Low budget shopping and style

Claire

Okay, so I've been working the last few years and setting myself a clothing budget, which I basically keep to. This fall I'll be entering graduate school and living on limited, borrowed money. I'm on austerity measures now, to save as much as I can before I go to zero income.

My question is this: What do you do about the urge to shop when you know you can't? Do you browse online? Make Polyvore collages? Do you borrow from friends? Do you "shop in your closet"? Do you avoid even looking at sites or stores? Do I ask family for gift certificates for holidays and shop off those?

Similarly, how do I shop when I have very, very minimal funds? I have pretty much everything I need right now. In the future austerity days, should I buy statement pieces to spice up my basics, or accessories, or what? How should I change my approach to shopping and style for a 3+ years?

Thank you thank you collective wisdom!

15 years ago

General

7 replies

Latest reply was from Theresa

Dashrashi

Veteran

I try to keep away from all fashion-related things when I really can't shop at all. (I watch more TV, heh.) I try to wear the things I love that I already own, but conscious efforts to shop my closet or make Polyvore sets tend to frustrate me ("okay, this has just established that I seriously NEED a navy v-neck cardigan with 3/4 sleeves") rather than satisfy the acquisition-desire. The gift-card thing does help a LOT, though, in the lean times.

15 years ago

Claire

(website)

Active Member

Thanks Dashrashi! I think I might be with you... the more I look online, the more I HAVE to have something. It might just be zero looking at clothes for me... I'm afraid of that though

15 years ago

florida

Veteran

Read some of the frugal fashion blogs/blogs by gals who shop their closets and wear a lot of vintage/thrifted items (Frugal Fashionista, Already Pretty, Academichic, and Legacy of Pearl are several that immediately pop into mind). Also, make it a personal challenge and perhaps it won't be such drudgery--see how many ways you can combine items that you already have without wearing the same combo in a week, month, etc.

15 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Browsing online is a big DON'T for me. It's far too easy to spot an amaaaazing deal and be tempted. I would unsubscribe from any shopping sites that email you daily, too.

Borrowing, shopping your closet, and asking for gift cards are all big DOs, IMO. If you enjoy shopping, you will get more out of a GC: the experience as well as the item purchased!

In the future, maybe focus on versatile things that will cross over seasons and keep you looking up to date? Nothing TOO trendy, but just current enough to keep you feeling happy and stylish. IMO, thrift stores, swap meets, and the Goodwill Clearance Centers (clothing by the pound!) are blessings.

15 years ago

Claire

(website)

Active Member

OOH I love the idea of making it a challenge. I could blog it! Also, misery loves company. Sharing the challenge with the world might make it easier. Also, I'm so bad at knowing ahead of time what will get a lot of wear, so this might force me to figure that out.

15 years ago

florida

Veteran

Yes, I can imagine that would make for a popular blog!

15 years ago

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Hi Claire,

I'm on a very limited budget too and the majority of my clothing comes from thrift stores and only the occasional very well planned item from real stores.

So, when I feel like shopping, I often duck into a thrift store and have a browse - I can buy a dress for $4 - so about the same as a good coffee! Of course, when I can't find anything I like, I tend to just avoid shopping altogether.

For me, browsing online isn't as hard as others - if I don't have the $$ I simply can't buy anything.

But I'd love to read your blog too if you do it!

15 years ago

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