Affordable Fashion

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Everybody's version of affordable fashion is different. Some people think affordable means around $20 for a shirt others would say $100 is affordable to them. The hot item right now on Instagram for Spring are these espadrilles. When I say they are a hot item, I mean, I have literally seen them everywhere on Instagram with people saying "hurry, they will sell out fast" in the middle of January (where I live it is around 10 degrees with snow on the ground). Most of those people trying to "sell" this shoes say they are a great deal, affordable, a little higher priced but worth it. To me, $255 is expensive for an espadrille that is 4.5inch tall that will probably only be worn a handful of times. Sure I think they are cute and sure I would love to own them but it isn't going to happen. The other thing that annoys me is, these people promoting these products, is they always say how much they will wear an item, but you never see they wear it after the first time, but that's a whole other blog post. I think a lot of people wouldn't spend that much either on a pair of trendy shoes.

Back in the day, I used to be a bargain hunter. I would never pay full price or even over $30 for anything. I remember back in 10th grade there was a pair of Steve Madden riding boots that I really wanted. That is when the riding boot trend (definitely a staple piece now) was a thing. I think they were around $100 but I can't really remember, all I know is that I really wanted them. I saved for weeks to buy those shoes. They were cognac leather, simple and stylish so I knew they would go with everything and a piece I would have for a long time. After buying those shoes I think I wore them just about every day in Fall and Winter for 4 years. They held up and that was the only pair of riding boots or tall boots I owned at that time. Fast forward to now, I still own those boots because I feel like we have been through so much together (insert crying laughing emoji here) I just never wear them. Instead, I own a countless amount of other shoes I wear during Fall and Winter. I guess what I am trying to say is spending $100 at the time was an investment for me and I definitely got my return. Lately, if I see a top for $75 that I like, I will spend my money on it. Now you're probably thinking, whats wrong with that? But the problem is that I have 20+ tops over $75 that I like but wear maybe once. I end up spending too much money on things that are just okay.

Personally, I am trying to spend less on clothes. When I scroll through Instagram and see a fashion bloggers carrying the cutest purse I am most likely going to find out where it is from because I need one too. I later find out that it would cost me $1,000+ to get my hands on one. To me, that disappointing because there is no way I am going to get one, but also I really wanted that exact item they were wearing. I feel like if I start showing how to style and wear more affordable fashion, that is not only going to help me save money but show that you don't have to spend a fortune on clothes to feel great about yourself. Now, I am all for investment pieces so not everything will be affordable for everyone, but I can tell you now, nothing will be over $200.

In the coming months, I really want to find the best items at the best prices. I want to shop at retailers like Old Navy, Target, Loft, and H&M for more affordable items. I want to help you and myself find those cute or trendy pieces you don't have to feel bad about buying that you can wear more than once. If you want those cute espadrilles I found a pair that won't break the bank. Check them out here. Also, check out this recent save vs splurge post!

I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Are you frugal when it comes to spending money on clothing or is your budget unlimited? Also, where are some affordable place you love to shop, let me know in the comments below or shoot me an email at TheBlackBarcode@gmail.com