I recently scored an authentic Prada suede handbag at a vintage store for less than the price of a trip to Starbucks. It was the find of the year (maybe the decade)!
The original receipt of sale and authentication documents were tucked in a small inside zipper pocket. And, when I spied the original cost, it gave me pause.
Naturally, I love impeccable craftsmanship, attention to detail, and high quality materials. And, this bag had all three in spades.
But, who can afford a whole closet full of designer pieces? Certainly not me. So, most of the time, I just fake it.
No – I do not mean the cheap knockoffs you can find on any street corner in the city. I simply find a style I adore on the runway or in a magazine and then find a reasonably similar piece – at a fraction of the cost.
It’s an incredibly effective strategy, although it does take a bit of time to research each piece. But, it’s well worth the effort!
For example, the other day I received several compliments on my outfit. And, I chuckled to myself, knowing that from top to bottom, the entire ensemble cost less than a dinner out.
This season, however, I will have to work even harder, because my must-have list is longer than usual. Heading back into the office, rather than working from home, has quickly made me realize how woefully inadequate my professional wardrobe really is. So, I have been scoping out the sales, working the coupons, and slowly adding one budget friendly fashion piece at a time.
And, I’ve shared some of my favorites, above. Of course, each “splurge” would be a lovely treat. But, why buy only one piece when you can bring home multiple “steals?”
My Prada bag aside, I have had a few other lucky finds such as an authenticated Hermès silk scarf for $1 and a gold plated “muff chain” from the 1870s for a mere 50 cents. (Click here for some of my top thrift shopping tips.)
Have you had any incredibly budget friendly fashion finds, either vintage or simply massive store markdowns? I would love to hear about them, so please drop me a comment!
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DISCLAIMER: No financial compensation was received in exchange for this post. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers. And, budget friendly fashion is at the top of that list!
BUDGET FRIENDLY FASHION PHOTO: Used with permission. Collage created using Polyvore.
Named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone, Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style. Editor Susan Conforte McNeill is an author and entrepreneur, as well as the co-founder of the Delaware based literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!