Where to Shop on a Budget
Wouldn't life be just GRAND if we all had endless spending limits and could afford to never wear the same outfit twice? It's something I wish and pray for each and everyday. But for the college students who can hardly afford to buy themselves a coffee, we understand that you must take full advantage of sales opportunities. It is important to shop at stores that offer good quality with reasonable prices. The following stores (with included links) will list the pros and cons of their clothing.
Is it just me or can you see a heavenly light being shown upon this store? Every fashionista on a budget knows that Forever 21 is a go-to store. Their clothes are constantly in tow with the current fashion and it is hard to find pieces that are priced over $30 (which is expensive compared to the average in Forever 21). This store features different sections for "casual", "going-out", "plus-size", and on certain occasions "men". If you cannot find an outfit here, it is likely you aren't going to find an outfit anywhere.
Although it may seem like Forever 21 is the epitome of heaven, the store also has its downsides. I'm sure many of you have experienced this first hand: you find a dress or top you LOVE, that you know will look great for that evening's outing. You're excited to purchase your new piece and be on your way only to realize this shirt was placed in the wrong section, it is the lone soldier among a sea of Stepford Wife look a-likes. You decide to ask a sales associate where you can find the shirt you love in the correct size, only to be stared at blankly and told, "It should be somewhere towards the front". You end up never being able to find your sole mate shirt and its lovely family members in the store and have to settle for something else that just isn't quite as good! You cannot count on Forever 21 being neat and orderly. Proceed with caution as you venture into the war zone of cheap fashion. Also, don't count on the sales associates to give you any useful information, half the time I wonder if the people even actually work there.
Let me start by saying I believe Joyce Leslie has a pretty rough reputation. Typically when girls think of Joyce Leslie they think of ghetto-looking, sparkly, cheap-looking clothes (or maybe it's just me?). There are many people who won't step foot into this store because they believe the clothes are tacky and not nearly close enough to "high-fashion" for their liking. I am here to inform you: THEIR CLOTHES ARE CUTE! Joyce Leslie has come a long way over the years and has a lot to offer in their casual and formal wear; don't worry, A LOT of things aren't glittered. The downside of this store is that although their clothes are extremely inexpensive (prices ranging from $10-$25) their clothes are not made with a standard of quality. It is likely that if you buy a dress in this store, you will wear it once and it will fall apart.
IT BREAKS MY HEART THAT MORE PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT THIS STORE! Cotton On's clothes have GREAT QUALITY and are more than reasonably priced. Their clothes are based more on a casual scale and feature rugged, worn-looking pieces. This store has a men's section which is equal in size compared to the women's section (not all stores are created equally). Most importantly they have outrageous sales! Just two weeks ago I purchased two fur vests (which I could NOT FIND ANYWHERE ELSE) for $10 each; these vests were originally marked at $50 each! I love this store and will recommend it to anyone!
Think of the type of girl a guy want's to bring home to meet his parents... this is where that girl would shop. All of their clothes are intricately designed and provide a welcoming feelings with their bright pastel colors and adorable patterns. Ever seen 500 Days of Summer? Although Zooey Deschanel was a bitch in this movie, her clothes were precious; the style can be called "1950's housewife meets contemporary business chic" and Francesca's is where you would find this particular type of clothing. The atmosphere of the store is homey and comfortable and the clothes are typically organized in an orderly fashion. Jewelry, scarves, purses, and shoes... all adorable... be careful bringing your credit card here (I say this with experience)... Prices tend to be a bit higher than the prices of Forever 21 (ranging from $20-$50), but the quality is also held at a much higher standard. With that being said Francesca's clothes are very delicate, be sure to wash on gentle and hang to dry.
This store is hit or miss. Sometimes their clothes are awesome and you want to buy everything, other times you think, "Why the hell am I even in here?". Aden B's clothes are on the higher end of the price scale, but they have some of the best deals you can find. First things first, go to the back of the store and check the sale/ clearance racks, this is where you will find marked down from 70-90% off. Arden B's clothes are made with great quality and will last you years; I have a sweater I bought four years ago from Arden B and still wear it relatively often.
Another store that can be called "ghetto fab". As a white girl it's a little but intimidating walking into this store (sorry, we all think it, just no one says it) but once you get past the initial segregation factor you will find adorable clothes here, dirt cheap. Please look past the shirts that say "baby Mama" or "YOLO" and you will be welcomed into a world of shoes that cost $20... if you ask me, that's way worth the death stares.
READERS: Where do you like to shop? Where do you believe you get the most bang for your buck? What stores do you detest? Comment below!
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