Marjie's Shopping Diet


The Shopping Diet is my way of passing along words of advice to fellow self-proclaimed shopaholics so they can buy on a budget.
You don't have to make a fortune to buy today's latest trends and have a closet full of fun. Here I'll blog about tricks I've learned over the years that allow me to shop when I want, buy (mostly) what I want, keep my closet happy and feel good about myself, all while staying within my budget.
To me, bargain hunting is a thrilling challenge. It takes skill, drive and passion to know what you're looking for, find it, and get it for less than everyone else. I take pride in the fact that although I don't usually spend more than $20 or $30 on any one item, I'm always getting compliments on my clothes and accessories. Some of my most successful shopping experiences have resulted in a $5 pair of black patent flats that I've worn almost every day for the past two years, and a $4 black scarf that goes with anything.
I don't just tell people to buy things on sale, or only buy something when it's on sale. Part of The Shopping Diet is doing research so you get the best possible deal on something you really want/need. It's about weighing your options and making good choices.
For me fashion is all about how YOU want to look and feel. Wear what you want and you'll always look good.









Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Finding it for less

Another rule of The Shopping Diet is finding what you want for less. This is assuming you want the top runway fashions the day they come out. Finding those fashions for less, though not original, still are great.
Now this may seem like an obvious rule for some. And for others, who want only the top designers and name brands lining their closet, The Shopping Diet isn't for you.
Those on the diet need to do so because they can't afford every original Betsey or Louis. They want Betsey and Louis look-a-likes. And that's OK.
If you're a fashion expert (or try to be), like me, you want to keep up with today's trends. You may not know it, but the trends you strive to keep up with are modeled after today's top designers and are displayed on the top runways of the world.
The styles you see at Forever 21 or GoJane or ModCloth of Lulus, are those fashions, but for less. Even the shoe styles you see at Payless, K-Mart or Target are modeled after today's fashion designers. They are modeled after Carlos Santana and Jimmy Choos.

The first step to finding what you want for less is knowing where to shop. If you shop at a variety of different places, like me, this shouldn't be too challenging. Scan your favorites for what you're looking for. Are those stores carrying any new favorites? If so, you're in luck.

I guarantee you'll find today's top fashions at your local department store or boutique. If you really can't find what you're looking for, I give you permission to shop on Rodeo Drive.

No comments:

Post a Comment