It’s the eternal fashionista’s struggle: how do I stay chic and savvy while building my ideal closet?
I’ve suffered my share of fashion mishaps, pristine but never worn purchases, and “ooh but it was on sale” regrets. From now on, I’m stocking my closet with pieces that really contribute to my dream wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Here are my tips for how you can do it as well:
1. Buy only what you can love and wear (and is within your budget)
Buy it if you can wear it now and on multiple occasions (excluding special occasion gowns). Constantly think about your wardrobe and how it fits in with your style.
That piece-regardless of price-will totally be worth it. But don’t just get it because it is on sale! My blogger buddy, Tanvi explained her shopping philosophy and cost per wear rationale well in a post here. Also don’t spend your nest egg on a Hermes Birkin or Kelly if you can’t comfortably afford it. Remember to purchase pieces that still leave you enough for the rest of your expenditures.
2. Shop often
Note, don’t purchase often, but keep on walking through your favorite retail/department stores, consignment or thrift stores, and browse those e-tailers on a regular basis so you know their current selection well. This may also give you a better idea of the pieces that you really love; if you keep on coming back to an item, it’s a piece that deserves to be in your wardrobe. That and you may become buddies with a sales associate or be the first to know about markdowns in retail and department stores. Score!
4. Be informed and get on the list
Sign up for newsletters, e-mails, and sample sale e-mails. Visit forums and blogs (Slickdeals and Purse Forum are two favorites) to find out about new retailers and sales. Yes and then you too can possibly get a new $5000 Valentino jacket for under $6 (I did it). You’ll likely get early notifications of sales, exclusive e-mail discounts, and other special offers too. Daily Candy and Racked give great information on local sample sales in the US and I’ve found newspapers to be a great source when abroad.
5. Be patient and consider pre-loved or similarly styled apparel
You’ve stalked an item, becomes friends with the store staff, and waited ever so patiently for it to go on sale. But what if it has already sold out or you can’t find it in stores? Consider hunting in local consignment stores or shop eBay. Patience is essential but could pay off (remember my 90% off Monique Lhuillier gown?)
See my post regarding “saved searches” to see how you can be e-mailed if your item pops up. Also look at other retailers that may have a similar item but at a lower price point (sometimes the differences are minimal, but sometimes the quality suffers so be aware!) My blogger buddy, Cafe Fashionista has a regular series for items that are similar but are priced quite differently.
But if you are looking for an original item, remember to check the authenticity and feedback of the seller. Fake stuff is not cool and fake stuff that is sold for close to real prices is really not cool.
I hope these tips have helped you to stay savvy and chic! How do you maintain a Chic ‘n Cheap wardrobe?
Fabulous post! These are all great tips and I agree with your philosophy 100%! I love your new (to you) Chanel, by the way!
love the ring!
~Fae
http://www.rosypop.com
Great tips! I especially agree with the sample sales sites and the newsletter tips as I’ve used them myself. Sadly, Gilt does not ship to Canada 🙁
great post! i definitely think being informed and keeping an eye out on sales, store trends, deals, etc helps 🙂
One of my great investments was a Chanel bag and it is a savior for any “gala” event. Puh!! Hermes though, I am not sure I will put myself up for a waiting list… but would definitely not say no if someone was kind enough to give it…
Have a fab day!
Great advice. I usually do very well at the “normal” sales. I’ve discovered that in general, the better the store, the better the sale – I’ve done very well over the years at Bergdorf’s for example buying some great classic pieces for at least 40 – 50% off.
Very good advice my dear! I shop vintage/second hand a lot. Often much cheaper/nicer than high street or designer anyway! Although I do still get cravings for certain lovely things I can’t afford but aspiring to have something is sometimes as good as having it.
Fantastic post! There’s something to be said about patience when shopping – it guarantees you’ll only purchase items you’ll love. Just say no to impulse purchases!
Great tips! I love sample sales 🙂
Shop Often. Seriously…Best. Tip. Ever. Being familiar with different retailers makes it so much simpler to spot new fabulous finds! 🙂
Great tips! Thanks for sharing.
Ohh your first vintage Chanel…. ENJOY and Wear it well!
xo
http://artfashiontwentysomething.blogspot.com
Fantastic post! I am sure it will help a lot of people. And congrats on that vintage Chanel bag!!! Looks delish! 😉
P.S. Thanks for the mention! 🙂 It is always great to read my name unexpectedly here!
♡ from © tanvii.com
Hello, yr blog is great! Follow each??
