Want to See The Budget Fashionista on Oprah?

October 6, 2008 05:30 PM | Comments (1) | Posted in budget_shopping, kathryn finney, oprah_winfrey

Hmmmm: Kathryn Finney and Oprah Winfrey—it’s almost like a match made in heaven. After all, Oprah is already Kathryn’s BFF (in her head, right alongside Andre Leon Talley). So TBF-loving peeps, would you like to see Kathryn dishing on budget fashion and shopping on Oprah? Us too! It’s a possibility, but nothing’s been confirmed, so we’re thinking a little help from our tireless supporters (that’s you) would be a huge boost towards making it a reality. SO, here’s what we’re asking:

Go to the “Contact Us” page at Oprah.com, and click on either “Send In Your Thoughts” or “Send Us Your Show Suggestions”—then tell them all about us! While you’re at it, you could send your message to “Oprah’s Mail” as well—what could it hurt?

We appreciate all the love you all give us, and so many big thanks in advance for your support on this—we couldn’t do it without you! As for details, we’ll keep you posted . . .

Oh, and in the meantime, be sure to catch Kathryn’s top tips in her new series, The Budget Fashionista’s Economic Survival Guide!

Top Five Budget Shopping Tips: The Budget Fashionista’s 5th Anniversary

September 4, 2008 07:00 PM | Comments (0) | Posted in budget_shopping, outlet_malls, kathryn finney, fifth_anniversary, shopping_tips

Fashion is one thing, but budget fashion is another, which of course is the premise TBF is based on. Kathryn knows whereof she speaks, and has long (five years to be exact) doled out practical advice for shopping without breaking the bank. Her top five budget shopping tips:

1. Know what looks good on you. Just because it looks great in a magazine doesn’t mean it will look great on you. Be honest with yourself about your body. It will save you time and money.

2. Know the names of sales associates. Sales associates are a great source of information on upcoming sales and have access to Friends and Family coupons, which offer up to an additional 25% off store merchandise. Some might even let you use their employee discounts.

3. Leave the debit and credit cards at home. I have a friend, who shall remain nameless, who views paying for purchases with plastic cards as not spending “real” money. Paying with cash gives you an instant visual indication of how much you’re spending.

4. Head to the outlet malls. Shopping at the outlets of your favorite stores and designers can save you a bundle. Some of my favorites are the Chelsea Premium Outlet Malls, Off Fifth (the Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet), the St. John Knit Outlet, the Donna Karan Outlet, and the Last Call Neiman Marcus Outlet.

5. Remember the 70/30 rule. Fashionistas with limited budgets should follow the 70/30 rule: 70% of your closet should be classic pieces, 30% trendy pieces. Go as cheap as possible on trendy items because they have a short closet lifespan; purchase these pieces at stores like H&M, Target, Forever 21, Wet Seal, Asos.com, Zara, Bluefly, Urban Outfitters, etc. Go designer on classic pieces like black suits (Tahari, Donna Karan), coats (Burberry, Max Mara), evening (Armani, Tim and Linda Platt, Carmen Marc Valvo) and purses (Coach, Longchamp, Marc Jacobs).

Want more? Click here for more of Kathryn’s top budget shopping tips . . .

Have your own tips to share? Visit the TBF Forum

Budget Shopping Guide: British Style on a Budget

July 13, 2008 06:00 PM | Comments (3) | Posted in budget_shopping, topshop, british_style, Topshop, TopShop, vintage_shopping

OXFORD CIRCUS
Oxford Circus has all the best high street shops Britain has to offer, and many huge flagship stores, such as Topshop and Primark.

Topshop
36-38 Great Castle Street, London, W1W 8LG
www.topshop.com
Topshop needs little introduction. Since starting out on the British high street, Topshop stores have opened all over the world, and most recently, New York. But the flagship store in Oxford Circus, London, is a must-see. Comprising four huge floors of fabulous, on-trend pieces, such as this tuxedo jacket, £55 ($110), Topshop is known for its unbeatably sensitive responses to the catwalk. Spot the ‘Balenciaga’ floral suit, the ‘Luella’ shirt, and the ‘Miu Miu’ skirt, all at a snip of the price. Spend a couple of hours in the Shoe Lounge – prices range from about £25 ($50) for a pair of ballet flats or gladiator sandals to £60 ($120) for some killer platform heels, and although they aren’t dirt cheap, the quality is great. Avoid at all costs the ‘vintage’ section – overpriced, charity-shop sourced rip-offs, and instead head to the denim section. Whether it’s ripped-up, acid wash skinnies you want, or indigo denim wide-legged jeans (TBF loves these, at £40/$80), there’s something to suit most budgets.

