Fashionista on a Budget!

concerto3

Hey Everyone I'm new, my name is Kim, I just found the group after someone posted about it in another thread somewhere

I'm a going to be a student in September, and so is my Fiance, so we are very seriously on a tight budget. My current job, doesn't allow for the kind of wardrobe choices I'd love to be making, due to children and pets, so I have been wearing Jeans + T-shirts religiously for about 3 years now. I plan to throw all of them out come September, and only have a few wardrobe pieces other than that, I have been slowly trying to build up a better collection, but due to the aforementioned budget constraints, it's been a bit hard. Obviously I've been watching out for sales, but I want to know where your stand-by online shops are, or your favorite places to go for a deal on some great clothes are!

I don't have any particular style yet, so any suggestions would be great!!! With my new body, which is just going to keep looking better, I'd love to look more put together when I go back to school, and for my future career!

LorinaLynn

Before you go shopping, do a google search for printable coupons for whatever stores you're planning on going to. Check their websites for mailing email lists, too.

I'm not sure what stores you have in your area, but I regularly print 20% off coupons for Kohl's, and combined with sales or clearance items, that can be a huge savings. Last week, there was one for $10 off a $25 purchase at Macy's.

And bargain stores like Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Ross and Burlington Coat Factory have good prices all the time.

Elizabeth_C34

What kind of clothes do you need? Do you feel like you have some idea of what you like? Do you like color? Do you like neutrals (black, brown, tan)?

Just post a few pics or give us some hints, and we can help a lot more.

It would be helpful to know what size range you are now and what the occasions will be for you (everydaywear, work, going out, etc.).



As for basics, nice button-down collared shirts that are a little stretchy are great for looking professional and can go from day to evening really well also:



I have several of these from JCPenney. They were $17 each under their Worthington line. I can put them with dress pants and tucked in with a jacket for work or untuck and wear over jeans with some jewelry for going out. I can also put them with a skirt and dress them up. They are great.

You CAN look amazing on a budget, but it involves the clever use of multi-faceted clothing. Mix and match is the name of the game!

Rae6503

Kohls,
Old Navy,
JC Penney,
Target....


That pretty much sums up where my entire wardrobe come from. Actually today my entire outfit came from Old Navy.

maryloo2011

I have a realllly hard time spending more than $25 on a top. It's definitely a hit-or-miss for me (either I find nothing or I'm spending a couple hundred bucks) but I am starting to like shopping at TJ Maxx and just went into Ross recently and came out with a few tops as well. I think my style is pretty classic and lasts a few years.

Always willing to fork $$$ for a great pair of jeans, though.

concerto3

Thanks for the replies so far ladies!!! There's definitely an Old Navy here, and a Target clothing store for sure. I have shopped in both at least once, but I'm pretty nervous about checking out new clothing stores, not used to my size, and feel awkward when it comes to checking out new places, especially boutiquey ones, or mall stores when I don't know if the clothes will even fit me. I hate that sizes aren't standardized

Elizabeth - I need mostly everyday wear clothes for the next year at school, things that will be comfortable enough to sit in in a classroom all day, and comfortable to move in when I need to! I am only doing Upgrading at College this coming year, so I don't need anything too special or career oriented yet luckily. Hopefully by that time my body will be ready for another new wardrobe!
Right now I wear about a size 12 jean, and a Medium or Large top, depending on the top of course! I have more of an hour glass shape, with all the lady curves in all the usual places, wearing a 34DD and quite the pair of hips and thighs still!
I love cute casual dresses, I love things that are 'different' unexpected, but not unwelcome either! I love neutrals with pops of colour, but not opposed to wearing all neutrals, or all colour if it's done right! (Though, not sure what 'right' is yet!) I don't want clothes that follow the fads or trends though, I'd like them to be wearable for as long as they fit, as I can't afford new stuff when the trends crossover again.
This is my first real adventure into fashion in a long long, long time. I pretty much need any tips anyone can provide from what to wear, to what to accessorize with! I'll see if I can find some pictures that kind of show the look I want, but at the same time, I haven't narrowed down a 'look' for myself yet!!

LorinaLynn

Think of items on a "cost per wear" basis instead of the ticket price, and spend more on basics than trends. IE, spend $100 on a great pair of classic dress shoes you can wear twice a week for a year, and that's less than a dollar per wear. Spend $25 on a pair of highly trendy funky shoes you only wear once a month, and that's about two dollars per wear. Use bold jewelry and accessories to make a statement.

Think of it like decorating a room. You'll want a neutral couch because couches are expensive and not easy to replace... you'll want one that will last years and years. But pillows and throws and candles and other knicknacks are cheap, easy to change, and give the room personality.

jadedone

I head to H&M for trendy stuff (quality can be hit or miss, so I don't spend more than $20 on anything from H&M)

I spend more on the basics: work pants, pencil skirts etc. I am really obsessed with ponte knits. They don't wrinkle and keep their shape. I tend to get these items from Macy's, Nordstrom, Gap, Ann Taylor or Banana Republic. Quality has gone down at Gap and Banana so you need to be a lot more selective. Things go on sale a lot, so wait for a sale before buying.

For interesting dresses, I go online to Dorothy Perkins. Things go on sale, and they have lots of cute stuff. Quality is average. Wait for a sale.

For stuff on the cheap: H&M, Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, Target, ASOS (online only)

I also read the Penny Chic blog. Lots of good ideas. http://pennychic.com/

sanjoparolas

Hi Janedone,

I agree on the ponte knits. I checked out the Penny Chic blog - cute! Never heard of ASOS or Dorothy Perkins but will check them out. Thanks!