One of the greatest luxuries in a woman's life is fashion. Just as well, one of the greatest barriers in a college student's life is money (or lack thereof). In retrospect, two of a college woman's materialistic wishes are clothes and money. But because we often cannot have one with out the other, this leads to a dilemma: how can we afford to dress in a way that represents our own personal style and identity, while still maintaining a safe financial environment in which to thrive?
Obviously when it comes down to it, our financial safety is much more important than our desire to make a fashion statement. However if possible, why can't we have both? It's not a bad thing to want to look presentable, to dress the way you want to and express yourself in our own unique style. Determined to have the best of both worlds, I begin my manhunt. Listed below are my findings of the most affordable and fashionable clothing websites for college women.
Sabo Skirt (saboskirt.com)
Price: Starting at $15, up to $120 (note that website prices are in Australian Dollars)
Sizes: XS-XL, 2-10
Founded by Australian fashion bloggers Thessy Kouzoukas and Yiota Karalouka whose claim to fame and success was Instagram, Sabo Skirt is a newly emerged up and coming high-street clothing brand.
Stationed in Queensland, Sabo Skirt ships worldwide at a flat rate of $10 per order, and according to reviews, customer service is extremely amicable and willing to work with you concerning returns and refunds. If a bohemian queen met a beach goddess and they had a baby, she would wear Sabo Skirt.
ASOS (us.asos.com)
Price: Starting at $14, up to $500
Sizes: Petite, Plus-Size, XS-XL, 0-20
A company that started in the UK and now conquers the world on a global scale, ASOS has pushed its way in to the forefront of fashion. Because ASOS not only sells their own lines, but clothes from other brands as well, prices may vary. However, there is much to be found that is both affordable and lovable.
ASOS, true to its UK roots, has a very distinct, high-class English appeal. But what truly sets ASOS apart is its catering to both petite and plus sizes, as well as a variety of prices. Additionally, ASOS also has an outlet store as well as 10% off student discount site wide.
H&M (hm.com/us/)
Price: Starting at $8, up to $50
Sizes: XS-XL, 2-14
Personally, I find that while stylistically H&M is quite similar to Forever 21, the quality of the clothing is somewhat better. The fantastic thing is that they're also only marginally more expensive. H&M is also quite easy to access, in-store as well as online.
Their style ranges from everyday fashion to alternative styles, to vintage looks, and even maternity wear. I find that H&M targets all your fashion needs. From a night at the town to job interviews, they have it all. H&M also rotates style deals and sales as well as clearance items at all times.
Bella Ella Boutique (bellaellaboutique.com)
Price: Starting at $10, up to $40
Sizes: S-L
A family company started 2010 in Utah, Bella Ella Boutique creates their lines with compassion, adventure, self-love, and a refreshing, summer-loving style. With stores in Utah, as well as a fully functional online retail website, they cater to all of womens' stylistic needs from clothes to accessories.
It's heartening to see a family business grow from a single store to an industry while maintaining their integrity and excellent customer service. Their clothes are fun, appropriate, and perfect for summer weather.
Go Jane (gojane.com)
Price: Starting at $12, up to $60
Sizes: S-L
Unheard by many, Go Jane mashes up looks from Forever 21, H&M, and Charlotte Russe all in one at an equally great price. With free shipping on orders over $50 and only $6 for all other orders, as well as great clearance and sale deals, Go Jane has excellent positive factors across the board.
While perusing the website, I noticed that their style range across the board, providing an array of different styles and preferences. From more edgy bodycons to elegant lace embossed pieces, Go Jane caters to us all.
Papaya (papayaclothing.com)
Price: Starting at $6, up to $40
Sizes: S-L
I'll admit that before I started looking, I had never come across Papaya Clothing before. However from the reviews that I've read, the research I've done, and what I've seen on the website, it looks like I found the jackpot.
One woman, edgy and confident in her own style and personal look book, could find everything she needed on this one website. From casual, to sexy, to dressy, Papaya Clothing takes the top looks of the season and slaps on an affordable price to go along with it.
