3 Easy Ways to Shop Budget Friendly
How to Shop on a Budget
This past year, I graduated from college and began life as a small business owner and retail worker. I will be honest, I don’t make very much annually and I am always trying to save as much money as I can!! Although I love shopping and testing out new trends for my followers, I also make a point to buy inexpensive clothing. Since I graduated, I have begun shopping more at stores like Amazon and Target, looking for any deal I can get. Let’s now dive into some of my strategies for staying on trend while also cutting costs!
Shop the Sales
One of my biggest budget friendly tips is to shop the sales! I am always on the lookout for clearance items or overall sales occurring at some of my favorite stores. Places like Urban Outfitters, Aerie and Nordstrom always have sales going on and it’s really a matter of combing through the discount sections online. If you have a specific idea of what you are shopping for, it’s even easier to find the perfect item!
To get even greater discounts, I also find codes through Instagram or computer extensions like Honey. These allow me to save a few more dollars and sometimes I even get extra items for the price of one or two! When I do this, I am still picking up great, on trend items without totally breaking the bank!
Check Multiple Stores
Another way I have saved a ton of money is checking out several stores before settling on my item. Usually big department stores inflate the cost of their products to seem more luxurious, but let’s be real it’s kind of a scam. Having worked at Nordstrom for a few years now, I have found identical name brand items for far less on sites like Amazon.
For nice, high quality pieces sure it makes sense to go to the nice stores. But for trendier items that are less expensive, look to other retailers and save that money. Similarly, look to cheaper stores like Forever 21 and H&M for trendier pieces that round out your wardrobe. The quality of these items have improved over the last few years and I’ve picked up several staples from fast fashion retailers.
Try out Dupes
Finally I recommend testing out dupes for name brand pieces! I have purchased so many things from Free People but there are so many inexpensive options that are nearly identical to the real thing. While I advise you to not rip off high end designers and be wary of unethical dupes, there is nothing wrong with a Target or Amazon find that resembles something far pricier.
I have even begun playing around with Gucci dupes for my favorite belt! Although I feel a little weird about the situation, I know a $400 belt is inaccessible to most. Thus a cheaper option still allows for the overall aesthetic of the high end accessory, while allowing room in the budget for food or bills. It’s also a great way to test drive a designer piece to see if you want to fully invest!
Happy Shopping
I hope these tips inspired you to save on your next shopping trip! If you have any hacks, please let me know in the comments! I love saving wherever I can and my new Instagram series “Balling on a Budget” is my latest way to show that fashion can be accessible to any budget. I don’t believe we should gate keep fashion and style. Instead we should inspire fun takes on everyday outfits that include discount options!!
Best,
Lauren
** All links are affiliate which means I make a small commission at no cost to you! Just shop as you normally would and all proceeds go back into this website and the new clothes I share!!
