I have not yet served a mission, so I will have to re-evaluate the gear once I've given it all a good 18-month trial :) but I did read a lot of reviews and specs for each item, so they were thorough purchases.
It's a long list, but stick around - at the end we'll add up how much was saved from not paying full price for anything! :) (That's right... EVERYTHING purchased had some sort of discount! Maybe it took a while to research, but it paid off in the end!)
CARDIGAN
What:
Gray Argyle Ruffle Cardigan in gray
by Old Navy
from Plato's Closet
What I paid:
$5.00
(estimated orig: $36.94)
- In-store purchase
- Standard tax
Specs:
- Ruffle trim
- Argyle pattern
- Tag still attached
Money-Saving Tips:
Thrift these! You can find cute cardigans for less than half the price of new.
Used or New?
Definitely used! (And if you're lucky you'll hit new!)
Notes:
Plato's Closet was the best thrift store for cardigans, in price and selection. Any cardigan or sweater I purchased there was between $5 and $10.
SHOES
What:
Un.Poem shoes
in black leather
in black leather
by Clarks
from eBay
What I paid:
$27.99
(orig: $106.00)
- $5.20 extra for shipping
- No tax
Specs:
- Leather upper
- Cushioned insole
- Arch support
- Breathability
- Lightweight
- Flexible
Money-Saving Tips:
I ordered these from eBay, but they were brand new with the box, never been worn. Read a lot of reviews on this particular pair. You have to hunt for things on eBay and it's sometimes hit and miss, but it's definitely worth a shot! I'd HIGHLY recommend trying seller karynne111 on eBay (you can find her eBay boutique here: Karynne's Boutique), she is a top-rated seller - I purchased shoes from her and was very impressed with her prices and customer service!
Used or New?
This is one item I have been told that you cannot afford to purchase used (only okay if it is gently used) - you will be wearing them daily and walking in them for hours on end. You want to start off with a new pair to ensure that you will get the most wear out of your shoes that you can.
Notes:
The packing list specific to my mission stressed the importance of comfortable, practical shoes for walking (we have a lot of rural area to cover in my mission). When asking around about comfortable shoes, Clarks brand was a reoccurring name from friends and family. After researching brands and reading reviews for different "comfort" shoes (I found Zappos and Amazon very helpful for this), I ordered several pairs made by different brands to try them all out. I was most impressed with the Clarks, and especially with how comfortable this particular pair was - obviously made for walking; they had extra room at the toes, moderate arch support, and a generously padded insole. This was a fantastic price for the brand, material, and make of the shoe.
If you're in Salt Lake City and want to try on shoes in-person, try:
- Ossine Shoes in West Jordan
- Track 'N Trail in the Park City Outlets
SKIRT
(not actual picture of the item I
purchased; similar item)
What:
Jones New York pleated skirt
in black wool
from D.I.
What I paid:
$4.00
(estimated orig: $148.00)
- In-store purchase
- Standard tax
Specs:
- 100% wool (warm)
- Hits right below knee
- Pleated design
Money-Saving Tips:
Bought this at D.I. - with that kind of a price, I don't think I need to say much more! :) Every wool or thicker skirt I found at D.I. was between $4 - $6.
Used or New?
Buy skirts used if you can - this will probably be where you save the most money in your mission budget (it has been for me!). This skirt was gently used and made of 100% wool from a reputable company - great purchase.
Notes:
I noticed that D.I. had the best skirt selection out of any thrift store I shopped, but I had to go to several locations to find the size/style I was looking for. Also, wool is the warmest material available for a skirt - getting 100% instead of a blend is best, as this ensures the warmest thickness possible; however, wool has to be laundered carefully (by hand or dry cleaned).
WINTER COAT
What:
Women's Luxe Down Coat
in Rose Red
by Lands' End
What I paid:
$139.65
(orig: $199.50)
- Free shipping
- No tax
Specs:
- Waterproof
- 600 fill down
- Storm flap over zipper
for extra element protection
- Fleece-lined pockets with
handwarmer compartment
- Hood with removable
fur trim
- Machine washable
- Tested to -45 deg. F
for comfort
Money-Saving Tips:
I first tried on this coat in-store for sizing (check your local Sears to see what Lands' End items they carry), then ordered it online from Lands' End for an additional 30% off (e-mail subscription coupon), with free shipping (temporary online offer) and zero tax because I had it shipped to my sister in Oregon (I'll be visiting her before I leave so I can pick it up then). Sign up for Lands' End e-mail subscriptions and watch for discounts!
Used or New?
There are several factors to consider: 1) When are you entering the mission field? It is possible to get a used coat from another missionary leaving the field; but if you are leaving during winter weather, chances of this are slim. (You also don't know how warm the coat will be or whether it will fit you.) Call the mission home ahead of time to see if they have any coats missionaries have left or are planning on leaving. 2) What size do you wear? If you are a smaller or larger size, it might be harder to find a gently used coat in the size you need. 3) Can you find the same item (waterproof, temperature tested, 600 down fill, long length) gently used? Try eBay, Amazon, D.I. and Goodwill, but you might have to buy new depending on when you leave and what you can find.
