Secrets to Affordable Fashion
Let’s talk about money. When it comes to fashion it is so easy to get caught up in the latest fads and trends that tend to be excessively expensive. Recently, a girlfriend told me that she thought I wore Madewell and J.Crew before she really knew me. The fact is I don’t and never have. Well correction, I own one piece from J. Crew. I’ll get more into that later. There are two main reasons for this: 1. I have a teacher’s salary and 2. My mother taught me to never buy anything full price.
So, how do I find fashionable clothing for a fraction of the price? I’m here to give you my secrets to affordable fashion.
Pictured: J.Crew Sweater Blazer, Old Navy Blouse, Rockstar Jeans, & Mules, Natalie Borton Necklace
I NEVER buy anything full price. Sometimes, I see bloggers and instagram influencers who buy clothes all. of. the time. For me, this just isn’t realistic. When I see something I REALLY want, I patiently wait for it to go on sale. And I don’t just mean 20% off sale, I mean 40% off or more sale. As I’ve continued to mature out of my adolescence, I’ve also been learning that it’s better for me to wait and invest in higher quality pieces (on super sale) than it is to buy a bunch of low quality items that I’ll wear once. I wanted the J.Crew sweater blazer so desperately when my favorite fashion blogger and influencer Natalie Borton shared this piece. BUT I waited. A long time. Until it was 40% off to invest in this piece. Just wait, you can do it, and your wallet will thank you.
Pictured: Old Navy Blouse & Black Overalls, Natalie Borton Necklace, Target Booties
2. I LOVE Old Navy. And here’s why. Their clothes are super affordable, they ALWAYS have the latest trends, they have great sales, and their clothes fit my body really well. I know some people say that their quality of clothing isn’t that great. But for me, their clothes have always lasted. I’m talking 2+ years. Their Rockstar jeans are also affordable and durable. And so is their new line of Perfect Straight jeans. And my FAVORITE purchase from them in the past couple months is their black overalls. They fit me oh so well. They’re stretchy in the right places, easy to put on, and a great color. Oh and they’re about $44 (but they’re always having sales so you can snag them for cheaper) vs. Madewell’s black overalls that start at $148. Head to Old Navy if you’re looking for an affordable trend because I’m sure they’re having a sale.
Pictured: My mother and I circa 1996.
3. Growing up, my family didn’t have much money. Now that I think of it, we were pretty poor. Because of this, my mom would buy all of our Christmas gifts during the previous years Christmas sale. Did we care? Nope. Did we know the difference? Not at all. The lesson from my mother is to wait for the end of season sale to snag all of the pieces you’ve been waiting for.
Pictured: My mother as a young fashionista.
4. My mother also taught me how to carry myself. I distinctly remember her telling me that it is not acceptable to leave the house in pajamas. And I haven’t been able to let this go. Part of the reason I get put together everyday is because I hear my mother’s voice in my head telling me that it is unacceptable to be in pajamas, even if it’s the weekend. Because of her, she instilled in me that being put together means exuding how you feel about yourself.
I hope these secrets will help you to find affordable fashion that fits your body and your budget.
Comment below on any affordable fashion secrets you have so we can spread the word that high end doesn’t have to mean overpriced!