Nobody likes spending money, especially when it is hard to come by. On the other hand, everyone loves looking snazzy. What’s a fashionista to do?
Being eye-catchingly cute shouldn’t depend on your economic status or how crammed your wallet is. After all, the trend seems to be shying away from expensive name brands and gravitating toward quirky, more eclectic fashions. In this day and age, you don’t need to sell a kidney to secure a stunning outfit. All you need is some bargain shopping savvy.
You might be surprised at the number of places around you that sell cheap and quality clothing. For example, you may want to…
Frequent thrift stores: There is a growing trend, especially among college-age young adults, where thrift stores are becoming the go-to place for new—or rather, recycled—clothes. Some thrift to keep perfectly-useable apparel out of landfills, while others do it because it has become the “hip thing to do.” The most obvious reason to thrift, however, is because hey, it’s cheap!
Vintage clothing is very “in” at the moment, and old garments from yesteryear that people send off to Goodwill could easily turn heads today. One talent that will come in handy for an avid thrifter is sewing expertise. Many older dresses are longer than their modern counterparts and may be hemmed, and some clothing will come with holes that need to be patched up.
That being said, thrift store clothes come with a history, and it is your call whether or not this is a positive thing. Some people are “squicked” out at the thought of wearing things that strangers have previously worn. In that case…
Head to a dollar store: You heard me. Don’t discount dollar stores just because they sell cheap plungers and silly knickknacks. You can find plenty of diamonds in the rough in their clothing section if you look hard enough.
There’s no better place for flip-flops—some even sell them for a dollar a pair. Also, check the racks for interesting items. Not long ago, a local dollar store was carrying a few adorable spring dresses that looked as if they could have been sold in a classy mall shop. The best part was that these cute dresses could have been scored for a mere seven bucks.
This is what makes dollar stores so great. Sometimes, their deals even rival that of thrift stores, and the clothing is fresh and new. But if you’re one of those people that just can’t stoop to buying at dollar stores, you can…
Check out a locally-owned store you have never been to: You know that shop you pass everyday on the way to work? The one that just opened up that you’ve never heard of? On a day when you have nothing to do, stop by and see what merchandise they carry. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Many local shops sell unique fashions you may not find at any other location. Perhaps you’ll find the sundress of your dreams, a cute jacket or a handbag that suits your style perfectly.
The best part is that, by buying at these smaller shops, there’s less of a chance that someone else in your classes will have the same stuff as you. Remember in middle school when you and three other kids had the same Aeropostale hoodie, and you got all flustered over it? That won’t happen again.
Not that it should happen anyways. You’re in college now. Get real.
