Cash flow and Cashmere

Cash flow and Cashmere: A discussion

Karl wisdom at its finest

Ever since my College Fashionista story, budget-friendly fashion has been at the forefront of my mind. While I may not believe in the sometimes poor quality of Forever 21 clothing, I do believe in affordable fashion. It's unfortunate that the cheapest clothes are often the product of sweatshop labor and poor business models that encourage unfair labor practice. For a little more insight to the ugly side of affordable fashion, check out the movie The True Cost. One thing we can all agree on is that you get what you pay for when it comes to fashion (and anything else, for that matter). If you don't mind buying new clothes every single season because last year's look indecent after only a few wears, then hey, more power to you. Personally, I like to invest in well made pieces that will stay in my closet for more than six months. This approach encourages me to think about a number of things before making a purchase such as the fabric or material of which the item is made. I find a lot of designer pieces from sites like The Real Real and The Outnet. A favorite purchase has been these Kenzo loafers, because I know they will last an eternity.

If you find yourself buying clothes that you aren't ultimately satisfied with, cleaning out your closet is always a good starting point. Knowing what you NEED to buy will then help you figure out what you WANT to buy. I'm a big believer in the wants, but take care of the needs first. Take extra care when buying clothing items that you actually need. Those Dior sunglasses are fabulous but you really need to tend to your shoes first (I once had that debate with myself). Investing in essential pieces that you wear often is smart. For instance, if you will start an internship or job soon, make sure you have plenty of appropriate office looks before you buy that crop top. I like dress pants and blazers from Express because they are reasonably priced with a quality design. Don't but clothes just for the sake of buying clothes. Make sure you know what you need, what you want, and what you're buying. Fabrics are everything. As Karl said earlier, CHEAP IS CHEAP.

Here is a list of where I shop for affordable finds:

1. ALDO for shoes

2. H&M for statement necklaces 

3. Zara, ASOS, Topshop, and Express for clothes

4. J.Crew for knits, jewelry 

5. LOFT for cashmere sweaters (they're the best)