It’s my favorite discount store for girly dresses and trendy pieces, as well as the occasional accessory. Yes, I love me some Charlotte Russe. In comparison to the other discount stores like Forever 21 and Wet Seal, Charlotte Russe isn’t a whole lot different. Still, I have a certain affection for the store that I just can’t explain.
Maybe it’s all in my head, but I think Charlotte Russe is just classier than those other stores. With nicer pieces than Wet Seal yet fewer designer knockoffs than Forever 21, it’s a nice middle ground in the budget fashion world. Very rarely do I see something at Charlotte Russe that I wouldn’t wear in a million years, and that’s really why I love it so much.
4. Forever 21
Inventor of the designer knockoff and the ultimate source for “fast fashion," Forever 21 is one of the most popular discount clothing stores in America! I shop at Forever 21 with two purposes in mind: to find trendy pieces that I might only wear a few times and to buy the occasional designer knockoff. Just like its cousin Wet Seal, Forever 21 does sometimes have some trashy, cheaply made clothing in stock. When you shop there, remember to keep yourself in check, look for quality fabrics, and don’t buy anything you wouldn’t think of getting at twice the price.
3. Vintage / Thrift Stores
What budget fashion shopping list would be complete without a nod to vintage stores? They are the best place to find one of a kind pieces, fashion treasures, and unexpected style, all at extremely low prices. Thrift stores only made it to number three on the list, however, because shopping there can be dangerous to your wallet if you don’t know what you’re doing. Some vintage stores simply sell nice designer clothes that are old, and the prices reflect that.
While those are fabulous places to shop, you’re not going to get much on a college budget. You want the real thrift stores. When you shop at the real thrift stores, you need to be careful with your money. Know how to separate the amazing finds from the “I’m just buying this because it’s cheap” stuff. Don’t end up with a bunch of 80’s tee shirts that you never wear just because they were too cheap to pass up. Vintage and thrift stores are amazing, and you should definitely shop at them if you can. Just be mindful of what you’re spending your money on, and make sure to get things you love.
2. Target
You probably knew that Target would make the list. That’s because it’s the worst kept secret of stylish women on budgets everywhere.
If you haven’t shopped at Target, you haven’t lived! While they are technically one of the huge discount megastores, Target is miles apart from WalMart or KMart when it comes to fashion. The clothes at Target are way more stylish than you’d think; they often do collaborations with designers like Rogan, Erin Fetherston, and Isaac Mizrahi. Also, their new GO International line is fabulous, with $20 dresses that look like they cost $100. Even if you don’t have a Target in your area, don’t worry, everything is available online and ready to ship to your door. Just another reason to love them!
1. H&M
Ah, Hennes & Mauritz – in my mind, a true fashion paradise. Right now, I bet at least a quarter of my wardrobe is from H&M, and I’m proud of that fact! Whether you’re looking to buy a trendy item to wear for the current season, or a classic piece that will last you years, H&M is a great place to start. They have EVERYTHING you might want – from cute tops and fabulous dresses to sparkly bangles, scarves, and even shoes.
The best thing about the store is that their pieces are truly stylish. They carry things that look like they could have been on a runway, not the empire-waist lycra tops you’d find at other budget fashion stores. Bonus style points for H&M: they do amazing collaborations with celebrities and fashion designers. Noteworthy collections include Madonna for H&M, and Roberto Cavalli for H&M! One drawback: online shopping isn’t available in the US, but hopefully it will be soon.
If you don’t have one of these stores near where you live, enlist a few stylish girlfriends and make the trip to check one out! It’s well worth your time, I promise.
