5 Steps to Looking Great for the Holidays… Without Breaking the Bank
Maybe it’s my ego talking, but knowing how many friends and family I’m about to see for the holidays, I want to look my best. But travel and gift-giving have left my bank account running on empty, leaving few funds to refresh my look.
Luckily, I’ve developed five shopping tips to keep me fashionable and frugal. And since I’m full of the giving spirit at this time of year, I’ve shared them with you below. Read on!
1. Do your research.
Browse through fashion magazines at the supermarket. Look at what people are wearing on the street. Google clothing trends for the year or season to see what’s going on in the world of fashion.
Don’t have a good eye for identifying what looks good on you? Not able to pick up on trends? Reach out to a friend who is! In my group, that’s me. I often take friends shopping for various events or when it’s time to refresh their wardrobes. We all love the experience, and my friends get to experiment with new looks.
Once you know what’s fashionable, decide what you’re shopping for. Establish in your mind what’s in style and what you want to buy. This is the crucial difference between buying sale items (or used clothing) you will never wear and investing in items you will be proud to show off! Without a vision, it’s too easy to get slightly out-of-style clothes that you don’t need.
2. Shop sales.
With step 1 under your belt, you are ready to go shopping! I recommend seeking out sales, but only if you know what you want to buy before you begin.
Another way to get deals is to ask sales associates at each store if they give a local or neighborhood discount; this is commonplace in many touristy cities, like San Francisco or NYC. Even if the store doesn’t offer a “local’s discount,” a sales associate may be able to give you a small price break (even 10% off helps with tax). Recently, I fell in love with a pair of black suede over the knee boots at my favorite shoe store. Problem was, they were ever-so-slightly over my budget. I walked around the store for an eternity, looking at myself from every angle and soliciting all the sales associates’ opinions. Probably in an effort to get me out of the store, they offered me 15% off.
Finally, I can’t say this enough: do not buy something on sale if you wouldn’t want it at full price!
3. Everyone is a possible friend.
Be friendly and nice to everyone! Not only is that a great way to approach the world, but your pleasant demeanor can also help you get discounts while shopping. People generally want to help others; if you put out a friendly and familial vibe, you’ll be surprised how often you’ll get a discount, information on an upcoming sale, or a coupon at the register.
My friendly rapport with vendors has landed me unsolicited discounts from multiple clothing retailers, not to mention hairstylists and dry cleaners. It’s a win/win experience, because when I leave happy, I tell everyone I know about my amazing experience.
4. Shop consignment and vintage.
Is there a city or neighborhood you’d love to shop in but just can’t afford? Check out its consignment or vintage shops. These stores often sell slightly used or brand-new clothing that’s still in style for up to 70% off the boutique shop price.
Check out consignment shops in the areas you think fashionable people live; you‘ll be surprised at what treasures you can find. When I visited New York, I couldn’t afford to shop at the posh stores in the East Village. So I hit up The Buffalo Exchange, a popular consignment store, and landed some fashionable finds for a fraction of the price.
I have a deep love for vintage clothing, but like all fashion, different fads come and go. In your fashion research, or with help from a friend, figure out what styles are reappearing and what decade looks best with your body type.
5. Swap.
Clothing swaps are a great way to recycle clothes that are new or slightly used but just do not work for you. You can easily hold one informally with friends. The idea is that everyone brings items, you pile them in the center of the room, and people take what they want. This is a fun, informal, and (best of all) free way to have a swap. The downside? Unless all of your friends are the same size and have the same taste in clothes, it may not work for everyone.
Another option is to attend organized swap events, which can cost around $15-$30. Although they’re not free, they usually provide a social atmosphere, makeup and hair stylists, massage therapists, samples of great products, and much more, depending on the event. One of my favorite swap companies is clothingswap.org; while I’m beautifying and socializing, volunteers are sorting and hanging all the clothes, making it much easier to find great items. This is a wonderful way to purge your closet and find new great looks! Plus, clothingswap.org donates up to 10 bags of clothes to local shelters after each event.
And then there’s the feel-good takeaway of participating in a clothing swap – you’re recycling! Go green!
Of course, I encourage everyone to wear what makes them feel fabulous. If that means ignoring all the advice above, go for it! But if attire and shopping make you anxious, the above five tips should put you on the path to fashion – all without breaking the bank.
Until next week,
Mackenzie Donovan
Special Assistant to the CEO
In the photo above, Mackenzie is wearing the following: late 70’s vintage boots ($18, Held Over, a store on SF's Haight Street ), jeans (free, clothing swap), peasant shirt ($15, Buffalo Exchange in NYC's East Village), and furry vest ($22, Buffalo Exchange in NYC's East Village). The grand total? $55.
