Posts
After bringing kids into the world, many of us find ourselves having to become budget fashionistas out of necessity. With all the added expenses having children can bring, it doesn't have to mean losing your sense of style. But let's get real here. I mean, who wants to wear their brand new $200 top when it's just going to have spit-up, milk (of one kind or another), and dirty handprints on it by the end of the day. Being a chic mama means having a whole new fashion strategy for looking great while wearing clothes that can be tossed in the washer and dryer at the end of a long (and messy) day.
Fortunately for us, Kathryn Finney has decided to share the secrets of being a budget fashionista. She's learned how to navigate the world of fashion and keep a great sense of style while keeping her budget intact. In her book, How to Be a Budget Fashionista: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Fabulous for Less
, Kathryn offers up some great advice, starting with your budget. She advocates really getting down to business when it comes to the numbers, and knowing what's truly going to work for your household. Once that's determined, then comes the fun.Do you know what your style is? You may be steeped in all the latest trends and know who sent what down the runways a few weeks ago. Or you may have absolutely no idea, and aren't too concerned about it. Either way, no worries. Kathryn offers a quick quiz to help you determine whether you're more sporty, trendy, conservative, an urban trekker, a socialite, or a romantic. Somewhere in between? I thought so. But having a direction will help you define your style, and what goes into your closet. It also makes it a little easier to toss something you've held on to but haven't actually worn in years.
Kathryn offers us her version of the perfect ten. That is, ten items that you can mix and match to create myriad looks for all occasions. She even goes so far as to give us eight dressy outfits and eight casual outfits, allmade up of the "perfect ten". This can be used as a guide for those days you want to look great but can't even think straight and the baby won't stop crying.
The last part of How to Be a Budget Fashionista
brings us to Kathryn's tried and true budget shopping strategies. With tips for navigating those messy discount stores, to scoring coupons and getting the inside scoop on sales, she's got you covered. Kathryn even has a blog, The Budget Fashionista, highlighting sales, trends, and more to keep you looking your best on a budget. This girl's really working hard so we can look great without spending all our cash. Win It!
One winner will be selected to receive a copy of How to Be a Budget Fashionista
. Simply leave a comment on this post telling us your best budget fashion tips. Deadline is Midnight, EST, Feb. 24. The winner will be listed at PRIZEY Winners on Feb. 25.
133 comments:
Clearance rack, clearance rack, clearance rack. Even the upscale boutiques have them! Dig and enjoy the great savings, especially on items in the off-season!
I love swapping clothes with friends. They always have things that are of a different "usual" style of mine, and I feel like I'm continually getting a new wardrobe. (I also do this w/ jewelry!) Thanks! ( meg.wilson@gmai.com )
I would give it to the girl who lives next door.
I like to hit the outlets at the end of the season to get quality staple pieces at a good price. Then I go to Target and H&M for the trendy, cheaper items to update my wardrobe. :)
even Goodwill and Salvation Army stores have great fashion finds for unbelievable prices!
If you're going to splurge, buy a classic pair of shoes!
Think before you buy. Sounds obvious, but it's true!
I like to order things in the clearance section online. Also you can sometimes buy large or extra large children's sizes that fit the same as women's small.
Ebay! you dont even have to leave the house and can find items for under $10
I like to buy classic clothing but by trendy accessories to keep it up to date.
gladstone7272@yahoo.com
kristina
When seasonal clothes go on clearance I stock up for my kids for the next year. This leaves a bit more money up for grabs.
I don't scrimp on jeans. I buy the one that look the best on my no matter what the price tag says. That way no matter what top I'm wearing, I always feel and look good because I have a pair of jeans that fit just right.
Kohls credit card with special coupons. And signing up for coupons - Stein Mart is great too!
I'm a total bargain shopper when it comes to fashion - consignment stores, clearance racks at places such as Target amd TJ Maxx, Salvation Army, and yard sales. You just never know what you'll find. My best find last year was a black halter Betsey Johnson dress for just $10.
Hello, What a great book! I know I could learn a lot from it. I try to shop for clothes in the off seasons. Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
find good sales like at old navy or go to second hand stores where you can find plenty of brand new brand name clothes for cheap. by off season and stock up on clothes your child will soon grow into.
