Chic on the cheap

Stylin · 31-08-2004

I was hoping I could get some tips here. I am addicted to shopping but I'm on a budget, and I'm trying to be more and more creative with my outfits (i.e. accesorizing & layering w/ a lot of the same stuff) to save some $$. Basically I'm looking for some cute things to do so I don't end up boring myself to death.

btw I am new to the boards. Hi everyone

Luna · 31-08-2004

Welcome to TFS...

accessories are a great way to change something around.. I like to play with brooches... pin them to the bottom of my shirt on the hip.. or stick them in my hair.

I also like to layer different colors or a funky pattern under a color... I Find that tanks are easiest to do this with...

Jewelry is also a way you can play around... mix and match old and new.. go through your mom's or grandmother's jewelry box and find some interesting pieces.

Kimkhuu · 31-08-2004

Welcome to the board Stylin!

Like you, I am a "fashion on a budget" type of girl. Mixing and matching is SUPER FUN. For layering pieces, head to Old Navy, their tank tops and boat neck tops are super cheap and they're nice. I mean, there's can't be that drastic difference btwn cheap and expensive COTTON tops. And Old Navy stuff is not that bad you know.

Zara has nice and cheap stuff as well. I think they have sales twice a year, and that's the time you can stock up on basic items that are must haves for layering.

I don't know where you live, but here in Canada, there's loads of "cheap stores" who sell normal and basic items for super cheap (ex:tank tops, boatneck tops...). Wait till there's sales to stock up on what you like.

Also, the best tip I can give you is check back often in stores and make sure you don't miss the sales, but don't wait too long, sure the price can go down drastically after a few weeks of sales, but you may end up with colors and sizes that were not what you wanted.

But just remember to not stock up on "items of the moment", because you'll probably throw it away after the trend passes (which means about 2-3 months).

Luna · 31-08-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by Kimkhuu@Aug 31 2004, 06:37 PM
Welcome to the board Stylin!

Like you, I am a "fashion on a budget" type of girl. Mixing and matching is SUPER FUN. For layering pieces, head to Old Navy, their tank tops and boat neck tops are super cheap and they're nice. I mean, there's can't be that drastic difference btwn cheap and expensive COTTON tops. And Old Navy stuff is not that bad you know.

Zara has nice and cheap stuff as well. I think they have sales twice a year, and that's the time you can stock up on basic items that are must haves for layering.

I don't know where you live, but here in Canada, there's loads of "cheap stores" who sell normal and basic items for super cheap (ex:tank tops, boatneck tops...). Wait till there's sales to stock up on what you like.

Also, the best tip I can give you is check back often in stores and make sure you don't miss the sales, but don't wait too long, sure the price can go down drastically after a few weeks of sales, but you may end up with colors and sizes that were not what you wanted.

But just remember to not stock up on "items of the moment", because you'll probably throw it away after the trend passes (which means about 2-3 months).

[snapback]351834[/snapback]

Love the new boatneck sweater type tops at old navy this fall.. all in great colors too!

H&M is great too if you're close to one.

Jaim45 · 01-09-2004

I think you should get classic items and dress them up w/ accessories. This way they will never go out of style

miserylovescompany · 07-12-2004

Ok, I'm new, and have made several posts. My name is Em and I'm from Nowhere, Pennsylvania and i work at Kmart. I CAN'T spend $800 on a pair of anything. Not on clothes, not on shoes, not even shades for my baby blues

I'm just wondering, when people who are into high end fashion see people like me in my discount clothing and salvation army hand me down style..maybe throwing in a few brand name knock offs...what do you think of it? Would you automatically just be like "she looks like a cheap little girl trying to be stylish...and failing" or can the cheap but chic thing really work?

Emily

highheels · 07-12-2004

I think it can work as long as you don't go overboard. Like wearing LV print shoes. If you keep things basic and buy things that look tailored and add in a few trendy things people won't know what type of budget your on.

Luna · 07-12-2004

You dont 'have to buy designer duds to look stylish.

I don't own once piece of designer clothing... designer bags on the other hand...

Accessories are everything IMO.

Bonchic · 07-12-2004

I agree I am from a small town too.. But I like to look at designer things online and in stores and then find pieces that resemble them at stores I can afford.. I like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie alot. But if you buy a few pieces that are nice then you can mix and match them alot and still look chic but know that you didn't spend a fortune on it. And when people give you compliments on your outfit you don't have to tell them what you paid for it just say thanks

miserylovescompany · 07-12-2004

Well...now that we have that out of the way...coudl yous recommend some stores/brands. Not that it's a guaruntee there will be one within an hour, lol, but if it helps any, I'm on the East Coast. York, Pa. It's about an hour outside of Baltimore and 2 hrs from Philly. There are some Outlets in Lancaster which I am going to look through on Sat...but...anyone from around me know of any good places? (problem with online shopping...if I'm going to be spending some $ I need to try it on first)

Em

Erin · 07-12-2004

I can relate. I grew up in Iowa... but I would have to disagree that just because you come from a small town, you can't afford designer. My parents live out in the country (outside of Omaha), but are very, very well off. They've never been interested in designer, but dress very well. I do the same. I love, love, love fashion, but don't have the money to spend on designer clothing.

