Shopping

Welcome to The Budget Fashionista Learn How to Shop Guide. Here you’ll find our best strategies for shopping like a pro and saving money at your favorite fashion retailers.

Woman tries on clothes at home in front of mirror

Walmart return policy: How it works

The Budget Fashionista provides this summary of the Walmart return policy for informational purposes only.… Read More »Walmart return policy: How it works

H&M return policy: How it works and how long refunds take

The Budget Fashionista provides this review of the H&M return policy for informational purposes only.… Read More »H&M return policy: How it works and how long refunds take

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Return policy red flags: How to spot strict or confusing rules before you buy

It’s not your imagination: Return policies are getting more restrictive. Return windows are shrinking, restocking… Read More »Return policy red flags: How to spot strict or confusing rules before you buy

Bergdorf Goodman designer sale: 10 pieces I’d buy

Did you hear? The Bergdorf Goodman designer sale is on now, offering new brands and… Read More »Bergdorf Goodman designer sale: 10 pieces I’d buy

close-up of woman's hands holding smartphone and shopping bag

New Black Friday shopping hacks: Read now or risk over-spending

Black Friday has evolved from a one-day frenzy into a full-blown, weeks-long sale season. That’s… Read More »New Black Friday shopping hacks: Read now or risk over-spending

How to earn 10%+ rebates with cash back & online shopping rewards

Thank you to FreeShipping.com for sponsoring this post. FreeShipping.com is a rewards program where members… Read More »How to earn 10%+ rebates with cash back & online shopping rewards

Close up of woman shopping popular clothing brands on smartphone

These are the 10 most popular clothing brands

Trend culture pop quiz: Name three of the 10 most popular clothing brands. Before you… Read More »These are the 10 most popular clothing brands

Forever 21: The next retail chain to disappear?

If you’ve got a Forever 21 in your local mall, you might want to shop… Read More »Forever 21: The next retail chain to disappear?

The rise and fall of Lord & Taylor

In the mid-1900s, Lord & Taylor was an American success story. What started as a… Read More »The rise and fall of Lord & Taylor

What happened to Le Tote?

Le Tote should have been a dream come true for fashion lovers. The fashion rental… Read More »What happened to Le Tote?

Where to buy turtleneck sweaters for women

You can always count on the turtleneck sweater to deliver a stylish vibe in the… Read More »Where to buy turtleneck sweaters for women

Handing holding mobile phone with shopping site on screen.

Amazon Prime, Walmart+, or Target Circle 360: Which shopping membership is best?

Shopping memberships help us save time and money, but the competition is getting fierce —… Read More »Amazon Prime, Walmart+, or Target Circle 360: Which shopping membership is best?

Happy woman holding colorful shopping bags.

10 best shopping cities and what clothes costs in each

Planning a trip? Might as well go someplace that offers good shopping, right? Here’s a… Read More »10 best shopping cities and what clothes costs in each

Woman sitting wearing wide-legged pants with a striped bag.

Where to buy wide-leg pants

Wide-leg pants are everywhere right now — and for good reason. They’re comfy, stylish, and… Read More »Where to buy wide-leg pants

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How to personalize gifts without overspending

Without a plan, year-round gift giving can start to feel like a chore. This is… Read More »How to personalize gifts without overspending

Catherine Brock wearing leather moto jacket from FanJackets.

Leather moto jacket: Where to get one for less (Fanjackets review)

Thank you to FanJackets for sponsoring this review of the brand’s quilted black leather moto… Read More »Leather moto jacket: Where to get one for less (Fanjackets review)

Close view of hand writing out New Year's resolutions in a spiral bound book.

6 new year’s resolutions and the tools you need to keep them

This post covers the coolest gadgets out there to help you fulfill your New Year’s… Read More »6 new year’s resolutions and the tools you need to keep them

Buy online pick up in store same day: 8 options for last-minute gifts

Surprise — Christmas is days away. If you haven’t finished your gift shopping yet, you’re… Read More »Buy online pick up in store same day: 8 options for last-minute gifts

28 clever and thoughtful gift ideas for her under $50

In search of the best gifts for her? Here are my top picks — 28… Read More »28 clever and thoughtful gift ideas for her under $50

View of smartphone while user shops online.

8 free coupon browser extensions to save you money

Coupon browser extensions are one of the easiest ways to save money when shopping online.… Read More »8 free coupon browser extensions to save you money

Perfume bottle on counter to represent all natural beauty gifts.

12 best all-natural beauty gifts for her under $40

For the green fashionista in your life, here are 12 all natural beauty gifts designed… Read More »12 best all-natural beauty gifts for her under $40

Fashionista shops in thrift store for unique clothes.

9 places to shop unique clothes for women

Tired of the same-old, same-old? When the clothes in your closet look just like the… Read More »9 places to shop unique clothes for women

Catherine Brock wearing Chicwish outfit.

