How I Built My Dream Wardrobe on a Budget

How I Built My Dream Wardrobe on a Budget
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Let's face it, not all of us have the means to go out and buy an $80 top and a pair of Manolo Blahniks for a night out with the girls. That doesn't mean we still can't look amazing though. I love keeping up with the latest trends and I figured out a way I can do just that and still be able to afford rent.

Here are a few tips on how to build your dream wardrobe on a budget!

Work clothes

There's no need to pay full price for name brand business and business casual staple pieces like Ralph Lauren, The Limited, Ann Taylor and others. All of these places have factory and outlet stores that everything is discounted and there are a lot of coupons from Retail Me and signing up for their emails that you can easily build a professional wardrobe for less.

Pro Tips:

Compare prices online

Search the product on your smart phone to compare the actual price to make sure you really are getting a deal.

Go during big events

Sales events such as Memorial Day weekend are great for getting the best deals because they are trying to attract as many people as possible and clear out for the new season.

Look for clearance racks

Go straight for the signs that say clearance because those will by far be the best deal and highest percentage off of items in the store and then work your way out from there. My best staple pieces have been pulled off the clearance racks.

Date and Girls Night Outfits

For tops and night out dresses, I absolutely love Poshmark or other second-hand stores. They're great because most of these pieces were worn once or twice and then pushed to the back of the closet, some never even worn at all, bought with good intentions. Unlike work clothes, girls will usually wear them out once and take a lot of photos and once photographed in it, they feel like they can't wear it again- so why not share the love? Poshmark is perfect for this because instead of hunting through racks at the store, I can just search by items I'm looking for and buy right from my phone. Best part is that you can also make money by selling the clothes you pushed to the back of your closet and use it to switch out your going out wardrobe. Win-win for everyone.

Shoes

My addiction to shoes could put Carrie Bradshaw in shock, which is why I'm obsessed with GuiltySoles.com. As much as I love to look great, I also like to be comfortable for a night out in a pair of heels. Too many nights spent carrying shoes and walking barefoot home. So when I found these shoes were not only just $29.95 per month with a $10 monthly membership fee, they are also really comfortable and great quality, I was pretty sold. They have a similar concept to JustFab and ShoeDazzle, but unlike those sites you don't get charged a crazy amount of money every month and it's really easy to cancel if you want to, plus shipping is free. They have so many styles that you can get shoes for work or a night out without breaking the bank.

Pro Tip:

They are offering 2 months free membership right now here.

Jewelry

For jewelry, I love having a huge selection and different pieces to wear all the time, so a constant rental subscription was perfect for me. Best part is if I love the piece, I can buy it and get $10 off and for the rest, I just send back and get 3 new pieces in the mail based on my style profile and specific requests.

I love Rocksbox.com because when I have special events like weddings coming up I can request to have dressier pieces sent than usual and don't have to purchase something outrageous. It's only $19 dollars a month to rent three pieces, who can beat that?

What are some of your favorite places to build your wardrobe for less? Let me know if the comments below!

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