I get most of my clothes at thrift stores. You can even find designer clothing there, sometimes still with the store tags attached! Recently I bought at Goodwill a fitted Nipon suit jacket and a couple of Liz Claibourne shirts, and they looked as if they were new or barely ever worn.
Second hand stores.
Since my daughter was born I've been buying her clothes for the coming year when they go on clearance at the end of the season. It only recently occured to me to do this for my own clothes as well. If you buy classic styles, it won't matter that they were last season's.
Buy a nice, classic purse; Buy Chanel at a Thrift Store or somewhere else. Also check out the clearance sections, there's bound to be some off season goodies there!
Jessica Maurer
jmaurer487@yahoo.com
If you don't absolutely love it,don't buy it. Also when shopping online always look for coupon codes. Chadwicks is on the the best online stores with coupon codes!
Silvahalo5@hotmail.com
When I am sick of my clothes, I swap with my sister-in-law, that way we have a fresh supply of clothes without having to buy any.
When it comes time to buy clothes I start by focusing on the basics that will not go out of style. When shopping, hit the clearance rack before trying any other part of the store - you may find what you're looking for 1/2 price!
Shop for outfits not just single pieces, try to think about which pants, skirts, other bottoms that will go with the top you are thinking about buying. Of course always shop in discount stores or thrift shops for great bargains. Buy clothes off-season when they are cheaper.
TJ Maxx! You have to look, but sometimes they have great finds!
I love to sign up for special coupons! Thanks for the great giveaway.
Marshalls is great.
Also, hit up your grocery store when they do a reset, lots of markdowns then!
we have a resale shop that i have gotten to know the owner...she keeps an eye out for things that might be up my alley!
mom2maria at hotmail dot com
I check stores online daily and check out local stores a couple times a week, sales and clearances racks change daily, you have to be on top of it.
You can always find a great designer bag at Marshall's or TGMaxx for at least half off!
No I'm not a fashionista, and I could use some help!
Shop the clearance rack. I found summer kids clothes for .99 recently.
Thrift stores and clearance aisles. One of my favorite things to do is because I always seem to attract stains to new t-shirts - if i can't get the stain out- i keep it in my closet for layering -no one will ever know or get some funky fabric to applique on and give it a 2nd chance!
I could totally use this! I am a clearance shopper queen, though. I never buy anything at full price.
etlizzy at hotmail.com
I only buy clothing on sale!! I keep an eye out for things I like and then I wait a few weeks for the price to be reduced.
Upscale consignment shops.
Honestly, I'm not much of a fashion icon, but honestly you can get awesome bargains at yard sales and my favorite is a wealthy church's "nearly new" sale...great deals!! Thanks
stbaisch[at]yahoo[dot]com
Basic staple clothes and trendy shirts and shoes.
I use as many coupons as I can for places like Macy's and Kohl's. I also go to anchor department stores to get an idea for what the looks are and then try to duplicate them at less expensive places such as Target, Ross Dress for Less, Marshall's, TJ Maxx.
Great giveaway!
My best budget fashion tips:
1. Buy Quality, not Quantity. Nice items will hold up longer, will look better, and will make you feel great.
2. Host a Clothes Swap once a quarter - add new wardrobe items to your closet without spending a dime!
3. Don't buy on impulse. Stick to what you went shopping for in the first place.
Combine clothing pieces in your closet for personal look!
I can find wonderful bargains at the thrift stores and during summer garage sales
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
Thrift stores on Sundays.
I love Goodwill in the "nice" part of town. But my general rule is spend more on quality pants & skirts (like for work) and save on fun shirts.
Don't buy it until it goes on sale.
I buy in the off season and I also am a huge Clearence shopper, with 5 Kids to keep in clothes you learn a little tricks, I also go to Kids Consignment. Great savings.
Stick within budget with clearance
thank you for the great contest
enter me please
pethof (at) gmail (dot) com
yard sales and thrift stores
Old fashion Noxema cream. It moisturizes. It removes make-up. It's good for sun or wind chapping. And, it's still pretty cheap.
