A Guide to Shopping on a Budget

My tastes don't match my wallet. But that's okay cause I've got some tips to tame that inner-rich fashion lover inside me (at least until I can afford my own taste!).

Hey TLL babes. Another week, another blog post to keep you company during this quarantine. It's been a full-stop for many: I, for one, was forced to move back home as my university transitioned online for the rest of the semester. It's also been a time of reflection, and given how hard the retail and fashion sectors have ben hit, it seems like a good moment to reflect on our own habits as consumers. Chances are we all love a cool trend, but if we jump on everything that's in style, wear these items 1-2x, and then forger them in our closet, we're doing it wrong. For those of us on a budget, hopping on trends by compulsively shopping at fast-fashion retailers is doing no good to the environment - and to our wardrobes.

My rule of thumb is that investing in a wide range of staples and then sprinkling in a few high-end unique pieces will make your closet feel more well-rounded than filling it with low-quality items that won't last long. As a lover of all things latin, I get the struggle of wanting to buy local but not being able to regularly because things do tend to get pricey. My rule of thumb applies here as well!

Here's how I do my best to try new trends that fit my personal style while not wrecking my wallet:

Love these Zara high-waist shorts.

What I ask myself:

1. Do I own something fairly similar?

Is there something about this item that makes it truly different than the item I have?

2. Is it trendy or timeless? The follow up: Do I LOVE this trend?

There's nothing wrong with going for what's trendy atm, as long as you really know you LOVE it and have things to style it with at home!

3. Is it atemporal?

Can I wear it fall & winter or fall & summer?

4. Can I easily style it with the things I already have?

THINGS I TRY TO STICK TO

1. Don't buy into a trend immediately.

Sleep on it for a few days, and if you're still obsessing over it then go ahead.

2. Do your research before a big splurge.

Can you find a more affordable version?

3. Neutral colors are your friend. So are a pair of white sneakers.

4. Try not to go on "shopping sprees" more than twice a month.

Window shopping is also your friend.

5. Layer to look more put-together!

6. Find your go-to places for medium-range prices:

A love letter to Zara & Aritzia, coming soon on the blog.

I hope this guide was as helpful to you as it is to me. Make shopping on a budget fun and experiment with what you have!

With love,

Isa