Style on a budget.

If like me, you have champagne taste on a beer budget then you will understand how painfully hard it is to stay on trend or at least look mildly fashionable without completely bankrupting yourself.

People are always asking me how I manage to keep afloat style wise when Im so fund insufficient,

so I wrote this for those of you who dont have the money to buy fresh off the runway Givenchy or spend $300 on a single shirt or if you pass out at the very thought of even walking past designer boutiques.

Here are a few basic rules to stick to:

1. Firstly, dont be afraid to buy your basic fashion items like T-shirts, jeans etc from chain stores and stores with sale prices, sometimes you have to sacrifice quality for your budget but if you have a keen eye and youre willing to put in the effort you will often find a diamond in the rough.  (A lot of people will judge you for doing this but those people are probably rich and douchey).


                                                     Spitfire Skinny jean- Cotton On

AUD $49.95

For those guys who are not afraid to wear a coloured skinny and want to stay 'on trend', a washed out colour like this is a really good staple to have in your wardrobe and is a subtle nod to the colour explosion in menswear on the runway.

Example:

Pierre Balmain S/S 12

For the ladies its eaven easier to be in style without breaking the bank as most sale stores will stock runway inspired basics from the season.

PU Skinny Legging- JayJays

AUD- $29.95

A Polyurethane legging is a good way to separate yourself from what society is wearing and a step closer to achieving high fashion realness.

Example:

Kanye West F/W 12

2. Secondly, don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and invest in thrift shopping! Literally my favourite way to save money and improve my own style. If you are somewhat afraid of doing this, you really shouldnt be because the stigma attached to buying second hand is what keeps most people from achieving ultimate stylishness.

(Please excuse my terrible picture quality, Ill get the hang of this soon enough!)

This is like my favourite jacket ever. Its a knit w/ 3 quarter sleeves and an over sized hood.

I think it was around $5 from a thrift store in Western Sydney.

Example:

Rebecca Taylor 'Kaleidoscope' print

jacket Fall '12

Again one of my absolute favourites. I got this sweater from Lifeline in Newcastle, its a cream waffle knit w/ a V-neck.

Example:

Gant 'Rugger' Knit sweater

3. Thirdly, if youve been following the previous two rules for a little while, chances are youve saved up enough to be able to afford a statement piece from the designer of your choice (Only ever buy designer if it is a statement piece so that way you can keep working it back into your wardrobe that way its not just something that you can only wear once)

My picks for some really amazing pieces form 2012/13 that wont have you getting a second mortgage on the house but will be exclusive enough to brag about:

Examples:

T-Shirt dress by House Of Holland

RRP: $124.48 AUD

Available from asos

If you really want to make a statement this shirt/dress from House of Holland will definately help you do that while still staying subtle and chic and you can dress it up or down so its really just as versatile as a plain t-shirt.

'Dead flowers' Tracksuit Pants by ATG

$99.95 AUD

Available from The Grand Social

Im really starting to get into bold prints in menswear and at a price like this, these tracksuit pants are a must have this winter.

Scotch and Soda short Parka

$296.60 AUD

Available from asos

Im loving Parkas at the moment. Its definately a strong nod to the 90's but in a colour as bright as this orange, the classic is given a much needed revival.

4. Don't be afraid of experimenting with clothing outide of your gender. That will obviously freak men out more than it will women but it is honestly a great way to both save money and find a better fit.  Ever heard of Androgyny? Well its kind of a huge trend right now and if you are a smaller guy or a bigger girl, accentuating that part of yourself can really do wonders for your look and its something that I experiment with everyday in my own wardrobe.

   

Andrej pejic is the worlds hottest marketing tool right now.

Being able to wear both mens and womens clothes

 has both its physical and fiscal advantages.

5. Finally, probably the greatest advice I can give you on maintaining style on a budget would be to be your own fashion dictator and by that I mean start trends yourself. Being truely fashionable isnt purely about wearing everything that comes off the runway each season, its about using your own creativity and interpretations of the things you love to create an ensemble that inspires and reflects who you are as an individual.

Happy saving!