I look at all clearance isles and online I look for coupon codes and sales. I also have at times struck some great finds on freecyle.
neneelynn@yahoo.com
Watch your fav. clothing website for great sales.
>>I pick the items I need(want) and I watch/wait until I can get the sale price(which is usually about 50% off). This way you can buy quality without such a hefty hit on your wallet.
I love using coupons and shopping at thrift stores in upscale cities, like Aspen, CO. Got armani suit for 25 bucks.
I Need all the help I can get in the fashion department
pcbdolphins@wmconnect.com
I always shop the clearance racks at the outlets for what I love and also love the big dept. store outlets like Nordstrom Rack, Off 5th etc. Sometimes you can get great deals.
Alter what is from a holiday clearance to fit the moment!
I'm already a budget fashionista (picked up a $200 skirt at Nordstrom Rack today for $34), but I'd take any expert advice.
I'm not much of a fashionista, so my only tip is that I never pay full price! If its not on sale, I wait until it goes on sale!
dansan826 at yahoo.com
I am all about bargains.
Stick to the classics, good jeans, crisp white button down shirt, sharp looking belt and great boots.
cme8397@yahoo.com
This isn't rocket science: outlets, clearance, sales with extra discounts, even online where you can find one-of-a-kind pieces for cheap AND nobody owns it (that you know of)!
I take my mom shopping with me (she's a much better bargain shopper than I am), and I try to shop the clearance racks at the end of the season. I'm also blessed to have a "fashionista" sister who gives me all the clothes/shoes she gets tired of!
I would like to see fashion for a 53 year old grammy. We need style too!
I need style too. At 53 I need all I can get!
Shopping a store where you are not the most popular size ,in clearance, there will be more in your size left. For example, a plus size store when you are the smallest size they carry.
I wait for Macy's to have a sale and use their coupons for more savings!
jasonncaryn at yahoo dot com
Run don't walk straight to the clearance racks in the upscale department stores with blinders on, can get some fantastic fashion basics at a fraction of the price.
I love shopping after season sales and ebay. you save tons of money that way!
i love shopping ond of season sales and ebay. i save tons of money that way
I shop the clearance sections and end of season sales. I also watch for items that I've been wanting to go on sale.
Buy several staples items that can be worn with anything. Then you can just change parts of the outfit to make it new and cute!
clearance section
The Rules: Buy only clothes that fit perfectly, look absolutely fabulous on you, and that you truly adore. Look hard enough, and you can find great deals on clearance racks, at end-of-season sales, at outlet stores, or at second-hand shops (i.e., Goodwill, Salvation Army, consignment boutiques).
clearance :0)
Find a Salvation Army or other chain thrift store, in a very wealthy neighborhood.
don't be afraid of hand-me-downs!
I could use this.
I shop clearance racks & shelves, I shop at thrift stores, I go to yard sales & flea markets. I also check out web sales.
Yard sales.
Thrift Shops! MY FAMILY AND I COULD REALLY USE THIS!
Thrift stores are so great! I find the neatest things.
always shop outlet stores
Don't let the idea of "thift shop" turn you off. I've found EXCELLENT deals there -- including brand new clothes at a fraction of a price.
make sure you have a basic black dress
I know about budget (i.e. clearance, yard sales, thrift shops) but not much about fashion. I NEED this!
Buy clothes that don't outdate themselves fast (fads, trends, etc)
Keep your clothes off the floor!
I don't have any tips...that's hy I need the book.
When wearing basics, they can easily go from day to night depending on the accessories you choose. Try different accessoires and see how your look changes.
outlet stores are a budget-minded mom's best friend.
Sales! Buy on Sale.
check the thrift shops for extra stuff
mogrill@comcast.net
I would LOVE this!
My best tip, go to the GOODWILL!
I wait until holidays and birthdays and ask for gift cards to my favorite clothing stores, then I wait for the good end-of-season sales and use them for all they are worth!
And Macy's end-of-season sales are great! As well as Steinmart. I love me some Steinmart!
But I still need help finding stuff that looks good on me, ya know?
A store called Half of Half. Awesome.
Try to always buy on sale!
