❥ Champagne Taste On A Beer Budget
November 8th, 2009 | Published in Fashion | 8 Comments
This economy is really killing my fashionista rep. Once upon a time I would wander into Barney’s New York and leave with bags full of treasures, where now… well this print seems to sum it up perfectly.
My go-to stop for “fashion fast food” (cheap, satisfying) would definitely be H&M. Last month, Girls In Tech Los Angeles (of which I am Co-Managing Director) held our second “Social Fashion & Beauty Summit” (video to come soon!) and I found myself in a state of panic over what to wear. I really wanted to wear something new and fun but I also didn’t have a lot to spend. With little time and even less expectations, I stopped at the H&M at Sunset Plaza. After a few rounds of trying things on (Am I the only one who thinks their sizing is a bit… off?) I found the funkiest little top for about $30. I mixed it with a black skirt I already owned and some great accessories and VIOLA! Outfit. Outfit which actually got a handful of compliments and most importantly: made me feel amazing wearing it! Just the boost I needed.
Me (L) in my H&M find, with Mollie Vandor (R) of Ranker at the 2nd Girls In Tech Social Fashion & Beauty Summit.
An option for the girl who just can’t wear anything that doesn’t have a “label” (you name droppers, you!) would be to check out the local resale stores. These stores take “gently worn” designer clothes that are usually only a season or two old on consignment from the lucky ladies who can still afford to splurge and then they sell them to you at a fraction of the cost. As in $2-400 for a dress that retailed a year ago at $500+.
How have you been maintaining your fashionista status in this painfully difficult economy?
Illustration by Blake Wright
November 10th, 2009at 6:36 pm(#)
OMG who did that amazing shoe sketch?????
I would love to buy it!!
xxo
erin
November 11th, 2009at 3:46 am(#)
Hi Erin ~
Thanks for your comment!
I say in the post, you must have missed it: Illustration by Blake Wright
If you click his name in the post it will take you to his site!
xo
Alana Joy
November 11th, 2009at 7:53 pm(#)
H&M is definitely my go to for cheap and fashionable. Another great way to get the most for your buck? Vintage finds on Etsy. So many dresses (among a ton of other things), and at amazing prices. It’s tough being broke sometimes, but at least we can still be fashionable!
November 12th, 2009at 2:06 pm(#)
SarahM:
You are SO right about Etsy! I loooove Etsy, and what’s cool about the things you find there is that everyone won’t be wearing the same thing: which is a drawback to H&M.
Thank you so much for your comment! I just checked out your blog: loves it!
xo
AJ
November 12th, 2009at 3:07 pm(#)
love the site, great drawing…NYtimes is reporting women buying heels is helping the economy!!
link exchange?
http://fashionbyhe.blogspot.com
November 13th, 2009at 2:20 pm(#)
he:
Sure, and thank you so much! I’ll add you right now!
xo
AJ
November 17th, 2009at 11:42 am(#)
loove this!!
great title, great blog!!
I was totally going to go to the Girls In Tech Social Fashion & Beauty Summit, but then I got too lazy after work! I’m seriously bummed I missed out- it looks like it was such a great event!
Thanks again for the awesome blog!
November 17th, 2009at 11:51 am(#)
Sonja! Thank you so much for your compliments on the blog, I’m so glad you enjoy it! We will be repeating this event, so be sure not to miss the next one! Girls In Tech LA does events monthly that range in topics outside of fashion and beauty as well. We’d love to have you at any of them. I am following your Twitter: I hope you stay in touch!
xo
AJ