Person: Ohmageeerd, Leah V. you must have so much money because you always look so fly. Me: *Side-eye*
Not sure how many style/fashion bloggers get this but We. Are. Not. Rich. A lot of us fund our own shopping obsessions. Haha. And if you are a blogger who is rich. Kudos. Keep doing you boo boo!
Anyways, style doesn't necessarily equate to having lots of money. *Clears throat* Let me repeat this again. Some people think because they have all the designer clothes and bags and nails and lashes that it automatically makes them fashionable. Nope.
Rolling in dough doesn't mean that you are stylish. The most stylish people that I've met are people who are creative, thinks outside the box, and aren't apologetic about what they wear or where they get it from. Before thrifting became the 'IN' thing to do, there were tons of people going through those old racks of clothes at the Salvation Army and rocking that shit like it was no tomorrow.
The long shirt $24.99 (Ashley Stewart) and necklace $10 (Charming Charlie's) are both clearance items.
1. BE A CLEARANCE RACK QUEEN
Don't be embarrassed. Walk right in the clothing store and bypass all the pretty mannequins and head straight to that crazy looking rack with items of random clothes hanging off it. You have made it to the clearance section, where you will dig through all the 'out-of-season' items to find a gem.
And listen. You can't be lazy when it comes to searching the clearance rack. You've got to be patient and dig in if you really want a deal. I'd say about 90% of the time, I find at least one thing I love.
*Also applies to online shopping. Hit the clearance tab on your fave website.
Long open vest on clearance $16.49 (Target) and floral leggings are from Torrid using a coupon.
2. Combine Purchases with Coupons
Lots of stores have rewards programs, haute cash (where you buy a certain amount and get credit on your next purchase), and of course, coupons. When they ask for your email or address, give it to em! Not only will they keep you updated on new shipments, but once in a while a nice little coupon comes along with the advertisement. Those will help keep down the cost of your purchases. Now, I try to shop at only the places I have coupons for. Of course, sometimes, you will have to buy something for a special occasion and not have a coupon, but for the majority of your shopping, try to do it this way in order to save every valuable dollar.
Tip: Put on a puppy dog face and ask the cashier if they have any coupons behind the counter. Sometimes, it works.
Sweater (Kmart) Nicki Minaj Collection $10.99 on clearance.
3. Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops
Check out your local vintage, thrift, and consignment shops. Basically, these clothes have been worn by other people. They've either donated the clothes or are lending them to be resold.
Tip 1: Be careful with clothes worn by other people. My advice is to thoroughly check over resale items then wash them at once after you've purchased.
Tip 2: Not all resale shops are alike. I've been to some pretty bad ones and then I've been to some really nice ones. Check them all out and see which one is the best fit for you.
Tip 3: See something you like, but maybe a button is missing or it's too big or small? Buy and repurpose it. Get creative people!
Boots are borrowed and so is the bracelet!
Photo: Frankie Fultz
4. Borrowing
On most of my shoots, I have borrowed at least one item from a friend. Didn't have the money, but I had a shoot. You have to do what ya gotta' do. And, frankly, I'm not even ashamed to admit it. By looking at these photos, you wouldn't even know that fact. We all have that friend or family member that has all the cool stuff. You may not have the means but still want to look cute and feel good. Go borrow!
And make sure you return it clean and unscathed. It's nothing worst than a person who borrows your shit then messes it up.You break. You buy...
Everything I have on in this photo is clearance or inexpensive.
Photo: Reel Clever Films
5. Invest in Your Clothes Wisely
Don't buy things just to say you have it or to show off. I see girls all the time with every designer label known to mankind on their bodies, walking around with a chip on their shoulder. And it's usually the worst outfit ever. Wear what you want because you like it, it fits your budget, and it makes you feel good.
By no means, am I saying to not spend money on quality clothes. Because, every once in a while, we will splurge. But just make sure you aren't breaking the bank to buy that Michael Kors dress at Saks.
Let's keep the conversation going: What's the best item you've found at a thrift store or on clearance? What's you best or worst splurge item?