It definitely helps to buy classic pieces - there are some that you can't go too wrong with. Black turtleneck sweaters, a nice pair of black pants... leather heels. Old Navy has a few pieces here and there that aren't too bad, but you definitely have to be picky there. Other stores that are easier on t he wallet are Limited, H&M, and Gap. Be sure to buy on sale. A trick I do is buy after the season, and then use that clothing that I got for super cheap next season. This works as long as you buy timeless items, and nothing too trendy (like the peasant shirts of '02 - unless you really love those items).

If you decide you want semi-designer on a budget, give Marshall's a try.

Ebay is also wonderful. But, remember to always search for "NWT" or "NWOT" unless you don't mind if something is secondhand.

miserylovescompany · 07-12-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by Erin@Dec 7 2004, 11:07 PM
I can relate.* I grew up in Iowa... but I would have to disagree that just because you come from a small town, you can't afford designer.* My parents live out in the country (outside of Omaha), but are very, very well off.* They've never been interested in designer, but dress very well.* I do the same.* I love, love, love fashion, but don't have the money to spend on designer clothing.

It definitely helps to buy classic pieces - there are some that you can't go too wrong with.* Black turtleneck sweaters, a nice pair of black pants... leather heels.* Old Navy has a few pieces here and there that aren't too bad, but you definitely have to be picky there.* Other stores that are easier on t he wallet are Limited, H&M, and Gap.* Be sure to buy on sale.* A trick I do is buy after the season, and then use that clothing that I got for super cheap next season.* This works as long as you buy timeless items, and nothing too trendy (like the peasant shirts of '02 - unless you really* love those items).

If you decide you want semi-designer on a budget, give Marshall's a try.

Ebay is also wonderful.* But, remember to always search for "NWT" or "NWOT" unless you don't mind if something is secondhand.

[snapback]455668[/snapback]

I wasn't really sayign that everyone from a small town is poor...but I definately can't afford to spend a ton of money on clothes. I'm basically looking for places that sell lower priced fashionable clothing with good quality. I've heard of Marshalls. There may be one around here in fact! *goes to check*

Em

Edit: I

H&M. Gap and Limited I can leave however. Their jeans are fit awfully and are awful quality. I feel the same about Express and Old Navy. I shop at this little...I don't even know what you call it, but it sells a lot of factory rejects and overstock items...(sorta like TJ Maxx or Burlington) called Gabriel Bro's...and that's where I usually find my jeans. I love my black Hydraulics ($10) and my Union Bays...they just fit really well. Ok, I don't even remember the point of this post anymore. *sigh* I need some Ritalin. Perhaps that's what I should spend my money on instead.

utopia · 08-12-2004

first of all, welcome to tfs em

well, I'm an art history student (ah the fate of non-paying internships and low-paid supplementary jobs!) just because I don't have a lot of spending money to buy labels doesn't mean I don't love clothes and fashion - I love making the effort to look good.
I'm not 'trendy' (and don't try to be :P), but I don't have a lot of trouble dressing the way I want to on my student budget. when I go thrifting, in addition to looking for vintage and quirky one-offs, I keep an eye out for classic things like cashmere sweaters and pretty wool blazers. I also shop at tjmaxx and marshall's when I'm home in the states, and get basics and randoms there. some of the labels they carry are actually very nice, especially maxstudio which produces some beautiful silk knits and designer-inspired dresses. I also love h&m and urban outfitters. la redoute is quite good too, and very cheap.

funny that my friends, whose daddies are more than happy to pull out the platinum for them, come to me for fashion advice...so I know I must be doing something right.

TheSoCalledPrep · 11-12-2004

k-mart is actually getting okay clothing.. leather jackets, suits and such... shop there!!

softgrey · 11-12-2004

is there a target near you?...
jc penney's also has started doing fashions, as has sears...
i used to always have to do stories about style on a budget...
burlington coat factory...not just coats...for real...
filene's basement...lots of places...

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11-12-2004	15
softgrey flaunt the imperfection.. Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: downtown... Gender: femme Posts: 49,972	is there a target near you?... jc penney's also has started doing fashions, as has sears... i used to always have to do stories about style on a budget... burlington coat factory...not just coats...for real... filene's basement...lots of places... __________________ "It is not money that makes you well dressed: it is understanding." ChristianDior

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31-08-2004	1
Stylin windowshopping Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 1	I was hoping I could get some tips here. I am addicted to shopping but I'm on a budget, and I'm trying to be more and more creative with my outfits (i.e. accesorizing & layering w/ a lot of the same stuff) to save some $$. Basically I'm looking for some cute things to do so I don't end up boring myself to death. btw I am new to the boards. Hi everyone

31-08-2004	2
Luna Your pm box is full buggy Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: the world Gender: femme Posts: 9,821	Welcome to TFS... accessories are a great way to change something around.. I like to play with brooches... pin them to the bottom of my shirt on the hip.. or stick them in my hair. I also like to layer different colors or a funky pattern under a color... I Find that tanks are easiest to do this with... Jewelry is also a way you can play around... mix and match old and new.. go through your mom's or grandmother's jewelry box and find some interesting pieces. __________________ ...and I will be strong even when it all goes wrong.