Chicwish review: Honestly, here’s what you get at chicwish for $450

Thank you to Chicwish for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own. I posted… Read More »Chicwish review: Honestly, here’s what you get at chicwish for $450

Woman in bridal party wearing white dresses.

Buying bridesmaid dresses online: 11 tips for success

Buying bridesmaid dresses online can be the greatest convenience of wedding planning. Or it could… Read More »Buying bridesmaid dresses online: 11 tips for success

Loyal shopper shops in department store to represent Macy's Star Rewards.

How to earn and save with Macy’s Star rewards

If you’ve been around Budget Fashionista for a while, you know I regularly recommend the… Read More »How to earn and save with Macy’s Star rewards

Woman shops Farfetch sale on her laptop.

Farfetch sale: 10 designer pieces to shop now for less

Farfetch is having a sale with discounts of up to 60% on women’s apparel and… Read More »Farfetch sale: 10 designer pieces to shop now for less

What to buy at thrift stores: 5 product categories to shop secondhand

With interest rates going up again, you’re smart to cut back on credit card purchases.… Read More »What to buy at thrift stores: 5 product categories to shop secondhand

Collage of pieces on sale at the Fenwick designer sale.

What to buy at the Fenwick designer sale

The Fenwick designer sale is happening now. And that means you can scoop up some… Read More »What to buy at the Fenwick designer sale

How to shop midrange fashion

You know I love a good fashion deal. But there are times when H&M or… Read More »How to shop midrange fashion

Older woman wearing white long-sleeved t-shirt smiles in front of beige background.

Spring’s 7 best beauty gifts for mom

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to indulge the special moms in our lives with… Read More »Spring’s 7 best beauty gifts for mom

Senior mom hugs adult daughter after receiving Mother's day jewelry gifts.

8 beautiful Mother’s Day jewelry gifts under $100

Trying to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift can feel a bit like drinking from… Read More »8 beautiful Mother’s Day jewelry gifts under $100

Boxed gift with card reading "love you mom."

Best subscription gifts for mom: You can actually afford these!

Shopping subscription gifts for mom? Of course you are, because the gift that keeps on… Read More »Best subscription gifts for mom: You can actually afford these!

Woman embraces mom with flowers in kitchen.

19 indulgent and fashionable Mother’s Day gifts under $45

Sure, we’re just putting away the knee-length puffer, but Mother’s Day is a-knocking. You have… Read More »19 indulgent and fashionable Mother’s Day gifts under $45

Collage of women wearing clothes from plus-size clothing stores.

15 best women’s plus-size clothing stores online

Finding clothes that fit and flatter is a challenge for any woman, but it can… Read More »15 best women’s plus-size clothing stores online

Two women in the gym laugh while wearing workout clothes.

9 best online stores to buy affordable workout clothes for women

This post outlines nine retailers that sell affordable workout clothes for women. Finding good, affordable… Read More »9 best online stores to buy affordable workout clothes for women

Woman's hands hold small gift in a white box with a red bow.

Give good: 9 charity gifts fashion enthusiasts will love

Charity gifts feel good and do good. They’ve also gotten way more sophisticated in recent… Read More »Give good: 9 charity gifts fashion enthusiasts will love

Bald man opens present in front of Christmas tree.

12 clever boyfriend gifts for any guy, priced $9 to $50

Ask most about buying for a boyfriend, or men in general, and the response is… Read More »12 clever boyfriend gifts for any guy, priced $9 to $50

The best beauty bogo deals of 2022 and how to use them

Did you know that 14.2% of adults in the U.S. sold personal possessions to pay… Read More »The best beauty bogo deals of 2022 and how to use them

Close up of feet with slippers on the ground in the background.

10 chic slippers to gift a fashionista

Fashionable slippers are a classic gift choice. They are indulgently warm, affordable, and — if… Read More »10 chic slippers to gift a fashionista

The 10 best beauty gift sets priced $50 or less

The holiday shopping season brings us so many great things, but beauty gift sets must… Read More »The 10 best beauty gift sets priced $50 or less

Girl plays with trending toys on her bed.

11 trending toys for girls under $50

Moms and dads may not need this list of trending toys — because their kids… Read More »11 trending toys for girls under $50

18 practical gift ideas your cash-poor friends will love

I thought last year was tough. But this year has brought a different set of… Read More »18 practical gift ideas your cash-poor friends will love

Woman shops for clothes online during Labor Day sale weekend.

Shop these 14 best fashion and beauty labor day sales & save up to 75%

Did you know the holiday season starts now? That’s right — retailers are eager to… Read More »Shop these 14 best fashion and beauty labor day sales & save up to 75%

Woman wearing swimwear sits at the end of a pool.

The best stores for end-of-summer swimwear deals

Sadly, summer’s winding down. But there’s good news: Now is the perfect time to take… Read More »The best stores for end-of-summer swimwear deals

Smiling woman reads Shop It To Me email from her tablet while laying on couch at home.

Shop it to me review: Free personal shopper or inbox clutter?

