"I Bet You Can Find It Cheaper..."

So here's the deal. My friend Ellen Opacich were talking over break about how people spend too much money on clothes they can find at much cheaper prices. What it really comes down to knowing when something is really worth the cost. Before you purchase something, ask yourself the question "Can you find it cheaper?" In a lot of cases, "YES, of course you can!" should be the answer.

Here's an interesting comparison Ellen found (thanks for the great pics Ellen!):

The sweater on the right is from Urban Outfitters with a retail value of $50-$80. Ellen's sweater on the left cost under $10 at a thrift store. Scary likeness, right?!

The thing you must really understand is knowing how to achieve the LOOK you want. As much as I want to look like I wear designer clothing all the time, I know that it is simply not an option. So I find pieces that create the feel as designer clothes. 

How You Can Find The Look for Less

1. My suggestion on how to begin to start saving money is to first pretend that you have no budget. Search online or in stores for the clothes you absolutely want, no matter what the cost. Keep a going list of all those items. 

2. Next, give a title to each of those dream pieces. For example, let's say you see a pair of expensive sunglasses you like. Give them a description such as "oversize, round, amber faded sunglasses".

3. Last, find those items based of the description you have. Start by researching online. Type in the description you gave to the item. Search multiple store catalogues online. Or, go straight to the thrift store or stores you can afford. Look specifically for those items you wanted. Most of the time, it will be easy to find something eerily similar to a designer look for a whole lot less money.

Have you ever had some great finds you've found for a whole lot less??? Let me know! Send me a picture! Or tell me a quick story below!

Wealth Does NOT Equal Style.

People since the beginning of society as we know it have placed social class with fashion. What you wear defines how much money you make and how much power you have. Well its time for that to change. No matter how much money you have, you still have a right to good style. It is quite funny when I see people decked out in all designer clothing, but look absolutely horrible! It just proves the fact, money doesn't make a person look good. Good TASTE makes a person look good.

We grow up envying rich celebrities that have closets full of clothes from top designers. But the truth is, almost no one will get to that socials status. Not everyone can be rich and famous. But who says we have to dress miserably just because we are not their social level? My saying has always been "the less money you have, the more creative you have to be." Meaning, if you can afford to buy designer ripped jeans, then go for it! But if you can't, then get creative! Use your intellect to figure out how to achieve that look. Ask yourself the question, "What SPECIFICALLY do I like about that item?" Is it style lines? The fit? The color? The embellishments? Then take those elements into mind and experiment! Cut, sew(if you can), tape, paint, glue your way to achieving the look. Of course it will take time, but hey, no one said poor people have it easy! Its easy to say "I can't afford that, so therefor I can't be fashionable." Well, screw that idea. What you should say is "I can't afford that, so I will figure out a way to make something that creates the same look." Do not put limitations of your style. Anyone can be fashionable with a little elbow grease!