I have just started college and although I’m on a very tight budget, I still want to be able to wear the latest trends. Can you suggest where I can find up to the minute fashion at a student friendly price?
It’s not easy being thrifty, so here are the basics of bagging yourself a bargain – all without blowing your college grant. Whoever said the best things in life are free had clearly forgotten all about shopping. Unfortunately, fashion can be a pricey pastime when it comes to student budgets and tight finances but looking great doesn’t have to be expensive.
As a result, we've rounded up the best bargains, offers and discounts available, leaving a bit left-over from the student loan for a round of cheap pints down the union...
There are two things that serious fashion shoppers really love. The first is being complimented on your latest purchase and then declaring (with unrestrained glee) that it cost next to nothing.
So how can you bag that elusive bargain? Skip the vintage shop and go straight to the charity shop. Fashions are so fleeting nowadays that people often donate this season's styles to charity. Go with a shopping list. Make up basics from the high street and find your cool pieces second hand.
A sharp eye for detail, the knowledge of what name counts on a label, and a great deal of patience are required if you want to start making fashion work for your bank balance. Also, look out for designer collections created specially for high street stores - Jimmy Choo shoes will appear in H& M this autumn, for example and Matthew Williamson for Debenhams also offers stunning catwalk looks at a bargain price.
Discount retailers such as Tesco and Lidl are great if you want to stock up on inexpensive cosmetics, footwear or accessories and Tescos autumn collection, quite simply, has to be seen to be believed. They are stocking beautiful fitted dresses (very similar to Victoria Beckham’s designs) for only €18 and, of course, Pennys is a great store if you want to pick up these seasons trends for a song.
It’s also worth checking out what stores offer student discounts. A |wear have launched a 15% student discount and Oasis is offering all students a massive 20% discount until October 5th.
Other high street stores such as Miss Selfridge, New look and Topshop offer students a 10% discount, so it’s worth bringing your student card along if you want to avail of the incredible discounts.
Honestly, the most important quality that will guarantee your looking fabulous is confidence. If you have confidence in yourself, a positive attitude and a smile that is the absolute best thing you can do for your looks. What’s more, it doesn’t cost a penny!
There are many ways you can look good on a budget, and these are some of my favorites. If you simply wear what flatters you, shop sales and discount stores, and have a confident attitude, you’ll turn heads wherever you go!
For further information on student savings and discounts – log on to:
http://thesavvyshopper.ie