31-08-2004	3
Kimkhuu V.I.P. Join Date: Apr 2003 Gender: femme Posts: 15,872	Welcome to the board Stylin! Like you, I am a "fashion on a budget" type of girl. Mixing and matching is SUPER FUN. For layering pieces, head to Old Navy, their tank tops and boat neck tops are super cheap and they're nice. I mean, there's can't be that drastic difference btwn cheap and expensive COTTON tops. And Old Navy stuff is not that bad you know. Zara has nice and cheap stuff as well. I think they have sales twice a year, and that's the time you can stock up on basic items that are must haves for layering. I don't know where you live, but here in Canada, there's loads of "cheap stores" who sell normal and basic items for super cheap (ex:tank tops, boatneck tops...). Wait till there's sales to stock up on what you like. Also, the best tip I can give you is check back often in stores and make sure you don't miss the sales, but don't wait too long, sure the price can go down drastically after a few weeks of sales, but you may end up with colors and sizes that were not what you wanted. But just remember to not stock up on "items of the moment", because you'll probably throw it away after the trend passes (which means about 2-3 months).

01-09-2004	5
Jaim45 front row Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Connecticut Posts: 389	I think you should get classic items and dress them up w/ accessories. This way they will never go out of style

07-12-2004	6
miserylovescompany front row Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 275	Chic on the cheap Ok, I'm new, and have made several posts. My name is Em and I'm from Nowhere, Pennsylvania and i work at Kmart. I CAN'T spend $800 on a pair of anything. Not on clothes, not on shoes, not even shades for my baby blues I'm just wondering, when people who are into high end fashion see people like me in my discount clothing and salvation army hand me down style..maybe throwing in a few brand name knock offs...what do you think of it? Would you automatically just be like "she looks like a cheap little girl trying to be stylish...and failing" or can the cheap but chic thing really work? Emily

07-12-2004	7
highheels front row Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 413	I think it can work as long as you don't go overboard. Like wearing LV print shoes. If you keep things basic and buy things that look tailored and add in a few trendy things people won't know what type of budget your on. __________________ Wear what you like!

07-12-2004	9
Bonchic V.I.P. Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: South....... Gender: femme Posts: 5,948	I agree I am from a small town too.. But I like to look at designer things online and in stores and then find pieces that resemble them at stores I can afford.. I like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie alot. But if you buy a few pieces that are nice then you can mix and match them alot and still look chic but know that you didn't spend a fortune on it. And when people give you compliments on your outfit you don't have to tell them what you paid for it just say thanks __________________ "To LIVE is the rarest thing in the world. Most people EXIST, that is all"

07-12-2004	11
Erin Iowa Girl at Heart Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Los Angeles Gender: femme Posts: 14,557	I can relate. I grew up in Iowa... but I would have to disagree that just because you come from a small town, you can't afford designer. My parents live out in the country (outside of Omaha), but are very, very well off. They've never been interested in designer, but dress very well. I do the same. I love, love, love fashion, but don't have the money to spend on designer clothing. It definitely helps to buy classic pieces - there are some that you can't go too wrong with. Black turtleneck sweaters, a nice pair of black pants... leather heels. Old Navy has a few pieces here and there that aren't too bad, but you definitely have to be picky there. Other stores that are easier on t he wallet are Limited, H&M, and Gap. Be sure to buy on sale. A trick I do is buy after the season, and then use that clothing that I got for super cheap next season. This works as long as you buy timeless items, and nothing too trendy (like the peasant shirts of '02 - unless you really love those items). If you decide you want semi-designer on a budget, give Marshall's a try. Ebay is also wonderful. But, remember to always search for "NWT" or "NWOT" unless you don't mind if something is secondhand. __________________ Pinterest * Twitter

08-12-2004	13
utopia ingenue Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: us Gender: femme Posts: 5,248	first of all, welcome to tfs em well, I'm an art history student (ah the fate of non-paying internships and low-paid supplementary jobs!) just because I don't have a lot of spending money to buy labels doesn't mean I don't love clothes and fashion - I love making the effort to look good. I'm not 'trendy' (and don't try to be :P), but I don't have a lot of trouble dressing the way I want to on my student budget. when I go thrifting, in addition to looking for vintage and quirky one-offs, I keep an eye out for classic things like cashmere sweaters and pretty wool blazers. I also shop at tjmaxx and marshall's when I'm home in the states, and get basics and randoms there. some of the labels they carry are actually very nice, especially maxstudio which produces some beautiful silk knits and designer-inspired dresses. I also love h&m and urban outfitters. la redoute is quite good too, and very cheap. funny that my friends, whose daddies are more than happy to pull out the platinum for them, come to me for fashion advice...so I know I must be doing something right.

11-12-2004	14
TheSoCalledPrep V.I.P. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Gender: femme Posts: 5,308	k-mart is actually getting okay clothing.. leather jackets, suits and such... shop there!!