I pride myself in being a very price conscious shopper.
There is no reason to pay full price for something this day & age. Plus I’m a millennial so we really can’t afford all the designers things (even though I’m DYING for a Chanel bag). I will once in a while splurge & spend money on something I know will last a long time, such as a bag. But trendy styles that will only last one or two seasons, I buy at either Marshalls, TJ Maxx or Forever 21.
I think the key to a put together outfit is mixing your high & low pieces.
Wear one trendy or high end piece and keep the other aspects of your look classic & clean. For example, if leopard print is the trend this season- only wear one element of leopard in your outfit and keep the rest of the look basic. Let the leopard piece shine. I just received this new faux fur leopard coat from Fabulous Furs & I’ve styled my look to let the coat shine. I like to keep the rest of my look basic & monochromatic if wearing a bold print.
My everyday look is jeans with some sort of top & a cardigan. Since I wear jeans pretty much all the time, I like to invest in denim that won’t wear & tear over time. Target had a great line of Levi’s (Denizen Modern Skinny jeans) that fit me SO well but of course they discontinued the line. It was a special design that only Target carried so of course I can’t find them anywhere. I made the switch to Lucky Brand jeans when I came across a pair on the clearance rack in Marshall’s. I’ve been hooked ever since! I check my local Marshalls every week or so & whenever I see a pair of Lucky Brand jeans I get them. I’ve never paid more than $39.99 for a pair. They wash well & fit me like a glove. You don’t have to spend $100 and up on a pair of jeans!
Accessories & shoes are another piece of my outfit that I don’t spend a ton on.
Honestly, I’ve gotten the best flats & sneakers from Walmart. Yes people, you heard me right…WALMART! I’ve gotten so many compliments on a pair of grey striped flats that I purchased from Walmart & people cannot believe that I only spent $6.99! I love wear sneakers (especially Keds-ish types of sneakers) and Walmart has such a great selection. Not only do their shoes look great, but they’re actually comfortable! I haven’t had a pair yet that has fallen apart, the quality is not bad at all.
Be aware of the sales in the stores you shop in.
For example, I never pay full-price for anything from Old Navy. Every week they have a sale going on- the whole store is at least 30% off or more on a weekly basis. The Loft always runs sales for 40-50% off the entire store on a regular basis. If you see something you absolutely must-have, just wait for the sale. It’s so worth it! For example, I buy some of my beauty products at Lord & Taylor, but I wait until they have their 15% off cosmetics sale (typically happens 3-4 times a year) so I don’t have to pay full-price.
Also, if you shop online- choose the store pick-up option instead of shipping your order to your house (only if there is a store close to you). This can save you a ton money on shipping, plus you’ll get your order much faster!
Plus get to know your local stores & find out when they re-stock their shelves or get new merchandise. I knot it’s best to go to the Marshall’s by my office on either Wednesday or Thursdays when they get their new shipments.
My point is, there’s no reason to be buying anything full-price any more & play around with mixing more high and low pieces. Wear a fabulous dress you got from Saks Fifth Avenue but pair it with some cute booties you got at Target. Wear your jeans & leather jacket but add in some sunglasses from Walmart to complete your look. Have fun & explore stores you’ve never been to (trust me, I never thought I would be buying shoes at Walmart). Learn the sale patterns & best days to shop in your favorite stores. It will definitely make a difference in your closet as well as your wallet!
