can't find what I'm looking for there, I'll go to Forever 21, Macy's, maybe Nordstroms if I REALLY can't find what I'm looking for. And when you go shopping, bring your best friend. They should help you choose what looks good on you. Plus, it's not as much fun without a friend. If you're thrifting, you can point out all the terrible clothes that are around too. smile
As for the apartment, I'm sorry, no help here. :/

[A a m u n k o i t e]

I live at Rue 21 for most of my outer wear. If you hit them at the right time, you can get a bajillion items for like $200.

Also Plato's Closet is really good because they have a bigger variety of styles for super cheap. TJ Maxx is good, but I never find anything that I like or that fits me right.

If you have any locally owned resale shops you might try there as well. I've scored some pretty awesome things at the ones by me. I got a pair of Express jeans that were brand new (still had the original tag - priced at $110) for $12, and they've lasted me six years so far.

[pthalo]

thrift and consignment stores are where i usually shop for clothes, but forever 21 is good for basics like t shirts and tank tops.
as for your apartment- it depends on how funished it is when you move in. you'll probably want some lighting, and some basic kitchen stuff (microwave, toaster, slow cooker, etc). when i first moved out, i had to buy a couple of shelves for storage as well.

[x0xPANicx0x]

I don't really know how to help you with your clothes dilemma, but I'm moving into an apartment soon myself, and I've made a rather detailed list for each room. If you'd like, I could give you my full list, but here are some of the essentials (assuming you have to furnish each room);

Kitchen;
(I'd advise asking family members and friends for these things. A lot of the time people have a surplus and would be glad to be rid of the excess. I speak from experience.)
-plates/bowls/cups
-utensils
-pots/pans
-mixing bowls
-measuring cups
-Tupperware
-coffee pot/kettle
-whisk
-pot holders/oven mitts
-bottle opener
-can opener
-scissors
-trash can
-microwave
-dining table/chairs

Bathroom;
-shower curtain
-bath mat
-trash can
-soap dispenser
-towels
-toilet paper

Living room;
-couch
-entertainment center
-coffee table

Bedroom;
-bed
-dresser
-nightstand
-curtains/blinds

Also, to help with the actual moving I'd suggest renting a utility dolly. Those things are a life saver.

[Melodic_Madness]

Clothingwise, I get most of my inexpensive basics from:
Charlotte Russe (jeans, camis)
Forever 21 (tops)
Target (accessories, outerwear, handbags)
Burlington Coat Factory (shoes, bags, home goods)
Famous Footwear (shoes)
Journeys (shoes)
Wal Mart (layering tees and tanks)
Victoria's Secret/Target/Wal Mart (undies/bras) (VS has cheaper undies than bras, ive gotten nicer bras at walmart honestly)
Pac Sun (clearance rack)
Ross (basically anything, including home goods)
Family Dollar (graphic tees, comfy sweats, pj's)

Have fun though! Wish I had cash now...

[Orriel]

CannibalHippo

Also I will be moving into an apartment in June so I would like to know what are some necessities I should get for moving in?

What are necessities I should get for my apartment?

The apartment stuff should come first. :/ In addition to the other list.

-screwdriver
-hammer (seriously if you're just moving in you'll need tools for something)
-some kind of storage solution: plastic tubs, stackable drawers, shelf units
-laundry bag/bin

cleaning supplies
-general cleaners
-sponges, cloths, papertowels
-dishsoap
-toilet cleaner, brush, tablets whatever
-vacuum, mop, broom
-plunger
-clothes washing stuff

-leave money for grocery shopping...at least basics like salt and pepper and drinks even if you eat out because you'll want it one day. razz

random things you might not have your own of
-toothpaste
-advil, tylenol, aspirin
-soaps, shampoo
-first aid supplies
-sewing supplies (like if a button falls off)
-computer printer (maybe it's just me but i always have to print coupons, tickets, forms, and essays xD)

[Cassaela]

Just 1 or 2 pairs of really well fitting jeans in a versatile wash will see you through for years. E.g. 1 blue, 1 black, 1 of bootcut/straight/skinny/whatever cut you like.
2 or 3 good quality warm jumpers of a nice material like wool/cotton I think is necessary. Shirts, it's basically however many you think you need.

H&M is reasonably priced, quality isn't always amazing for some stuff but depends what it is.

TK Maxx is messy but if you sift through you can find high quality, fancy brand, reasonably priced and pretty unique stuff in there. I personally love it. There's almost always a sale section too.

[Southern Beautiful]

I looooove Ross's. Not so much TJ Maxx, honestly. I find more stuff more often at Ross's that I like than I do when I go to TJ Maxx. Although, I do like TJ Maxx for like... home decor and that kind of stuff.

Plato's closet is also really amazing.

For apartment stuff, I'm kind of slowly collecting that kind of stuff in my closet at the moment. I would say make sure you have basic kitchen items (like a pot and pan set or something along those lines, dishes, whatever you think you'll need) and stuff like towels and such. You can look for that kind of stuff at TJ Maxx, Ross, or Big Lots... those are my favorites. <3