Btw, I have my 1st giveaway in my blog, hope you are interested to join XD
http://mrsvintagehk.blogspot.com/
love your post…im your new follower…please follow me back:)
I like this, great tips, will save me buying stuff I don’t need. Well done on the Chanel bag, it will be with you forever now :)) Hope your doing well xxx
I do it by buying things that are classic not trendy. I never buy into trends because I can’t get enough wear for the amount I pay. Classic pieces can be worn forever….and that’s worth the money.
Fabulous tips! Patience is always my issue.
xo
Such great tips! I’ve always wanted to buy on eBay, but I am always so skeptical about fakes. Have you had success buying designer handbags on there?!
Great tips!
I AGREE with all of the above!! I do a lot of window shopping and buy something when I’ve weight out the options 🙂
an extra tip, if you see something on sale on the website, but not on sale at the store, try it on at the store but buy it on the website OR if it is the SAME store, show them proof and see if they honor the sale price. I say that because it happens to me a lot and 100% they have honored the sale price 🙂
~Pau
http://www.lilbitsofchic.blogspot.com
Great advice and I agree with all of it. I’m really good at shopping both seasonal sales and sample sales. The trick is not to get carried away and know in advance exactly what item or type of item you are searching for. I’m always monitoring eBay as well, for previous season stuff I never found in-store. Another favorite of mine is outlet stores, but you need to be very fast and lucky to find something in them.
great tips! love the vintage chanel bag, enjoy it!
-B
These are some fantastic tips. I’ve also learned a lot from doing the 30×30 challenges. Now I’ll plan shopping trips way in advance, work on a list of things I want or need and then go into my closet and make sure I can wear whatever is on my list with several different outfits.
Melanie@Unravelled Threads
Follow @UnraveldThreads on twitter!
Really great post!
I love those tips a lot and I always try to visit my favourite stores and just enjoy window shopping before I get something I really want:) Hugs and kisses, my dear
Ps: I’m hosting a beautiful jewelry GIVEAWAY today! Just in time for Mother’s Day!
love this post. thanks for the tips!
http://tinyaltars.blogspot.com
This is exactly how I’ve been doing it lately and it really works! Great post!
XoXo
Plami
http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/
great tips! I love the bracelet!
Great post, advice and tips! XX
I am totally with you about these shopping tips. I shop often but buy only when I absolutely love the piece and only after more than 2 visits. Well, at least for pricey items. Buying classics pay in the long run. 🙂
Good advice! I have issues with spending a bit too much than I am comfortable with sometimes…hehe…
Love this post! I do some of things on your list already! I shop just to see what’s out there. Thanks for the comments on my blog! I have been following you through bloglovin’ for a while now! 🙂
xx
Heel in Mint
fabulous post doll! I totally agree with all of your tips!
Wonderful tips! I love online sample sale sites, too. Right now Ideeli is my favorite.
Those are great tips thanks for sharing them with us.
Love all of the photos that you posted
What?!?! You bought that bag??? I can’t wait to see you using it, you lucky girl 🙂 xoxo
i one day hope to own a burberry trench and hermes and chanel bags 🙂
Helpful post! totally believe in all of these. number one rule these days is to create a list of what will rid me from the “I have nothing to wear” syndrome and ONLY buying those items. Thanks for the awesome info!
Alyson
I’m usually a big sale stalker, and i love slickdeals — it’s my homepage, haha.
Chic on the Cheap
such great advice! i do follow these tips pretty well except for the whole sample sale thing. i have to get better at that!
Great tips! I super agree with the Shop Often. I find that when I browse through different stores and at the end of the day go back to an item, it’s something that I really love and will wear often. 🙂
But other times, I just want to be an impulsive shopper and buy anything I fancy haha
Good advice, patience is often key.
Great tips! It’s definitely great to do your research and be patient. Maybe you won’t love the item after a week or so so it’s good to wait. I really need to get better at falling in love with pieces.
nice tips 🙂
been coveting a burberry trench for ages… hopefully we’ll each get ours one day!
great post!
Jenn
http://www.flowercityfashionista.blogspot.com
Great ideas! Especially the shop often part.
x
Great shopping trips… I somethings think that full retail price really is for people who just want it now now now, but with perseverance… who knows what might happen!
I love your tips! and omg a Valentino for under $6??? How did you do that! Amazing!
great information 🙂 thank you! please follow me back!
Great! I checked out some of the websites – pretty fun stuff.
I maintain a chic n cheap wardrobe by shopping everywhere. I don’t ONLY shop sales though because then you may miss out on some amazing purchases.
I do thrift stores, designer boutiques and create some of my own clothing as well.
Much love,
Lydia
http://www.styleindependent.com
@LydiaHibbing
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