Style makeover on a budget?

marianna

I have a closet full of clothes that don't fit or don't look good on my body. I *really* want to update my wardrobe, but as a recent college grad just starting my career, I don't have a ton of spending cash.

I'm looking for ideas on how to update my wardrobe inexpensively with quality items.

I'm not too keen on the idea of second hand clothes. I'm just odd like that.

I went and returned a bunch of stuff that still had tags on, so I'm starting there.

My other ideas were:
- Buy one (or two?) quality new items from each paycheck?
- Try to sell my existing clothes on eBay or other communities and use the profits to buy new pieces?
- Buy a TON of new clothes on credit cards and be in debt. Just kidding...

I guess I'm just looking for ideas on how you would go about this process? I have some good basics but it's still awfully expensive to do a wardrobe makeover.

16 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from Kari

HelloKittyCute

Member

Well I Don't Want To Sound Cheap But I Shop At T.J. Maxx Alot Just Because They Have Alot Of Great Designer Brands For Less. Click Here To Find A Store Near You:http://www.tjmaxx.com/locator.asp (: Hope This Helps.

16 years ago

Chris

Active Member

Angie always stresses thinking about your dominant season. I like starting the planning around that philosophy.
Combined wiht the "capsule" dressing formula - seems like a win.
Think about the key basics you already have and make a good list of what you need for your lifestyle. You may need to invest in a suit or something for work and a great pair of jeans for casual and then build from there? Or maybe you are really beyond that point?

16 years ago

marianna

Veteran

I don't need a suit for my work and I have plenty of jeans. What I've realized from my short time reading YLF is that my wardrobe lacks any layering pieces. I really want some structured jackets, tunics, pretty cardigans... and I suppose dresses. Also some nicer pants besides jeans. Everything I want is really pricey.

16 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

You've got a great start with returning what you could. I would go through your existing wardrobe next and see if there is anything that could be altered to make it work. The pieces that really don't work can be sold, and that will start you out with a little fundage. I second the advice to check out outlet stores like TJ Max, Marshall's, Ross, DD's Discounts, Susie's Deals and also brand outlet stores. If there is an outlet mall near you, plan a trip there when you get some cash. (I recently found a BCBG Generation dress at Ross for under $30) The pieces that you are wanting are all coming out for fall. Watch the sales as they get a little older, and pick pieces up one at a time. I think the most important things is that if you don't love it- don't buy it, no matter how much of a bargain it is.
Happy Shopping!

16 years ago

marianna

Veteran

Chewyspaghetti (yummy name) -- your last bit of advice is SO key for me. My mom always tells me this too -- if you have ANY doubts, don't buy it. Generally, when I buy something I'm doubtful about, it ends up being an orphan and a waste of money.

Also, for some reason I've forgotten all about bargain and outlet stores lately. I watch too much What Not to Wear and Stacey and Clinton always stress quality over quantity and I suppose I automatically equate bargain stores with bad quality, but I know that's not true. I should take a gander at these stores.

I also think picking up each piece at a time will be helpful instead of splurging on a whole new wardrobe... although the latter is tempting.

16 years ago

Chris

Active Member

Is there a Nordstrom Rack in your area? I find great buys there and good labels/quality.
Also don't forget to watch for sales at your favorite stores and if you don't mind the emails you can get on mailing lists to notify you of special events, etc.

16 years ago

marianna

Veteran

Oh yeah, I love the Rack!

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You’ve received great advice! You might find this post useful:

http://youlookfab.com/2009/06/.....al-impact/

I just want to add that I love how your baby girl accompanies you in your pictures. It makes me smile :0)

16 years ago

marianna

Veteran

My baby girl Gertrude is my shadow and follows me everywhere. Love her!

Great link, Angie. Thanks. I think I have those three things down -- hair, shoes, bag. Those are easier to fit. I recently cut my hair into a short bob which was a huge change from the ponytail I always used to wear. I love my hair now. I also have a slight shoe addiction. And I splurged on a Marc Jacobs bag for my last birthday and personally think it's pretty fab...

Clothes are just so much harder for me. I think I have the right instincts, it's just that my body is hard to fit (or I'm insecure).

By the way, I am LOVING YLF! Your blog is helping me SO much already and I've only been reading for a week. You have a great thing going on here.

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Our little Yorkies, Jasmine and Rosie send Gertrude tail wags and botty sniffs. They follow Mummy everywhere too. I feel so privileged that I have two little house animals that adore me. They are the little loves of my life at 9 years old. And they are going to live till they are 100.

I meant to say that I LOVE your bob, Marianna. It’s perfect for you. And from what I’ve seen so far, you have a fab collection of peds. You are WELL on your way. And thanks for loving YLF:0)

16 years ago

marianna

Veteran

Gertrude says hello to Jasmine and Rosie! Gertrude is a little over a year old and is hands down the love of my life. I never thought I could get so attached to a dog but she stole my heart.

Do you ever dress your babies up? Gertrude loves her dresses and has a huge collection of cute outfits.

(I was just reading the pets thread that someone started two months ago, by the way!)

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Kissses to baby Gertrude!

Our girls wear adorable little snug tops, jumpers and coats when it’s cold because little dogs actually *do* get cold. It's so cute I can't stand it. They have an assortment of collars with name tags that I swap out every few weeks and a few harnesses each too. Our girls are well turned out :0)

16 years ago

Kari

Veteran

MariannaCecile, I was in your position (recent college grad with very limited budget) a couple years ago and opted to buy one or two things at a time based on what I needed - pretty much the first option on your list.
For the first year after graduating I was working in a VERY casual workplace, so I focused on that first. When I moved into a more professional environment I started bulking up on bus-cas attire. I prioritized what was missing in my wardrobe (such as nice tops or dressy pants) and pretty much bought everything on sale or with discount coupons, just one piece at a time. I did opt for a couple retail credit cards only with stores that I frequently shopped at so that I could benefit from periodic deals & coupons for cardholders, but I waited to apply for the card until I had a big purchase in mind that would justify the typical 15-20% off for my first purchase. (I also have a personal rule never to charge anything that I couldn't afford to pay for in cash.)
A few years later I've finally rehauled my wardrobe to the point where the old, less flattering items are gone. Not quite the "What Not To Wear" method, but it worked for my budget and allowed me to learn over time what I liked.
That being said, I let myself get seduced by "killer deals" a couple times and not *everything* I bought during that time period was a good choice. Since you have Angie and the helpful YLF experts at your disposal, I am sure you will make much better decisions!
Anyway, hope that helps some...

16 years ago

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