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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).
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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? 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.
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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*
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. 
), 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. 
