Let’s face it…. Times are tough. But in the end there is absolutely no reason for the bad economy to define your style. Sure, we watch TV and see the rich and beautiful rocking their Gucci pantsuits and Chanel sunglasses, but there are some great and affordable ways to look – and feel – like a star in Beverly Hills.
You just need to know all the tricks.
Saving money is the biggest issue that people have. As a fashion enthusiast, you crave designer and couture. You don’t need it! Splurge once in a while but as a general rule, buy yourself something expensive only once or twice a year… not every time you go out.
Now that you have this extra dough to spend here comes the fun part. Thrift shopping! Thrift shops are a great resource to find really great things for a very little cost. With a little bit of time, digging around and luck, you may be able to find a name brand shirt, skirt, bag, dress – essentially anything – for a low price. Personally speaking I’ve found brands like Bebe, Lacoste and Betsey Johnson items all for under $50. It can be difficult to find a thrift store in your area and sometimes they pop up by surprise, but there is some help. TheThriftShopper.com is a great and easy tool to research vintage stores in your local area.
Retail stores like TJ Maxx and Marshall’s are great resources that can make a difference to your wardrobe. They often sell designer clothes and accessories straight off the runway at a discounted price. The shoe and handbag selection also can hold great finds with selects of Michael Kors and sometimes UGG boots. Unfortunately it always varies by store.
Outlets are great! Plenty of retail stores have an outlet located in shopping centers where they basically dump all of last season (and sometimes this seasons’) hottest items. Even better, they’re usually at half the price. Next time you take a visit to your local outlet center, look for footwear shops, designer brands and usually expensive things like jeans or makeup because you may be able to snag some great finds.
The web is a great resource for bargain hunters. Using sites like Etsy or eBay are almost like online thrift stores. Yes, it will take some researching and bidding (on eBay specifically), but you could definitely find some great and unique things for pretty affordable prices. However, not only is the web great for online shopping but also for coupon deals! RetailMeNot.com is a wonderfully easy and useful app and website that hooks its users up with coupons you didn’t know existed and also notifies you with the latest sales and promotions any store, restaurant or website is offering.
One final tip that’s great for shopping cheap fashion is shopping off-season. Look for deals after holidays or at the beginning of new seasons; clearance racks are great during the end of winter for sweaters and you can find dresses at super low prices at the end of summer into fall. While you’re bargain hunting, try to find things that could also be versatile for all seasons like basic tees or cardigans… you won’t have a problem finding anything, trust me.
Regardless of your shopping technique, fashion can’t exist without your own personal style and discover that style on a budget!