How to be a Frugal Fashionista

What am I to do when I want a new look, some new pieces (or a whole new wardrobe), but it doesn't fit into my budget? How can I make the most of what I already have in my wardrobe and stay well dressed, without spending more than I should?

Come on, girls, let's admit it. In the modern "self centered" society of instant gratification in which we live, it can be tough not to go with the flow. The culture (despite the current economic recession) is obsessive about spending, and it's hard to even dip your toe in the pool of fashion without getting pulled under. Even if we believe that we should be frugal, we can be easily swept of our feet when the fashion world romances us with images, colors, and textures. Sometimes we want to (and maybe need to) run and bury our wallet in the backyard. Temptation can be present every time we whip into a department store to pick up something we need, whether it's the shoe aisle, the SALE racks, or the latest seasonal pieces on display.

Writing this blog forces me to keep "out" in the fashion world and pay attention to what's going on; good trends and bad, latest cuts and colors, and et cetera. It can be tough when I find a new piece that I would really like to add to my wardrobe but either can't afford or don't consider it wise to spend any more money my clothes. 

It is my belief that we are obligated to do a good job taking care of the money that God has blessed us with (no matter how much or how little). Just one part of that is making wise purchases. Looking around at the young (and old) women of the time in which we live, I see "important" fashion and beauty items used over and over as an excuse for gross overspending. Women's closets are overflowing with pieces they never wear, shoes that don't fit or are uncomfortable, and such large piles of accessories that it's impossible to keep track of what they own. And the credit card debts that are run up are even more disturbing.

These women don't paint a pretty image in my mind. Instead of appearing the stylish, capable and smart women they want to be, they come across as excessive, disorganized and slaves to their lifestyle. Ouch!

So, how can we be frugal fashionistas? How do we remain stylish without being blown about by every fashion whim? Here's some tips that I have experimented with and found useful over the years...

Take good care of the things you've purchased. As you leave your teen years and your body stops growing, you no longer have to get rid of too-small items every year. If you are careful with what you have, it will last. This allows you to have a lot more in your wardrobe, without increasing how much you buy "new" every year. I know that I have some skirts from 4 years ago that are in excellent condition; I have taken good care of them and they have lasted. 

The same goes for shoes. My collection increases nearly every year, but NOT because I pick up new shoes every season. I will perhaps purchase a couple new pairs every year (if the need arises or my budget allows some fun ones), but the majority of my stash comes from footwear that has been handed-down by a friend, $2 thrift store shoes that I found almost new, or ones that I have been careful of and are still giving my years of service.

Know what to hang onto and what to pass on. Listen, girl; if you haven't worn that top for a year, it may be time to give it to someone who will appreciate it more than you do (sister, friend, charity). It's important to do a wardrobe "purge" on a regular basis. I try and go through my clothes thoroughly at least twice a year, usually when I'm putting away the summer things and pulling out my sweaters and et cetera. 

If I find something that I didn't wear for the entirety of the most recent season, doesn't "go" with anything else in my closet, and I don't have an inkling of affection for, it's time to get rid of it. On the flip side, if I did wear the item a few times and think I can get more use from it in the future, I will hang onto it. It's OK for those pieces that you don't wear often, but love when you do, to hang quietly in the back of the closet. You will pull them out and reinvent them some time in the future.

Don't buy it unless you need it. (And make sure it goes with more than one other piece in your closet!) This might seem obvious, but much of our overspending comes from purchasing what we don't need. I try and keep this in mind while shopping and only disregard it if I find something that I know will come very handy in the future, like some great basics (a black skirt, white blouse, et cetera) or an amazing dress (impossible to find!).

One new item can completely update your look. There is no need for a whole new outfit. This past Sunday, I paired my new Fashion Bug top with a skirt and shoes that I had owned for three years. That one piece made the "new look" difference. 

And you don't have to buy new things for a NEW look. Hand-me-downs are new to you, right? And very often I will tweak a shirt I didn't care for, or make a skirt from that dress I didn't like (or didn't fit right) using simple sewing techniques - there's nothing like that custom touch! :)

Remember, when you do go shopping, there's no need to walk into high-end places and come out with 4 pieces (or less!) for the nearly $200 you spent. Sales racks and, best of all, consignment and thrift shops, are one of the best places to browse. I've found some amazing brand new items on sale at SAVERS (my favorite thrift store!) for totally outrageous deals. If you have a good knowledge of fashion labels and can tell how new something is by examining it, you can do really well.

Just to sum this up... we all make mistakes. There are many times where I have spent more than I should and regretted my purchases. The important thing is that we learn from our mistakes and do things differently next time. There have been many instances when I have put a "shopping ban" on myself and stayed away from all stores, because my budget was tight and I know my weakness for great deals. It's all about finding what works for you. :)

I hope you've enjoyed some of the tips I've shared - please feel free to use the comments section to share your own! There's nothing that makes me happier on this blog than getting your important feedback. Tell me, how do you remain a frugal fashionista?

Image Credits: Photos 1, 3 & 5 from marieclaire.com / Image 2 from myddnetwork.com / Image 4 from Microsoft Office Clipart