Primark
499-517 Oxford Street, London, W1K 7DA
www.primark.co.uk
Primark is a fast-fashion mecca, stacked to the brim with disposable fashion at unbelievable prices. The too-good-to-be-true prices mean that the quality of clothes isn’t the best (a hem coming undone here, a button falling off there) experiment with the most adventurous of trends (like the jumpsuit) without spending a small fortune on something you’ll never wear. This super mini dress a la Miu Miu is a bargain at £12 ($24), and in the sales, items are often reduced to just 50p ($1)! The basics are poor, scratchy and tend to shrink in the wash, but keep an eye out for the cashmere sweaters and cardigans, and the accessories section where you can find on-trend jewellery from £1 ($2), like this chunky Marni-esque necklace (£3/$6). The Oxford Street flagship is filled with shoppers fighting for the last must-have bargain. TBF much prefers the Birmingham store. Top tip: go there on weekdays to avoid the weekend rush.

New Look
500-502 Oxford Street, London, W1C 2HW
www.newlook.co.uk
New Look is yet another bargainous destination on the British high street with a really great plus size range (Inspire), and has recently added large shoe lounges to the bigger stores, much to the delight of budget fashionistas everywhere, as New Look’s shoes are some of their strongest trend items. Co-ordinate your shoes to your outfit, with some heeled Mary-Janes in a variety of candy colours, from about £25 ($50). This season, the store’s designers have taken inspiration from the fifties: the key pieces to look out for include this floral-print prom dress (£28/$56) and this retro polka dot bikini (complete with Brigitte Bardot-style high-waisted bottoms), £20 ($40). Finish your look off with a pair of brightly-hued, oversized sunglasses, only £8 ($16).

Peacocks
www.peacocks.co.uk
Peacocks is often seen as Primark’s less fashionable cousin, but bargain shoppers should not underestimate this budget store. Because it’s a little off the fashion radar, you can find things at tiny prices, and unlike Primark, there are usually most sizes in stock. This safari shirt dress ticks all the boxes for this season, and is only £14 ($28). The shop also has a delectable selection of gladiator sandals, this summer’s must-have, at around £10 ($20) each.

THE BEST VINTAGE AND MARKETS
If you love vintage, then you’ll love Brick Lane. Take a wonder and you’re bound to find a one-of-a-kind vintage shop stacked to the brim with bargains from throughout the decades. Portobello Market is also worth a visit, but keep your eyes peeled for over-priced secondhand clothes.

Beyond Retro
110-112 Cheshire Street, E2 6EJ
www.beyondretro.com
Beyond Retro is a huge warehouse devoted entirely to vintage clothing and accessories. Arranged in colour-order, the shop is easy to navigate, unlike many other mish-mash thrift stores. There are rows upon rows of vintage logo t-shirts for about £15 ($30) each – a great present for a boyfriend or brother, or for yourself, if you belt at the waist. Although they’re a little pricier, it’s worth checking out the crazy, 80s taffeta prom dresses, and the beautiful antique Japanese kimonos.

Absolute Vintage
91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
www.absolutevintage.co.uk
Vintage is a Budget Fashionista’s best friend. You can pick up some unique pieces at bargainous prices, but London vintage dealers have become savvy to the demand for second-hand clothing, and in recent years the prices have soared. Absolute Vintage, Brick Lane’s best-kept secret, is one of the few places where you can still buy vintage at reasonable prices. Beyond Retro’s vast warehouse is certainly a spectacle, but if you want one-of-a-kind vintage on a budget, Absolute Vintage is the place to venture. There is a small clothing section, but the shop prides itself on its shoes and handbags. Pick up a pair of patent, black Bally court-shoes for £20 ($40), or a cute clutch for £15 ($30).