My friends and I do the teenager thing! We borrow each others clothes!!
I buy on sale and clearance on-line and in-store and love to find coupons for free shipping or dollars off.
I do many of the things people have already mentioned, like buying things out of season, shopping the clearance racks, and I shop at Marshall's and T.J. Maxx a lot. I also think it's good to shop Target online; they have some cute, inexpensive clothes there that aren't in Target stores. I try to spend more on items that will get the most use; a coat, for example, that I will wear for many years, or a comfortable pair of black pumps. Another trick I have is to update my basics (e.g. a little black dress) with fun accessories, such as tights or scarves.
I would so love to own this book! My fashion tip would be to look for classic, quality pieces at outlet stores and on clearance racks!
Clearance rack...I've found some great deals there!
Goodwill.
Enough said.
Orange Creamsicle Cobbler
Buy basics that you can mix and match and shop the clearance racks!
thrift stores!
buy quality clothes but less of them. - have swap nights with your friends - for clothes, and even hair care products that you spent a lot of money on, but they dont suit your hair.
Clearance racks!
Thrift stores for me. They are economically and environmentally conscious.
Shop at target ... they have great style at an affordable price!
My best budget tip:
Dont let me anywhere near the money :D
Clearance racks! Never pay full price if you can wait to get it cheaper!
While these are all good ideas, one of my best tips is to focus on a specific color in accessories. So for a particular season I'll focus on black (that's what's happening this year) and buy all the fabulous accessories (shoes, purse, belt, computer bag, etc) that are on sale that season. I find that by doing so I tend to have things that really "go" together because they've all been bought and worn right away.
Shop the clearance rack and go yardsaling!
During the After Christmas sales, I like to go shopping with my buddy David. The rule is that you cannot buy anything unless it is at least 75% off. Each of us is there to insure the other's finds and the competitiveness is a fun aspect too.
theyyyguy@yahoo.com
I do most of my clothes shopping in February and July during the clearance sales.
I like to buy classics and look at resale shops and goodwill for clothing that never goes out of style. BUT...I really need this book or more tips & tricks.
I shop for classic clothes that never go out of style. I love "hitting" the resale shops and goodwill stores. BUT....I could use some extra tips & tricks.
Don't try to be trendy--buy classic pieces that look good on you. deanna@count.com
Don't forget to look at the purse rack at Goodwill. There are so cute things there. I bought a lightly used if hardly at all used purse there for $4. Name brand!
Don't chase trends. Buy clothes that fit your body well and make you feel good.
It's better to have a classic pair of Levi's that fits you like an old friend, or a classic blazer or leather jacket that will never go out of style.
When you have a few clothes that fit you right, you'll reach for them time and time again, which is better than having a closet full of mismatched "bargains" that you never wear.
tonylethal@aol.com
I oh so need this book! -bid spender on needless things
i love thrift stores, now that vintage clothes are in u can go to a thrift store and get some really cool clothes, and you'll look like u spent a lot of money, but u didn't!
Buy at the end of the season for the next year!
one of my favorite things to do to save money on clothes is to take the clothes i already have and make them different by adding material to stuff or by decorating old shirts with those iron-on patches, those are really great!
Don't be a slave to fashion. Buy classics that look good on you.
I put clothes I'm done with in a consignment shop and use the money I made to buy some new fun items. I don't feel as guilty about shopping that way!
Garage Sales. If you go to the high rent districts you can get designer clothes at rock bottom prices.
shop outlet malls. Most of tje large retailers have outlet stores with huge savings.
clearance sales, especially 3 weeks after christmas when the stores really want to get rid of everything
there is nothing like a clearance sale :)
klp1965@verizon.net
Budget tip? Don't gain weight. Seriously. When I lose the baby weight, I'll have access to all my classics and can update my looks for CHEAP!
If it isn't ons sale,just wait.All clothes go on sale soon or later.
Salvation Army! I got a Banana Republic skirt for $1 the other day!
When we giveto others it always comes back to us tenfold rosans4@insightbb.com
mix and match
Items on clearance to supplement spending a lot on items that last a long time.
jmagloro[at]ywave.com
Post a Comment