Budget-Friendly Fashion

Note to Forever 21:

Recently I was in the market for a fabulous pair of very fashion-forward black heels.  I wanted something with a thick strap and a shaped heel, like we all saw on the recent runways.  I also did not want to pay an arm and a leg, because shoes like this would appear dated after one season.  I strolled into one of your locations, spotted these beauties, and never looked back.  I wore them to a fashion show on the night I got them, and got a lot of compliments.  Little did everyone know, I paid less than $25 on them.  Thanks for providing a low-cost fix to my high-fashion craving.

Note to Readers:

Most of us are tightening our budgets lately.  Just because you are pinching your pennies, does not mean your wardrobe needs to suffer.  I have a plethora of tips on how to look like a million bucks, without actually spending that much.  My first tip for you is to mix budget-friendly pieces into your wardrobe.  When buying an item, consider its value.  For instance, spending thousands of dollars on a classic black quilted Chanel purse is smarter than spending an equivalent amount on a more trendy purse from a high end brand.  Think of the more expensive pieces in your wardrobe as an investment.  

If you will not be able to wear an item next season without looking dated or out of style, there is not shame in picking up a similar item with a smaller price tag.  Shopping in stores like H&M, Forever 21, etc. can provide you with items up to date in fashion with a fraction of the price of its designer inspirations.  Buyers beware, you get what you pay for.  If the item costs significantly less, it is almost always a lower quality.  These items are not made to last, but really they are so trendy, you should not wear them in a year anyway.

The key is to mix and match your investment, higher quality items, with the less expensive but more current fashion items.  On most days you can see me in jeans I bought for top dollar at Bloomingdales, with a top I found at H&M, but accessorized with a nice purse and more expensive shoes.  Or if I am wearing less expensive shoes, (like the thrills in the above photo), I will pair them with a more expensive dress or skirt, or more pricey jeans.  You do not want to look like a mannequin at Forever 21, dressed in their wares head to toe.  However you do not need to go bankrupt to stay stylish.