Portobello Market
Located on Portobello Road, Portobello market is famous for its antiques. Fashion-wise, the market is made up of stalls selling expensive handmade clothing by up-and-coming designers (worth a look but not budget-friendly) and lots and lots of vintage. It’s up to the savvy shopper to sniff out the bargains from the overpriced pieces which aren’t vintage at all. Keep your eyes peeled for the £5 ($10) stalls – rummage through bubble skirts, broderie anglaise summer dresses and silk neckerchiefs, all £5. Don’t be afraid to haggle for a bargain! Tired shoppers need refreshments – visit the man who sells coconuts with straws in, just at the end of the clothing stalls.

OUT OF TOWN DEPARTMENT STORES
If the Oxford Circus crowds are too hellish for you, one of Britain’s out-of-town department stores, such as Matalan, might be more your thing. Want designer labels but without the huge price tag? Head to Britain’s favourite designer outlet, Bicester Village.

Matalan
www.matalan.co.uk
It’s the small prices that bring visitors to this out-of-town department store. If you can ignore the shapeless, old-fashioned t-shirts, there are some real hidden gems. TBF is loving Matalan’s new, fashion-forward collection, Et Vous: pair this chiffon, tiered-front top (£14/$28) with this sateen, tulip skirt (£14/$28) from the new range with these cut-out sandals (£18/$36). There is something to suit most shapes and sizes, as most of the ranges run from UK sizes 8-20. This graphic print dress, with black ribbon sash, will cinch you in in all the right places, and your purse will love you for it, at only £16 ($32).

Bicester Village
50 Pingle Drive, Oxon, OX26 6WD
www.bicestervillage.com
Bicester Village is an outlet shopping centre about an hour’s drive from London, but it is definitely worth the drive. Find loads of designer brands at discounted prices under one roof. For shoe fetishists there is Salvatore Ferragamo and Jimmy Choo, where shoppers have been known to grab a pair of Choos for £60 ($120). Pick up a discounted Anya Hindmarch purse, or a classic trench coat at Burberry or Aquascutum. The outlet Ralph Lauren store sells polo shirts and sweaters at a third of the price, or alternatively, head to Jack Wills, Britain’s answer to RL. If you lust after expensive, silk lingerie but can’t bring yourself to part with all that cash, you’ll love Bicester Village’s Agent Provocateur and Myla outlet stores – look out for AP’s signature seamed stockings for £10 ($20).

Budget Shopping Tips

March 1, 2005 12:01 PM | | Posted in budget_shopping, shopping_tips

Know what looks good on you. This is the essence of a true fashionista. Just because it looks great in a magazine doesn’t mean it will look great on you. Be honest with yourself about your body. It will save you time and money.

Get to know the names of sales associates. Sales associates are a great source for information on upcoming sales. They might even let you use their employee discount - as happened to me once at The Gap.

Pay for everything with cash. This way, the satisfaction of the purchase will last longer than your next credit-card bill.

Head to the outlets. Shopping at the outlets of your favorite stores and designers can save you a bundle. Some of my favorites are Off Fifth, the Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet; the St. John Knit Outlet; the Donna Karan Outlet; and the Last Call Neiman Marcus Outlet.

The 70/30 rule. Fashionistas with limited budgets should follow the 70/30 rule: 70 percent classic pieces, 30 percent trendy pieces. And go cheap on trendy items.You can purchase such pieces at stores like H&M, Target , Zara, Bluefly, Urban Outfitters, etc. Go designer on classic pieces like black suits (Tahari), coats (Burberry, Max Mara), evening (Armani) and purses (Coach, Longchamp).

Recycle fashion. Pay a visit to your mother and/or grandmother. While you’re there, offer to “help” clean out their closets. You’ll be amazed at the goodies you’ll find. While visiting my grandma in Milwaukee, I discovered a vintage Coach saddle bag, dating from around 1960, in mint condition amid a box of old magazines. If you are unable to visit a relative’s closet, try having a clothing swap party with your friends. Ask everyone to bring unwanted, high-quality clothing to exchange for similar items from other party-goers.

Learn where and when to buy. July/August and late January/February are the best times to hit the stores for deals. Write down the names of your favorite stores, go to their Web sites, and register to receive coupons, special invitations and notifications of new products. Outlet stores are also great sources of designer goods.

Write a list. Making a shopping list will help you stay focused on the task at hand.

Locate the nearest thrift store. Thrift stores are great for quality inexpensive coats.

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