People tell me they like what I wear. I like to dress preppy but unlike some people I don’t have a million dollars to do it. I can’t afford brand new Lilly dresses or Jack Rogers sandals. But there is hope for getting your hands on the clothes you want with the prices you can afford (I know I sound like a commercial, not my goal).

First off, you don’t need Lilly on your body and Jack on your feet at all times. Don’t be a one brand person and corner yourself or your style. Loosen up, shake your look on its head! Try some Loft, Talbots or J. Crew. I know you’re rolling your eyes at this point and want to stop reading this but please, keep reading. Give me and your money a chance.

Look at shopping as an adventure. It’s an event, and a day-long event too. Make sure you bring a friend or two and make a pit stop at Starbucks before getting started. Once you've had your coffee fix head off to Goodwill. Bring hand sanitizer and/ or hand wipes and wear comfy clothes that are easy to take off and put back on. Go to every Goodwill near you and dedicate several hours to each location. Sift through each row and rack, every pair of pants, each dress, look for colors and styles that you like. Don’t look at labels. Try pieces on and model them for your friend(s). They will give you honest feedback. Don’t buy something just because of the label and don’t not buy something just because of a label. Keep an open mind. A good haul for me is spending $50 on a bunch of clothes I couldn’t have even bought one item at.

After hitting up Goodwill you can make your way to designer consignment shops. You can find good prices there. In Charleston I bought a Lilly skirt for $29 and a Lilly dress for $39. However be aware that if it is near a Goodwill people would probably bring their unwanted clothes to the consignment shop first where they can make some money versus Goodwill.

Other places you can check out are Facebook pages and websites like Ebay and Poshmark (just remember to purchase at your own risk, some items are not authentic). I am a member of many Facebook pages for preppy clothing where trades and sales take place. It’s amazing what you can find. I bought a brand new pair of Jacks for $60 on Ebay. I also bought a Modalu Pippa bag from Ebay for $55. The only thing here is that patience is needed. The bag was first listed for $100 and then it went to $80. I emailed the seller and asked about $50. He said no so I continued to watch the bag until it went all the way down to $55. Another time I had my eye on some Jacks that I wanted. I didn’t end up getting them because they sold for the higher price.

I also went to the Lilly for Target sale bright and early in the morning. There was already a line but I went in and got stuff. If designers do a collaboration with a major retailer get your butt there and wait in line. Just be sure you are respectful of others and bring some friends with you.

Now have fun shopping and you won't be breaking the bank!