You probably often find yourself on an everlasting quest for enlightenment, contemplating one of the most urgent philosophical questions plaguing the inner cores of womankind since the beginning of time: what is it that I want out of my wardrobe?
You constantly seek the answer to this dire question by looking within yourself, wondering, “Should my wardrobe emit my true quirky essence via bold playful Alexander Wang graphic tops? How can I strike perfect harmony between the aesthetic purity of simple minimalism, and the frivolous ornamentation of those beautiful Balmain lace booties at Paris Fashion Week 2013?”
You constantly look to your sartorial spiritual advisors (consisting of your favorite fashion bloggers and designers) for guidance, and often flip through your collection of canonical texts (Vogue, Dansk, and Harper’s Bazaar), in desperation for the answer.
Man Repeller, how can I achieve perfect wardrobe harmony, while infusing perfect touches of sheer aesthetic beauty and personal quirk? SHOW ME THE WAY!
Being the aesthetic genius that you are, you have probably encountered several instances of fashion enlightenment. You’ve decided you require one pair of feathered Rochas flats (the uber-feminine gems seen at PFW), a classic Chanel black leather jacket (to reflect your daring edginess), and Wang’s pajama cut-out top (understated, but oh-so fun). Only then would your wardrobe perfectly reflect your personal style and charming quirk. All you need is some time to stroll through Saks and Bergdorf’s, and possibly linger around Phillip Lim at SoHo, and voilà.
Right? Wrong.
You’re in college. And you’re broke.
So what’s a girl to do when she’s achieved this miraculous wardrobe revelation, but has no funds to transform her fashion enlightenment into reality?
1. Become an eBay queen. eBay should be your number one go-to for affordable designer clothes and accessories. eBay is the main destination for large numbers of online businesses that collect vintage designer bags and resell them through eBay. One company, Linda’s Stuff Inc., sells vintage Chanel bags through eBay at auction prices starting at $0.99. Never thought you’d see “Chanel” and “$0.99” in the same sentence, did you?
And while you’re ferociously purchasing affordable designer bags, eBay queen, harness that eBay entrepreneurial spirit and start your own online business. Hit a thrift shop, buy unique vintage pieces for under $5, and resell them at $50+. You’ll be shopping to make money to shop. Can there be anything more exciting and efficient?
2. Outlets, outlets, outlets. I know, I know. You’re a contemporary kind of gal; “last-season” is not in your vocabulary. BUT follow my logic: next season, this season will be so last season. So wearing “last season” this season is the fashion equivalent of wearing “this season” next season. Once you conquer your “last season” phobia, hit a designer outlet. Items are usually priced at less than half of the original price. The most exciting part about outlets, however, is that they usually have sales at the end of each season. That’s right: Reductions plus sales. I once purchased a pair of $800, strappy charcoal-gray, six-inch Versace stilettos for $115 at my local Versace outlet, near the end of spring. Dreams do come true.
3. Reconsider your contempt for off-price retail chains. TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross: Your mom’s favorite stores. Your grandmother frequents these retailers for your Christmas presents. Your aunt buys her cookware here. Totally lame, right?
Reconsider.
On the downside, these off-price retail chains are handed down “whatever doesn’t sell” from department stores and local boutiques, already limiting your selection to the most unpopular designer items known to womankind. They are also limited to participating brands, and you probably won’t find a Louis Vuitton bag at a TJ Maxx any time soon. However, with a little patience, time, and determination, you can sometimes snag gorgeous BCBG blouses, Badgley Mischka bags, and Valentino scarves (items I have personally witnessed at off-price retailers) at usually around a fifth of the original price.
4. Put your eye for aesthetics to good use at a thrift shop. A darling vintage cameo necklace can instantly add character to your understated white v-neck, distressed jeans, and pointed-toe heels look. And those 1980s tortoiseshell ray bans can add a cool retro feel to a graphic tee kind of day. These small touches add character and express your lovable quirk, while adding that perfect element of surprise to your look. A trip to your local Goodwill, vintage shop, or Salvation Army can be just the ticket (and will be kind to your wallet).
As you can see, all things are possible. And if you’ve been lucky enough to have achieved sartorial enlightenment, you are now equipped to absolutely drench your wardrobe in gorgeous designer pieces and quirky vintage touches at prices suited for a fabulous Hopkins girl.
Ready, set, shop!
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