5.15.17 45

5 Tips And Hacks For Shopping on a Budget

One of the reasons why I started blogging was to share my tips on fashion/styling and what inevitably comes with it – shopping.  If you’ve been coming here for a while, you know I’m all about good quality and affordable prices. I am constantly looking for ways to save money on buying clothes (because having a fashion blog requires you to do a lot of it), but there’s already a few shopping on a budget tricks and hacks I’ve learned over the years. In today’s post, I’d like to share them all with you!

photography by Olivia Shea Style

shopping on a budget by Shenska

1. Get used to shopping at second-hand / thrift stores.

I recently wrote an article about this convenient and affordable thrifting experience. In my opinion, hitting up consignment stores is always a good idea if you’re shopping on a budget. But you know what’s even better? Thrifting from the comfort of your home! That’s what thredUP is for. You can read all about it here.

JOA off the shoulder top

2. Mix high and low pieces.

Today’s look is a perfect example of what I mean. Some of the things I’m wearing are brand new (and cost more) and some of them are pre-loved, meaning – I picked them up at Goodwill. Can you tell which ones are those? If you can’t, then mission accomplished!

mixing high and low end pieces style tips

mixing high and lows shopping

3. Shop small and support your local boutiques.

Ever since I moved to Napa and been exposed to many great businesses here, I now understand more than ever how important it is to support your local entrepreneurs. Before, I often thought that shopping at local boutiques is out of my range (money wise), but I was pleasantly surprised once I started working with 2 Weeks Notice. Turns out, the owner Nadine carries such great pieces (like this J.O.A. top) for more affordable prices than Nordstrom or Shopbob does. So basically, you get the same great quality and the latest trends but for much less money!

4. Don’t buy trending pieces right away.

I always find it funny how one piece of clothing or style becomes so popular, you can basically see it on every other blogger, if not all of them. I myself, fall into this trap, but that’s the essence of our job  – to report trends and tell you where to buy them. But since my budget for shopping was never too big, I learned to sometimes sit on the trends.

Why? Often times waiting for a similar piece/trend to appear at different stores guarantees competitive prices. The piece you’re looking for may not look exactly like the original one, but if you’re shopping on a budget and really want a similar piece, I wouldn’t be too picky! Just make sure you don’t entirely compromise the quality. After all, spending money on poorly made clothes is not a good idea either (because they won’t last too long).

Napa Valley fashion blogger style tips

5. Sell before you buy.

Before I put my all into blogging and started getting paid collaborations (and free clothes to review), I used to invest a lot of my time into selling my clothes. My rule of thumb was simple: If you want to buy something new, you gotta sell something old first. And it worked like a charm! Not only did I not spend any more money on clothing, I felt like I was making some! At first, I succeeded on selling a few things through Craigslist, and then I switched to using Poshmark exclusively. You can check out my profile here and if you sign up using my invite code: PAULINA_SZCZP, you will get $10!

There are, of course, plenty other places where you can sell your things at for a less or no commission (Poshmark takes 20% of your earnings), but I found this platform to work best for me. Should you have any questions about the whole process, be sure to leave me a comment or shoot an email to paulina@shenska.com  I’d be happy to help!

how to mix high and low pieces by Shenska

The last piece of advice for shopping on a budget?

Become a blogger! Now, of course I’m being a little bit ironic about that. However, if you’re passionate about fashion, beauty or lifestyle in general, and like to share your finds with others, then go for it! Blogging is a great platform for you to grow, earn some extra income and make new friends. Granted, it may take some time before you start seeing results, but with a whole lotta patience, consistency and hard work, you will surely succeed!


What are your tips for shopping on a budget? I’d love to hear!

 

Leave a Comment

I accept the Privacy Policy

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

45 Comments

  1. Telisha wrote:

    Great read. Loved the look and you do high low fashion well. Great buy on those shoes ?

    Published 5.17.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Aw thanks so much, dear! You’re so sweet! xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  2. Jacqueline wrote:

    These are some great tips! I love mixing high and low pieces!
    xo,
    Jacqueline
    Stylin In St. Louis

    Published 5.17.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Thanks for stopping by, Jacqueline!

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  3. Rina wrote:

    I totally do what your blog talks about prior to shopping. I sell my clothes online! I really wish Poshmark was available for use in Canada, it would be so helpful to me! I need to do more thrift shopping more often, you can find some really good buys like those stunning mules you have on!

    xoxo
    Rina Samantha
    http://www.andshedressed.com

    Published 5.17.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      That’s a bummer they are not available in Canada, but I bet whenever you decide to put your clothes up for sale, they will sell out like fresh bread! You have some amazing pieces in your closet, girl! xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  4. Shauna wrote:

    Seriously?! How stinkin’ chic are you! I love this top and that bag is so super fun for spring/summer -XO

    Shauna

    http://www.lipglossandlace.net

    Published 5.17.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Aw thanks so much for your kind words, Shauna! xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  5. Lyddiegal wrote:

    I think having a good mix of high and low items and shopping secondhand is the best. I’m trying harder to abide by the one in one out rule now too. I love your look, and the top is so fun and cute. I did guess that the shoes were the thrifted item, only because the fit doesn’t look perfect and I know all too well when you find a cute shoe that might be a half size too big for $3, you get it anyway, haha.
    Chic on the Cheap