Shop It To Me can make your shopping life easier. Or it could be another… Read More »Shop it to me review: Free personal shopper or inbox clutter?

Honest chicwish review (and photos!) after spending $600+

Thank you to Chicwish for sponsoring this post and funding my summer wardrobe overhaul. I… Read More »Honest chicwish review (and photos!) after spending $600+

Collage of two outfits from Modern Mom Style Box.

I’m loving modern mom style box right now

Y’all know I love renting clothes. A rented garment provides that “new clothes to wear”… Read More »I’m loving modern mom style box right now

Last-minute gifts on Amazon Prime, perfect for fashion gals

The clock is ticking! If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect gift for… Read More »Last-minute gifts on Amazon Prime, perfect for fashion gals

Holiday shopping: 9 ways to save $1,000+

Holiday shopping is about to get real. Retailers have been through some tough times lately… Read More »Holiday shopping: 9 ways to save $1,000+

33 top gift cards for everyone on your list

Let’s talk gift cards — specifically the top gift cards to give this year. Gift… Read More »33 top gift cards for everyone on your list

8 best beauty face masks for this holiday Season

I couldn’t find the numbers, but I’d bet that money spent on beauty face masks… Read More »8 best beauty face masks for this holiday Season

Collage of clothes by small fashion shops.

9 best woman-owned jewelry and fashion stores you’ve never heard of

The Budget Fashionista’s most popular post is a list of the best online clothing stores… Read More »9 best woman-owned jewelry and fashion stores you’ve never heard of

Woman shopping Amazon Prime Day at home.

Here’s how to shop Amazon prime day and other big sales

There’s Amazon Prime Day, the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, and all the follow-on fashion sales that… Read More »Here’s how to shop Amazon prime day and other big sales

Social media influencer producing shopstreaming event.

Shopstreaming: The trend that May change the way you shop

Unboxing videos are fun, right? You get to watch your favorite social media influencer unwrap… Read More »Shopstreaming: The trend that May change the way you shop

Nordstrom rack clearance: 10 fabulous women’s garments to buy now

I’m not ashamed to say that I have a love/hate relationship with clearance racks and… Read More »Nordstrom rack clearance: 10 fabulous women’s garments to buy now

Woman shopping with gift card on National Gift Card Day

Unwanted gift cards? Use them to help yourself or someone else 4 ways

Did you know that about $1 billion worth of gift cards goes unspent each year?… Read More »Unwanted gift cards? Use them to help yourself or someone else 4 ways

Holiday shipping deadlines 2025 for UPS, FedEx, USPS and more

USPS, FedEx and UPS have released their recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before the… Read More »Holiday shipping deadlines 2025 for UPS, FedEx, USPS and more

Fashionable woman wearing jeans and scarves holds fashionista gifts in shopping bags outside.

How to shop fashionista gifts without failing

Shopping fashionista gifts this year? Buying for style mavens can be among the biggest of… Read More »How to shop fashionista gifts without failing

Old navy sale shopping + super cash: 10 cheap winter basics

I can admit this freely: My wardrobe lately is almost exclusively leggings and sweatshirts. Granted,… Read More »Old navy sale shopping + super cash: 10 cheap winter basics

Italic review: How to buy designer-worthy clothes at cost

Shopping for clothes just got more interesting. Truly. Because there’s a new player in town… Read More »Italic review: How to buy designer-worthy clothes at cost

Best luggage on a budget! 6 stylish brands to love

Maybe you’d rather spend every last dollar on a vacation you can’t afford and carry… Read More »Best luggage on a budget! 6 stylish brands to love

5 clever and romantic anniversary ideas

Here are five romantic anniversary ideas that’ll work as well for a three-month anniversary as a 50-year anniversary. Ready to get inspired? Jump in now!

Target designer collaborations (Decades of budget fashion perfection)

If ever there was a retailer synonymous with the now beloved designer collaboration, it’s Target… Read More »Target designer collaborations (Decades of budget fashion perfection)

Haverdash unboxing video: 3 styles I love and 1 I Don’t!

Want to see my latest Haverdash unboxing? You’re in the right place. I opened my… Read More »Haverdash unboxing video: 3 styles I love and 1 I Don’t!

Wood background with hearts, a Valentine's Day concept.

11 budget-friendly Valentine’s day gift ideas to make her smile

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for the romantic love in your life or wanting to show your best girlfriends how much you care, we’re sure you’ll find the ultimate token of affection on this list of Valentine’s Day gifts for her.

Realher makeup review: The scoop on this new makeup brand

Realher makeup is a beauty brand that — wait for it — tells you how fabulous you are with affirmations. Is it gimmick or the real deal? Here’s my take.

Show yourself some love: Luxurious silk pajamas you’ll want to wear 24/7

Now that we’ve closed the books on another holiday season, we’re all ready for some quality sleep. And sure, we can get by sleeping in old gym shorts and a t-shirt, but it’s decidedly more luxurious to have a real sleep set. And did you know that silk pajamas help keep your skin moisturized?