You're a freshman who has a balance of negative $4 in her bank account, but wants to stay up to the latest trends in womenswear. You have a concert tonight, but have nothing to wear. You desperately search your purse for money, but all you find is a tampon and exactly 42 cents in change. You fall to your knees in anguish, screaming and crying in the middle of your school quad while your friends drag you to your dorm and whip out your secret weapon. The almighty credit card! Free money. Well, almost. You weep and ugly cry as your friends try to console you. You can't shop at Urban Outfitters and all those pretentious places. You need fashion on the cheap.
Luckily, this doesn't have to happen to you. You can move on and go to that concert while wearing something cool and fresh. All you need is a little know-how. And I'm here to give you five stores/venues that offer on the cheap shopping while providing a plethora of goodies to make your closet happy. I'll rank these stores and venues so you don't have to guess which one is the best. These are guidelines, but for the price, style, and available options, they are sure to make your heart throb.
5. The Thrift Shop. (Cue Macklemore.)
Macklemore is cool. Well, he was. Well, let's just give ourselves an excuse to listen to "Thrift Shop" one more time before throwing it back into obscurity. Nevertheless, the songs' lyrics ring true. You can find some pretty cool stuff lurking in the bowels of Goodwill and The Salvation Army if you have the patience and determination. Just be sure to wash it before you wear it! I have found some good finds while you peruse the endless racks of non-fitting, ugly cotton sweaters and torn up shoes from the '90s. It's all about determination and if you have enough of it, you can find things that are worth your time, and money. The main thing to remember is that time and patience are needed to get through this.
The bottom line: Although time-consuming and sometimes fruitless, the thrift shop is more than a theme for a catchy song, it's a treasure trove for those who have the determination to find something.
4. The flea market.
The flea market is an international institution of mayhem and the experience is a lot like a thrift store, except it is a temporarily established carnival of junk, and if you are not used to haggling, it may not be your gig. And although many sellers are friendly, they are there to make money, and if people aren't your thing, you better head to somewhere more established. But if you can wade through the social awkwardness of ripping someone off, you can most likely succeed at a place like this. I've been to many flea markets and have developed a sharp tongue and loud mouth, which makes me an ideal buyer. I often find nice pieces and lower the price down to almost half of the asking price. Vintage clothing is a commonality here, so be sure to be on the lookout for Chanel dresses and Dior skirts. The best thing about the flea market is that it really has a large selection and is actually can be a fun outing with friends. Flea markets can be found anywhere in the world, but the best one I got to go to was in Paris, France, where I got away with a Dior ring for only $25 USD, and a Givenchy vintage hat for only $30 USD! Many flea markets will save you tons if you can master the art of the haggle.
The bottom line: Fun, exciting, and large, a flea market provides a mountain of finds to those who can master the art of the haggle.
3. Target...or Targé.
Target is one of the USA's largest retailers next to Walmart. It's name is almost synonymous WITH retail. Target has been designing clothes since the inception of its own Mossimo Supply Co., and eventually letting designers such as Ava Viv, Alexander McQueen, and Philip Lim design their own lines. Target's selections are good because they aren't too expensive and the designs are decent. They are geared towards older people for no reason, but for the price, the quality is above average. But for a smart, style-savvy college student, this store provides shoes, sunglasses, bags, hats, and entire outfits on the cheap. It's one of the only major retailers in the U.S. that doesn't completely fall on their faces when it comes to fashion. And that makes it a valuable asset to a starving closet. Plus, there are Targets everywhere across the United States, so finding one in a hurry is no big deal. You'll sacrifice a little quality for a bit more convenience. It's up to you whether it's worth it.
The bottom line: It won't bruise your wallet, and with convenience matched with price, it's always a good store to check out.
2. H&M.
H&M is one of the best fashion retailers for young people out there. It has been endorsed by many people including Katy Perry, Lana Del Rey and Lady Gaga. It's selection and style is probably one of the highest quality contemporary ones on the market today. It also has very good deals like gown for only $50 and pants for 10. However, it's becoming less and less common as H&M is moving towards a Saks 5th Avenue for teens vibe. The prices are getting higher and higher as the demand for clothes from millennials gets larger and larger. For now, however, it's worth to check it out due to the sheer size and quality of the clothes they offer. Plus, snagging a couple of deals is always possible.
The bottom line: H&M is getting expensive, but with the style and modest prices, it's always a good bet to take a peek.
1. Forever 21.
Forever 21 takes the number-one spot in this list because it takes all the things we love about shopping and it all explodes into a fun, inexpensive trip. Forever 21 is the destination for cheap clothing that's actually really stylish. It's better than Urban Outfitters, its current competitor because it offers a wide range of styles for half the cost. Many of these stores have HUGE selections and the popularity is growing rapidly. I walk out of "FXXI" with a whole new outfit complete with shoes, sunglasses, a bag, and clothes for under 200 bucks, and I get a ton of clothes with jewelry on top of that. Its clearance racks are filled to the brim with precious gems and all sorts of wacky fun pieces. It stays contemporary and gives us that feel-good fashion we all need. For the price, the quality is astounding. So look no further if you need a cost-effective spoil-me-rotten shopping day.
The bottom line: Blending all the things about shopping we dream about, Forever 21 offers not only wallet comfort, but closet comfort with a wonderful blend of contemporary style and cost-effective shopping. It's paradise, you guys.
Honorable mention: Saks 5th Avenue Off 5th.
Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th offers designer pieces from Prada, Versace, Hermes, and many more at outlet prices. The reason I did not include it in this list, however amazing it may be, is due to the fact it is quite expensive and not a college student budget store. But for special occasions, this store usually offers markdowns on very famous designers for cheap. I have bought Versace suits for 400 bucks and Prada lenses there for 100. Compare that to the four grand you'd be normally paying for the Versace or the 300 for the Prada. It's pricey, but worth a mention.
The bottom line: Doesn't exactly scream "budget" but it offers a wide array of mark-downed designer pieces and is worth a mention, even though it did not exactly meet the criteria.
In conclusion.
In conclusion, there are so many options for girls who need to stay stylish during the school year while eating only a ramen a night. College is a time of self-expression, so go express yourself while keeping your money. If I missed any, I'm sorry. Be sure to reach me and tell me what your favorite stores are! Happy shopping!