    Published 5.17.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Great eye, love! I’m glad to hear you try to abide by the one in one out rule! I swear by it! xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  6. Klaudia wrote:

    You look so pretty and gorgeous. I love the colors and this top i beautiful. Kisses 🙂

    Published 5.17.17
    Reply
  7. Amy Arnold wrote:

    Okay I LOVE this top! I don’t usually buy yellow, but I want this. Great tips. I am a budget shopper myself, so I am all about this.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    Published 5.17.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Everybody needs a little bit of yellow in their life right now! 😉 xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  8. Jackie wrote:

    You look beautiful in yellow and this top is fantastic. It’s crazy that the exact same top is priced higher online. These are great tips, Paulina! I’m all about shopping on a budget! And second-hand stores are some of the best places to do that because we all cycle thru our clothing so quickly you can always find trendy pieces there. And sometimes even score some designer pieces. I wish thredup shipped to Canada because they always have such cute clothes. Thanks for sharing!

    xo, Jackie
    stylemydreams.com

    Published 5.17.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      That’s a great point! We get bored with our clothes so quickly that’s another reason to not spend too much money on shopping current trends. 😉

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  9. Such a beautiful post, super gorgeous I love it!

    Can we follow eachother? Let me know on my blog and I will follow back immediately xo
    BLOG: GorisHelena

    Published 5.17.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Thanks so much love! Just followed you everywhere I could. I hope you can do the same! xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  10. Missy wrote:

    Love the outfit and SUPER love the tips! Practical and easy- every shopaholic should read this post!

    Published 5.17.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Aww,thank you so much for your kind words! You just made my day! xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  11. Shivangi wrote:

    I love your style, Paulina!! You look stunning in yellow!! And girl those heels are gorgeous!! <3 Thanks for sharing the tips!! Have a great week ahead!
    xx
    Shivangi
    http://www.outoncatwalk.com

    Published 5.17.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Thanks so much for stopping by and loving the post! xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  12. Ruth wrote:

    I LOVE thrifting It is such a great way to shop on a budget and then leaves moola for those classic pieces!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

    Published 5.18.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Yes! Plus you can always find some unique, vintage pieces that no one else will have!

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  13. Jeanne wrote:

    Haha, love the last tip! I’m all for budget shopping too.

    http://www.jeannieinabottleblog.com

    Published 5.18.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Thanks for stopping by, Jeanne!

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  14. Meagan wrote:

    Love your boyfriend jeans! I can’t get enough of my white denim lately. I always invest in accessories over clothing!

    Meagan
    http://www.meagansmoda.com

    Published 5.18.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      That’s another great tip! Definitely a great way to elevate simple looks with some statement jewelry and accessories. 😉 xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  15. Ashley wrote:

    Shopping on a budget is soooo key- great tips here, lady! And loving this outfit- the yellow blouse is gorgeous on you!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    Published 5.18.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Glad to hear you liked the post, Ashley! xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  16. Jalisa wrote:

    These are all such fantastic tips, girl! I love and agree with them all, especially the one on trends. I, too, have discovered that when you wait it out, you can often get really great deals on them that you would’ve missed out on if you were to jump in right away! Thanks so much for sharing, girlie, and I hope you’re having a wonderful week so far!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    Published 5.18.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      So happy to hear I’m not the only one doing this! Isn’t so helpful? Thanks for stopping by, beautiful! Always enjoy seeing you here. 😉

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  17. Lyndi wrote:

    Great tips! I’m so excited to shop for summer clothing 🙂
    Lyndi
    http://www.stylecalling.com

    Published 5.18.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      You and me both! xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  18. Chelsea wrote:

    Those shoes are such a steal! I totally agree with mixing hi and low end pieces!

    Chelsea
    Chow Down USA
    Instagram

    Published 5.18.17
    Reply
  19. You look amazing dear!! The yellow looks so good on you and love your bag! I totally agree with you on your tips! I am very lucky to have a twin sister who has the same size as I do which makes my closet twice as big, haha! Have a lovely weekend in Napa! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com

    Published 5.19.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      I had no idea you have a twin sister! That’s so cool! You lucky lady! xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  20. Brooke wrote:

    All great tips! I especially love finding pieces at small boutiques!

    Brooke
    Pumps and Push-Ups

    Published 5.19.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Me too! It makes shopping that much more unique and fun! xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  21. Vanessa wrote:

    You look absolutely incredible!! Love your tips too! I am all about mixing high-end with low-end pieces!
    PS: Need your top in my life! SO pretty!
    Have a wonderful weekend, love!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com

    Published 5.19.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      That’s the way to do it! Thanks so much for stopping by, dear! xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  22. Elise wrote:

    Love this post!! Your outfit is gorgeous! The top is beautiful and perfect with the pop of blue shoes!

    xx, Elise
    http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

    Published 5.24.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Thanks, darling! I’m glad to hear you liked it! xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply
  23. Abby wrote:

    I need these shopping tips!! PS – that top is gorgeous. I need that!

    Abby | Life in the Fash Lane

    Published 5.24.17
    Reply
    • Paulina wrote:

      Glad you found the post helpful, Abby! xoxo

      Published 5.24.17
      Reply