Introducing “The Frugal Fashionista”

Financial guru Suze Orman calls us the “Young, Fabulous & Broke.” I prefer “The Broke & The Beautiful,” but whatever you call it, I have to admit that I am one of those people determined to look good even if my bank account looks like crap.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not condoning shopping instead of paying your bills. That’s stupid. But I’m a Southern gal and where I’m from dressing well is akin to having good manners and you don’t have to break the bank to do so. With a little creativity you can look like a million bucks, even if you only spent $20.

So today I’m starting a new feature at Georgia Mae that I call the “The Frugal Fashionista.” For all the other broke and beautiful babes out there I will share a few tips each week on how to look great for less. But let’s remember that old saying that sharing is caring. Feel free to post your own tips too.

Today’s post is about snagging designer duds on the cheap.

SaleMail

If you’re a fan of the likes of Juicy Couture, DKNY and Betsey Johnson visit the site Shop It to Me as soon as you finish reading this post. Shop It To Me is a site that will alert you when your favorite designer clothing goes on sale. I only recently signed up because I figured I couldn’t afford stuff by Marc Jacobs even if it’s on sale. But today, for example, I got an alert for a Michael Kors top that’s under $30 and you can also get alerts from places like Ann Taylor Loft, one of my favorite stores.

Girl on the “GO”
If Shop It To Me doesn’t work out for you, there’s always Target’s GO International, an exclusive (and affordable), limited-time collection of items by hot international designers. Right now in Target stores you can find a special line of sophisticated gear by Scottish-born designer Jonathan Saunders. And don’t forget about the special Vera Wang line available at Kohl’s.

Bag lady
And last, but certainly not least, there’s Bag, Borrow or Steal, the site that lets you rent designer handbags, jewelry and accessories. To be honest, I’ve never been too big on designer brands. If something looks good on me and I can afford it I’ll buy it, whether or not it has a cool name on it. But I’ve been known to drool over a Michael Kors bag or two. I’ve never owned one, of course, because I’m living off a journalist’s salary, but if you ever see me sporting one, you’ll know how I pulled that off.

Now it’s your turn. Got any tips on how to be fabulous and frugal?

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6 Comments

  1. just fyi, i found a jonathan saunders zip-up vest for $26 at Target (aka Tarje)! the store did have some pretty trendy items by him. i highly recommend it.

  2. Ebay is a great place to buy designer handbags!!!
    I got an awesome, brand new (but one season old) Michael Kors leather satchel that is going to last me the rest of my life. And I got it for $325 less than what it retailed for.
    (Just be sure to read all the information about how to spot fakes, etc.)

  3. well im one of those hippie/cheap people who think designer bags are ridiculous and absolutely refuse to pay over 15 bucks for one. I usually find nice bags/totes from Old Navy for under 20.
    i also recommend shopping at Ross for Less. i have found many shirts here for less than 10 bucks.

    well thats my 2cents!

  4. While the gap isn’t known for spectacular fashionista gear, one can definitely score decent finds for super cheap. I hit the outlet in northern Kentucky once a quarter for the deals. i found an awesome pair of banana republic jeans for less than $20 and a sweet pair of black suede pumps for $10.

  5. Hey there’s nothing like hitting up a decent vintage store, since that’s all the rage these days anyway! I really miss Cherry Bomb down there in Louisville..Some can be pricey, but some are great for finding steals on really rare yet classic items that will never go out of style. I’ve never been huge on numerous brand names or super trendy items either, it’s a good way to waste money I don’t have.

  6. I love TJ Maxx. Apparently shopbop.com has major sales, but I have never found them. I’ve had the best luck shopping out of season.

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