Notes:
Almost all of Lands' End coats have received consistently high ratings from those who have purchased them. I also spoke with a sister who served in a very cold region of Canada who said her Lands' End coat served her well her entire mission - so I'm guessing it's a fairly reliable company.
THERMAL LEGGINGS
Women's Expedition-Weight Thermal in black
by Duofold
from Amazon
What I paid:
$26.84
(orig: $38.95)
- Free shipping
- No tax
Specs:
- Machine washable
- Moisture-wicking
- Quick-drying
- Odor resistant
- Dual layer
- "Expedition" coverage level
Money-Saving Tips:
Free shipping through my sister's Amazon Prime account. Also, sign up for Amazon's Clothing Coupon e-mail subscription list - you can get a first-time 20% off coupon (not used for this purchase).
Used or New?
New, definitely. :)
Notes:
Duofold was a company I found from reading reviews that received consistently high ratings (I even found a couple reviewers who said this company made products that worked great specifically for Wisconsin weather!). I wanted a thermal bottom that was the heaviest duty coverage I could find, since my legs will have some exposure with only wearing skirts during my mission. Super soft, fit snugly! Perfect as a base layer to wear under fleece-lined footed tights for a dressier appearance. Sierra Trading Post and CampMor are also helpful resources - but I found that the thermal for the coldest climate, while still being the best price, was on Amazon. Fun fact about these thermals: this "expedition weight" by Duofold was originally designed for the "U.S. Special Forces for warmth in extremely cold weather"!
THERMAL TOP
Women's Midweight Crewneck Thermal in white
by Duofold
from Amazon
What I paid:
$11.85
(orig: $20.00)
- Free shipping
- No tax
Specs:
- Machine washable
- Moisture-wicking
- Quick-drying
- Odor resistant
- Dual layer
- "Midweight" coverage level
Money-Saving Tips:
I found several separate listings for this item on Amazon, so it's good to make sure you look around first before placing your order to get the best price.
Used or New?
New
Notes:
I wanted a midweight coverage level because I knew I would also have a basic long sleeve t-shirt over the thermal top, as well as a cardigan or sweater and then my down coat. I don't want to overheat, but I do want to keep myself warm.
BOOTS
Brianna boots in black
by Northface
from Amazon
What I paid:
$174.06
(orig: $195.00)
- Free shipping
- No tax
Specs:
- Waterproof, full-grain leather upper
- Waterproof construction
- 200 PrimaLoft insulation
- Fleece and tricot lining
- IcePick temperature-sensitive studs on sole
providing added traction on ice
Money-Saving Tips:
If you can, scout out the best pair based on reviews/what you need, then find them on Amazon or eBay. This is one area where it is almost impossible to save a large amount of money just because you'll have to buy new and will want to buy something higher quality. You also might try Sierra Trading Post.
Used or New?
For the same reasons as mentioned in the shoes section, new for sure.
Notes:
These are fantastic because they are dressy enough while still being extremely warm - and they seem to be very durable. I originally bought a pair of boots at REI that were tested for -35 degrees F, but had to return them after talking to the mission home and finding out that they were not the look I need for my mission (although they were warm, they didn't have much of any leather on them - my mission dress code calls for leather boots for a more professional appearance). If you're worried about sizing (and having to pay shipping for returns) and don't mind paying the extra 20 or so dollars, then I'd recommend using Zappos for this purchase. They have free shipping both ways and have a great return policy of 365 days.
MITTENS
What:
Women's Locket PrimaLoft Mittens in black
by Scott USA
from Sierra Trading Post
What I paid:
$23.77
(orig: $60.00)
- $2.65 shipping
- No tax
Specs:
- Waterproof, breathable
- Inner glove to separate fingers
- PrimaLoft insulation
- Sherpa fleece lining back of hand
- Zip compartment for handwarmer packet
Money-Saving Tips:
These sold for $34.95 on Sierra Trading Post's website, but I had a coupon from Googling "Sierra Trading Post coupons" found on Retail Me Not that gave me an extra 20% off.
Used or New?
I'm guessing new would be best for these.
Notes:
Women's Locket PrimaLoft Mittens in black
by Scott USA
from Sierra Trading Post
What I paid:
$23.77
(orig: $60.00)
- $2.65 shipping
- No tax
Specs:
- Waterproof, breathable
- Inner glove to separate fingers
- PrimaLoft insulation
- Sherpa fleece lining back of hand
- Zip compartment for handwarmer packet
Money-Saving Tips:
These sold for $34.95 on Sierra Trading Post's website, but I had a coupon from Googling "Sierra Trading Post coupons" found on Retail Me Not that gave me an extra 20% off.
Used or New?
I'm guessing new would be best for these.
Notes:
LOVE the handwarmer compartment in both the mittens and the coat! I'll never have cold hands :) also, I've heard from several sources (including an REI Associate and missionaries that have served in cold-weather climates) that mittens are usually warmer than gloves.
Let's get a drumroll for the
Mission money-saving TOTALS! :)
How much was saved??
Original total: $804.39
Bargainista total: $421.01
Total saved: $383.38
That's enough to pay for almost one month's cost of my mission ($400)!!
When every penny counts... the time researching was well spent!
When every penny counts... the time researching was well spent!
