Dressing without breaking the bank
Like many, I like having new clothes. And until recently, I tended to buy and overconsume. To end up not wearing some of the pieces I bought in the end. Finding themselves hanging around in my closet for months without ever having been worn or barely once.
I was more of a shopping spree than anything else, my spontaneous crushes didn't last long. Shopping is good for my morale (but not for my wallet, let's agree).
Even when I sorted through my wardrobe, I still had the same amount of clothes in my closet, but in the end, I always wore the same thing.
And I have to say that, personally, being teleworked for over a year and a half has taught me to review the way I dress accordingly.
Of course, at home I often wear the same thing, the most comfortable outfit possible, so not representative of what I would wear if I went out or went to the office every day.
There are of course pieces that I enjoy wearing when I go out. But in the end I realize that I always end up going back to the same things.
So I learned to create a vacuum by discovering the concept of the capsule wardrobe, for example, which I talked about in a previous article (https://a-girl-next-door.com/adopter-la-capsule-wardrobe-quest-ce-que-cest/)
And let's not hide it, getting dressed without breaking the bank, and with good quality pieces, is not cheap.
(and even less in Canada than in France believe me, already in terms of choice it is very limited compared to the hundreds of brands in France)
So here are some tips to try to create a wardrobe at a lower cost.
- Second-hand purchase
When you really don't have the budget to go shopping, buying second-hand is the solution.
Thrift stores are very popular here in Canada. They are starting to become more and more popular in France in recent years.
The prices are sometimes so low for pieces in perfect condition.
You can find designer clothes there (for example, I was able to buy a wool winter coat Guess for 18$, or small leather jackets for 10 $)
Do you need a small basic? Are you looking for a specific piece, an accessory for a theme party? The thrift store is the ideal place to not spend all your savings there
You can find all styles there: vintage, dressy, casual and more.
Many thrift stores have online shopping sites too, so you can shop there from home as well (of course it's better to know your size)
Thrift stores often accept in-store exchanges within 30 days but not refunds.
- Private sales sites
To name just a few: Vinted, Empty dressing room, Poshmark, Marketplace
More and more individuals are selling the clothes they want to get rid of online, me first.
Before I end up donating it to local thrift stores, I always try to see if I can get something out of it (after all, it's a lot of money spent)
What works best for me here is Marketplace I have to say.
The prices are affordable and there is always the possibility of negotiating quite often.
- Clothing swaps
Looking to get rid of clothes you no longer wear for new ones? All without spending a dime, who could beat that?
You can also organize this kind of garage sale at home, a bit like the Tupperware gatherings of the time.
Each one brings about ten pieces that she no longer wears.
Either we can exchange them or we can sell them for a small friend's price.
- Donations/Loans
There are more and more Facebook groups these days that offer exchanges or donations of anything and everything, not just clothes or accessories.
It can range from a vacuum cleaner to electronic products or even a lawnmower, who knows.
By digging a little on this social network, you should be able to find what you are looking for.
- Grandma’s (and parents’) dressing room
Vintage remains a fashion essential throughout the seasons
Go and discover the little gem to customize in your grandmother's cupboards. Or even your mother's.
It's up to you to bring the little fifties dress up to date
Remember to look in handbags and shoes too, you might find treasures there.
- Clothing rentals (evening dresses, handbags) online
There are many sites of all kinds.
On the French side for example, Maje use this rental service
The hidden onesres all brands, for all occasions (wedding, evening, cocktail etc.)
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