When you’re looking to add some classic luxury to an outfit, nothing’s more on point than a saddle bag with vintage vibes. While I don’t believe in buying fake designer anything EVER, there’s no shame in jumping on the vintage-inspired trend on a budget.
If you’re someone who can splurge on the Chloe bag, go for it! You’ll get what you paid for just by the quality of the leather alone. However, if you’re anything like me and most people, the Chloe Crossbody is probably out of reach. When you can’t afford your dream designer bag, I always suggest going for something that’s inexpensive and unique and this Faux Leather Saddle Bag fits the bill (literally). Happy shopping and aspiring!
Bright beaded pom pom sandals that lace up to the knees are so going to be the must-have item of the summer. They’re the perfect addition to a beach day look or to your favorite city sundress. Luckily, for all of you sun worshipers and aspiring California girls, there are pom pom sandals in every price range. These are two of my favorites.
Now that the weather is getting warmer, but not exactly hot, it’s time to trade in knee high boots for shorter booties. Luckily, when it comes to shopping for ankle boots, there’s a pair for every budget. Here are my top shortie splurge and steal picks for early spring.
Last weekend I spontaneously hit up a Rebecca Minkoff sample sale and got this beautiful Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody Exclusive Love with Gunmetal bag for a steal. While it normally retails for $295, I only paid $75! Here’s what I learned while navigating through this very fabulous sample sale.
Believe it or not, this was one of my first sample sales. I usually avoid them due to my lack of funds (a girl has to pay rent). However, when my friend Joel told me about it on our way out of pilates, I couldn’t resist taking a peak. I got an amazing new bag and learned a ton about sample sale strategy.
Know when to go
The best times to go to a sample sale are on the first day and the last day. The first day has the best selection while the last day has the lowest prices. I personally prefer to go on the last day because it’s really the only day where these high end items are affordable. Plus you’ll watch the prices go down before your eyes as they keep lowering them throughout the day. If you go on any day that isn’t the first or the last day, you’ll get neither the lowest prices nor the best selection of products so shoot for prime times.
Stay focused
When you walk into a sample sale, it’s easy for your mind to go all over the place. Between all the people running around frantically and the tables piled high with designer deals, it’s hard to focus on finding the best deals for you. Just take a deep breath and focus on going through one table or rack at a time. Don’t move on to the next until you’re done going through the first rack. That way you get a good look at everything.
Only buy if you’re in love
One of the biggest mistakes people make at sample sales is buying things just because. If you love the brand, it’s tempting to buy designer items just because they’re cheap or discounted. I mean who wouldn’t want a Marc Jacobs bag for $50? However, if you wouldn’t pay full price for it, you shouldn’t buy it on sale either because you’re never going to use it. There’s nothing wrong with leaving a sample sale empty handed. So don’t settle for anything less than true love.
Accept defeat
Chances are there’s going to be a moment where someone else snags an item that you’re absolutely head over heels for. Accept the loss and move on. You can’t beat yourself up over your first love.
Go at it alone
While you may have gone to the sample sale with friends, there’s no need to remain attached at the hip while searching for deals. You’ll never be able to concentrate if you’re chatting. Separate and talk about your finds over coffee after.
There’s always sample sales coming up in NYC. Find more upcoming sales here.
When money is tight it may seem like a love of fashion and senses of style have to be abandoned, but here are some smart ideas that show that fashion can be frugal and fabulous at the same time.
Look for online deals
Sign up for email newsletters from retailers. Retailers use these as a form of advertising so they are a great place to find discount vouchers and information about upcoming sales. You can also sign up for a voucher site. Voucher sites such as Couporando give discounts at online or high street retailers like Hush, meaning that the latest trends can be purchased for a fraction of the price.
Shop out of season
This needs some forward thinking and planning, but buying clothes at the wrong time of the year can save money and help you prepare for the next season. Autumn or winter is a perfect time of year to stock up on t-shirts, swimwear and flip flops for the summer holidays, while the sales at the end of the winter season are perfect to purchase a new cosy coat to be stored for the following winter.
Have a clothes swapping party
Instead of throwing out clothes that no longer fit or that have been worn too often, why not invite some friends over and have a clothes swapping party! The saying goes that what is one man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure, so that dress which has been lying forgotten in the back of your closet might just be perfect for a friend who has a date this weekend.
Bring and buy
Some great bargains can be found in charity shops, especially if they can be customized or altered. So when you do a good deed and donate clothes you no longer want to the local second hand store, why not stop and take a look around. With some digging, a great fashion item could be waiting there for you!
Don’t forget about supermarkets
Lots of supermarkets now have a wide range of fashion for both women and men and the prices tend to cater to those on a budget. They are especially good for basics such as vests, tops and leggings, which can be mixed with more expensive on trend pieces. You can also find cheap accessories like scarves, statement necklaces or earrings that can be used to make an impact and liven up a basic outfit.
Build a core wardrobe
Use basic items to build a core wardrobe that will give you the most use and versatility. Ensure anything new purchased can be worn with the other items so that it will not be forgotten and lay unworn. This means that several outfits can be put together quickly and easily, and each item will give great value for the money.
Living on a budget doesn’t have to mean giving up a love of fashion. With some planning and some clever purchasing, shopping and looking great can be fun and frugal.
