Its a common belief that fashionable girls are often broke. Similar to Carrie from Sex and The City where the infamous scene of her having to leave her apartment after a breakup and re-evaluating her assets, she found that her primary investments in life are in her closet. After spending over $40,000 on shoes (nice ones, too, I might add), it left her wondering her own self worth. During one of my shopping trips last week, I spotted wonderful designer pieces on people around me such as a great Marc Jacobs tote to an Alexander McQueen dress. After my fashion flash passed, I realized that those very people were also quite young.
At the risk of sounding old, I remember growing up shopping at affordable stores with great style comparable to somewhere like H&M. I was 19 when I bought my first designer item, which was a Coach bag. Times have certainly changed with access to social media, designer images and celebrity reality television. Today, many people often use credit to fill the gaps and shopping is a way to soothe anxiety. In these cases, you are your worst enemy. Luxury has now become a necessity not an option.
There was a recent article on girls dating men for designer bags. Yes, its exactly how it sounds. The ridiculous hype about gaining designer items to prove a point is only getting crazier. When it comes to style, mixing designer with some affordable items is the way to go. After all, fashion should be liberating for yourself and your wallet. Tip: If you cant afford it, dont buy it. Its unlikely you will stop at one item. However, just because youre into saving doesnt mean you have to look it.
1. Go vintage: This is a great way to find designer items at a lower price. Youre also guaranteed that you probably wont be seeing someone else walking down the street with the same item. Vintage has also made a comeback thanks to celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe.
2. Organize a designer swap: Remember that someones trash is another persons treasure. If youre bored of your designer items, organize a designer swap with your friends. Its a great way to get new designer items into your wardrobe.
3. Sample sales: While I dont always like the aggressive crowd at sample sales, its a great way to get designer items at a low cost.
4. Outlet stores: When shopping at outlets, try to keep in mind whats in your closet and which items would pair well with them. Go classic because your money will go further than choosing trendy items.
Best bet: 21st century
5. Keep your eye on online sales: Looking online is a convenient way to keep your eye on the prize and for discounts. Its sometimes even easier to get things in your size. Make sure you pay attention to shipping costs, though.
6. Designer collaboration: H&M and Target have collaborated with designers such as Givenchy, Lanvin, Versace and Prabal Gurung. H&M have also announced their collaboration with designer Isabel Marant. Catching these collaborations will get you designer labels that wont break your bank.
Amy Yew is a contributing columnist at Vancouver Courier. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to [email protected]. You can also tweet your thoughts on Twitter @AmyYew.
