On the Cheap

Although I do blog (primarily) about fashion, I feel it’s worth mentioning that I do not own one piece of Chanel, Prada, Chloe or YSL. My budget really doesn’t allow for a $510 skirt. I just can’t fathom…

I recently received an email from a sweet reader (Anisa from OH) asking how in the world I managed to find chic items at stores like Forever 21. And then I got to thinking..maybe this would make a decent blog topic? Eh?

It's every fashionista's mission, including mine: Shopping for cheap while still managing to look, well, un-cheap. I'm far from an expert and my personal taste isn't identical to yours, but here's how I find "jewels in a junkyard":

Visit Their Online Stores

I NEVER shop in-store at Forever 21. Here’s why: Between the obnoxious hipster tunes blaring from the speakers, to the lavender-haired tweens with their leopard print skinny jeans and messenger bags, the whole place makes me want to yack. (And leaves me popping Excedrin Migraine tablets in my car, afterward.)

Longline Jacket - purchase here // Striped Stud Button Shirt - purchase here

But, F21 does have amazing clothes. Clothes that really do last longer than one wash cycle. Most importantly, clothes that are trendy and seemingly expensive. All of this, my dears, you can find on their site.

I do the same with Old Navy. Rarely ever do I go in Old Navy, simply because the lighting in their dressing rooms is atrocious. Online though, you can find little gems, like these suede gray oxford heels that I wore for some recent outfit photos.

Women's Faux-Suede Oxford Heels - purchase here

Go a Size Up

Cheap clothes run small. Let’s repeat that again, cheap clothes run small. Always go a size up at stores with less expensive items. Here’s why: Cheaper clothes are typically made of synthetic fabrics like Lycra or Polyester; fabrics that aren’t frequently known for their figure flattering qualities. (These are usually the types of fabrics that create the dreaded “stuffed sausage casing” look. Never okay, girls. No ma’am.

My favorite go-to cheap stores:

Forever 21 – I love F21 for their skinny jeans and their sweaters. Their sweaters are typically really great quality and also really soft, like the more expensive labels. Their $10 skinny jeans really do wear like an expensive pair of J.Brand.

Essential Braided Knit Sweater - purchase here

Classic Skinnies - purchase here

Target – For accessories and shoes, this is my go-to. I highly suggest their men’s section for beanies, too.

Mossimo Women's Long Sleeved High-Low Sweater - purchase here // Rhinestone Cluster Earrings - purchase here

Ebay – Yes, ebay. Although you do need to be diligent about reading feedback from previous purchasers, it’s a great way to find current pieces that are a fraction of what they cost in stores. Lots of times, if I have a specific piece in mind, I just type in “inspired by (insert name of designer”. Generally, this works.

Geometric Pattern Sweater - purchase here

Sosie – I adore this online store for blouses and skinny trousers, most of which work for the office, too. Don’t flip out when you first visit – lots of photos of daisy dukes and leather bodysuits. Keep clicking and soon enough, you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Spotted Jag Cardigan - purchase here

Groopdealz – For jewelry. I buy a whole mess of my baubles from Groupdealz. They do a pretty good job of featuring pieces that look similar to J.Crew or Anthro, but for a mere $6 price tag. Join and shop. Then come back and thank me.

Bow Tie Necklaces - purchase here

If anything, cheaper stores are a great place to buy super trendy pieces for prices you won’t regret later.