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A Beginner’s Guide to Shopping on a Budget

By SheRea — March 07, 2012

Hello Bellas!

Shopping on a budget is something I know ALL about. On a STRICT college budget, I don’t know the last time I spent more than $10 on a garment. I am a firm believer in looking FIERCE and FABULOUS, frugally. I shop in thrift stores such as Mega Thrift (indigenous to Winston-Salem, NC) and Goodwill. I don’t know about you, but the recession is alive and kicking and I have to save every penny (which I later spend on hair products, but that’s an entirely different story and a completely different article).
I know many of you get that guilty feeling when you buy those expensive shoes or that bangin’ dress, but then look at your back account/checkbook/pocketbook. We’ve all been there, but in this day and age, it is time to shop til’ you drop and feel good about it.
Here’s some tips I’ve come up with:

  • Try shopping at your local thrift stores and charity shops including Goodwill and Salvation Army. I remember when I was younger, I would shudder at buying “hand-me-downs” but thrift stores are the mecca of fierce. You will be surprised about what gems people throw away. The best part is that you will walk into a room knowing no one will be rocking what you’re rocking.
  • Buy classic pieces such as blazers, coats, boots, purses, etc. from high market brands such as Coach and Marc Jacobs because these items are constantly worn. Opt to run to Forever 21, H&M, Target, and Asos for items you wear less often, especially cute, flirty tops, one-time-wear costume jewelry, etc.
  •  Don’t be afraid of the sale racks. You can score $200 items for a fraction of the cost and have other women gawk over your “high-end” tastes.
  • Shop online. Sometimes you have to fake it ‘til you make it. As cliché as that sounds, it’s the motto for thrifty shopaholics. Find “designer inspired” pieces on websites such as Ebay or GoJane.
  • Buy a lot of accessories. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve worn similar outfits and just accessorized them differently to create new looks. That way, you continue to look fabulous without breaking the bank!

SheRea accessorizes to create new looks

If you like graphic tees and trendy natural hair apparel, you have to check out this site! You won’t be disappointed with all the options.

What tricks do you have up your sleeve when shopping on a budget?

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About Author

SheRea is the blogger behind My Thrifted Closet (http://mythriftedcloset.blogspot.com/), a blog dedicated to thrifted fashion. She attends Wake Forest University, majoring in Communication with a concentration in Media Studies and double minoring in Theatre and Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise. She is originally from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

View all SheRea posts.
  • sharon

    Hey Jenell I know exactly what you are talking about.  I actually enjoy thrifting more than shopping in department stores because I don’t like to look like everyone else and if I could look fierce on a budget then I am all for it.  In NJ one of my favorite place to go is UNIQUE and there is also one downtown Brooklyn.  The other place  is ONCE UPON A CHILD, which is really good for children. 

    • http://www.facebook.com/SheDel92 SheRea DelSol

      I’ve been to a UNIQUE in NJ and it was huge!! I scored some DOPE suspenders. It was a pretty good day in my life.

    • http://kinkycurlycoilyme.com/ Jenell : BlakIzBeautyful

      Hey Sharon,
      Our new writer, SheRea did a fabulous job sharing tips on how to shop on a budget!

      I am sooo different from you and @facebook-1166866404:disqus because I have a hard time visualizing how to put things together, so department stores work well for me.

      I am going to use these tips to help me thrift!

  • http://twitter.com/IMPR4Less Demetrice

    I really need to make a trip to Mega Thrift the next time I’m in W-S. I’m in Goodwill at least once a week, but I also shop Plato’s Closet and Uptown Cheapskate (I got a cute J.Crew skirt from the location across from Hanes Mall for only $10). This year I started a $50 a month Retail Rehab Challenge and only shop with cash in a designated thrifting envelope.

    • http://www.facebook.com/SheDel92 SheRea DelSol

      I already told you that we have to meet up for thrifting lovely!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1466329772 Eve-Lyndssa Mercure

    Loved the article! Very informative and you are so right about thrift stores. It’s amazing what my mom and I find at Goodwill. I LOVE Goodwill. Since I’ll be heading off to college soon, I need all the tips I can get as a natural hair girl. I love your outfits =D 

    • http://www.facebook.com/SheDel92 SheRea DelSol

      Thanks lovely!!! Thrifting is my life!! Let me know if you want more tips!

  • Yardie_chick

    The thrift bug has bit me!!! I love putting outfits together as not to blend into the mass.I also have the same issue where I save on clothes and splurge on hair products lol. Another good idea when thrifting is to find out when the stores have even extra deals like 50% off Wednesdays, military discount days and some stores even have special days where everything you can fit in a shopping bag will cost like $5.00!!!! It is really true that another persons “trash” can become someone else’s TREASURE!! GREAT ARTICLE!!!

    • http://www.facebook.com/SheDel92 SheRea DelSol

      Sorry for this late response. I thank you. Glad you enjoy thrifting as much as I do!

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