written by ERICA DICK. December 11th, 2020
There were many tough lessons I had to learn when I went away to college. Before I share this one, I’ll go ahead and #checkmyprivledge. I know that I’m so incredibly lucky to have parents who financially support me ( and my shopping habits). However, the second I touched down in Madison, Wisconsin freshman year, I was pretty much on my own when it came to funding my shopping addiction. I’m definitely glad my parents did this since lessons on saving money are incredibly important. But also because they can be fun! There’s something extra rewarding about scoring an amazing discount on the perfect pair of jeans you’ve been eyeing for weeks. So, over the last few years, I’ve compiled some of my fave shopping hacks so you don’t have to sacrifice looking good when your bank account’s looking low.
If you have never heard of Honey until now, you are SO welcome. It’s essentially a software extension you download on your computer to find all the best discount codes when you’re shopping online. It also collects your shopping points to give you rewards over time like extra discounts and bonus’. It also compares all the discount codes that have been entered in the last few days so that you’re getting the best discount.
- Kids Sections
Again, I know this can be a sensitive topic so #checkingmyprivledge again. But if you’re someone with a smaller frame, I cannot urge enough to check out the kids section when you shop. This isn’t just a budget hack but a style one, too. I absolutely hate wearing clothes other people have and can peacefully purchase a chic, size Girls 14 item in the kids section of Zara or Neiman’s knowing nobody else over the age of 14 will have it.
- Discount Outlets (Saks Off 5th, Nordstrom’s Rack etc.)
Shopping at discount outlets is definitely an acquired taste. Finding the best deals can be really fun if you love digging through a million misses to find a single hit (my mom and I literally treat it like we’re on a scavenger hunt). But if you get overwhelmed or bored easily, I’d veer away from it. Otherwise, you just have to be okay with Rag & Bone Jeans and Alexander Wang jackets that are slightly last season. But hey- that means nobody else will be wearing them!
- Designer Consignment Stores (The Real Real, Vestiaire Collective)
Consignment stores are essentially thrift shops for real, vintage, designer pieces. I’ll preface this by saying designer consignment stores are definitely not gonna get you to H&M equivalent prices. However, for label obsessed snobs who are not willing to give up their couture level quality (again, shoutout to my Mom), the prices are astronomically lower than retail prices. Just make sure they’re trustworthy! While the prices are lower, you should still be getting verified, authentic pieces.
- Flea Markets
I know that in every city besides LA and New York, flea markets probably have a really dirty, hippy dippy, grimy connotation. But more often than not, they are actually the coolest places ever. Not only do they have amazing clothes, both new and vintage, but their art, furniture and jewelry can be just as trendy and unique. Be warned, though. As a frequent flyer of the Melrose Flea Market, I can tell you that the trendier the flea market, the further the prices get from the great steals.
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