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
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.
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!
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).
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!
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!
Great read. Loved the look and you do high low fashion well. Great buy on those shoes ?
Aw thanks so much, dear! You’re so sweet! xoxo
These are some great tips! I love mixing high and low pieces!
xo,
Jacqueline
Stylin In St. Louis
Thanks for stopping by, Jacqueline!
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
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
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
Aw thanks so much for your kind words, Shauna! xoxo
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
Great eye, love! I’m glad to hear you try to abide by the one in one out rule! I swear by it! xoxo
You look so pretty and gorgeous. I love the colors and this top i beautiful. Kisses 🙂
Thank you, love!
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
Everybody needs a little bit of yellow in their life right now! 😉 xoxo
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
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. 😉
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
Thanks so much love! Just followed you everywhere I could. I hope you can do the same! xoxo
Love the outfit and SUPER love the tips! Practical and easy- every shopaholic should read this post!
Aww,thank you so much for your kind words! You just made my day! xoxo
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
Thanks so much for stopping by and loving the post! xoxo
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
Yes! Plus you can always find some unique, vintage pieces that no one else will have!
Haha, love the last tip! I’m all for budget shopping too.
http://www.jeannieinabottleblog.com
Thanks for stopping by, Jeanne!
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
That’s another great tip! Definitely a great way to elevate simple looks with some statement jewelry and accessories. 😉 xoxo
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
Glad to hear you liked the post, Ashley! xoxo
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
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. 😉
Great tips! I’m so excited to shop for summer clothing 🙂
Lyndi
http://www.stylecalling.com
You and me both! xoxo
Those shoes are such a steal! I totally agree with mixing hi and low end pieces!
Chelsea
Chow Down USA
Instagram
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
I had no idea you have a twin sister! That’s so cool! You lucky lady! xoxo
All great tips! I especially love finding pieces at small boutiques!
Brooke
Pumps and Push-Ups
Me too! It makes shopping that much more unique and fun! xoxo
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
That’s the way to do it! Thanks so much for stopping by, dear! xoxo
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
Thanks, darling! I’m glad to hear you liked it! xoxo
I need these shopping tips!! PS – that top is gorgeous. I need that!
Abby | Life in the Fash Lane
Glad you found the post helpful, Abby! xoxo