Many ladies can confirm, that clothing can be a passionate love. There is nothing better than holding those bags with your newly claimed treasures just waiting to be seen by the world. And then the credit card bill comes.
In a world where the latest fashion trends tend to fly out the window and boomerang back like an old habit, it can be overwhelming to keep up with all of it. For me, I have yet to come up with a definitive "style" - it changes constantly and as fast as I can switch from work clothes to yoga pants. (God bless whomever came up with those.)
As I have previously written here, here, and here, about the treasures I have found, I have decided to continue the tradition of affordable fashion, as well as reiterate some simple rules I use:
Thou shalt not purchase at full price.
I have learned that buying items "off season" is the best because it isn't as in high demand. This may mean buying a swimsuit in November or December, or buying a wool sweater in the middle of Summer. When I was working at American Eagle back in the day, the Fall season started in August, and winter started around October-November. Because those stores have so much inventory to get rid of when the new stuff comes in, they tend to mark things down in the clearance section to just move it out of the store.
Thou shalt try on before you purchase.
I cannot tell you how many times I have not tried on, and have regretted the purchase. It is much easier to try it on and then buy, instead of getting caught up in the annoyance of having to return. Also, be sure you understand the return policies. I cannot say this enough. There are plenty of stores out there (Forever 21 being one of them) that are exchange/store credit only, so make sure you know before you spend your hard-earned money.
Don't get sucked in the "sales".
This one can be a toughie. I receive so many e-mails about sales here and there, and if you spend X amount you receive a percentage discount. Make sure you know the fine print and how it works. Many times I have found myself asking the cashier once they have rung up the total, how in the world it got to that amount, and I have been told that some items do not apply (Ulta does this with some of their higher-end products).
If you don't love it in the store, you won't wear it outside of the store.
Simple enough.
Simple enough.
And here's the good stuff. Below are some of the treasures I have snatched up. Please excuse the poor photo quality, as I am no photographer. I cannot remember all of the prices, but from what I can remember, the tops/dresses were less than $15, and the shoes were under $10. Treasures not pictured: black, white, navy camis, fleece leggings (cranberry, bone, chocolate, black), slightly fitted t's (black, white, grey).
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| 1 - BCBG, 2 - Unknown, 3 - Trash |
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| 1 - Crystal Candy, 2 - Angie, 3 - Needle & Thread |
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| 1 - Night Out, 2 - DB Sport, 3 - White House/Black Market |
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| 1 - Maurices, 2 - Abercrombie & Fitch |
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| 1 - White House/Black Market, 2 - Ann Taylor Loft, 3 - Coldwater Creek |
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| 1 - A.N.A., 2 - Lucky Brand, 3 - American Eagle |
Regardless of your style, never settle for full-priced clothes. Every consignment store "gem" I have found has sizes for any body type, and it's a matter of finding what works for you and your body. Don't dress for the body you want, but rather, the body you have - meaning, you are all beautiful in your own way, dress how you want to be perceived, dress how you feel best, dress in a way that make you feel the most confident. |
