Shopping: Broke Student Style
Let’s face it. Most of us are broke college students, living off of our parent’s money and instant ramen. When shopping, we long for expensive hoodies, shirts, sweaters, jeans, shoes, bags - you name it! Although we definitely don’t need these things (nor can we afford them), but oh, how we long for them. If you are like me and want to cut your pricey cravings, then pay attention to these tips and tricks to find designer brands and quality clothing without breaking the bank.
Outlet and Discount
If you are trying to save money, shop at outlet or discount stores. Outlets and factory stores sell their stock directly to public, while discount stores offer goods (with a plethora of brands) at prices lower than the typical market price. In both cases, the goods are usually significantly cheaper than department store prices. Although outlets like Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Off 5th Ave, and Nordstrom Rack aren’t dirt cheap, you can get your money’s worth for the quality they offer. For example, you can find a pair of FENTY PUMA by Rihanna Sneakers that are typically sold for $200 for only $60! If you want to venture out of Berkeley, I would recommend the San Francisco Premium Outlets in Livermore. You may have to filter out more clothing of lesser quality at discount stores, but if you shop on a mission, finding those high-end designer clothes will prove to be an easy task compared to cramming during midterm season. Believe it or not, Marshalls is my second home; Shout out to my Momma for teaching me how to hunt for pieces that I wear and treasure everyday. If you aren’t into Marshalls, try TJ Maxx or Ross.
Be Thrifty
In the wise words of Macklemore, “They be like, ‘Oh, that’s Gucci. That's hella tight.’ I'm like, ‘Yo, that's fifty dollars for a T-shirt.’” Macklemore may be wrong about the current price of a Gucci shirt (about $500 now!) but he ain’t wrong about calling out the insanity of designer clothing, despite its growing popularity among celebrities and hypebeasts alike. As a college student on a budget, I can’t help but wonder, why you would want one pricey t-shirt when you can find five unique items for 1/100th of that price in a thrift store! If you choose to check out some thrift shops, bring your friends. Yes, you all are bound to find a few ridiculous, stinky, ugly items of clothing, but you’re also bound to find some treasures! If you are looking for a pair of shorts, but find a pair of jeans, don’t be shy to try DIY and upcycle your jeans into shorts! Be sure to check out Buffalo Exchange, Wasteland, and Crossroads Trading Co. if you and your friends are in San Francisco and Berkeley for some sweet finds. If you are too lazy to leave your house, check Free and For Sale on Facebook. By buying your clothes from a thrift store or off of someone online, you are not only saving your extra cash, but you are helping take care of good ol’ Mother Earth (#ReduceReuseRecycle #Berkeley #CNR #ZeroWasteBy2020).
Coupon
Search for coupons online before shopping. If you aren’t already part of Groupon, join it! They have some ~sicc~ deals on clothing and shoes (in addition to restaurants and activities). When shopping, it can’t hurt to ask the cashier if the store offers a student discount; I know Topshop, Madewell, and Kate Spade do! I would recommend creating a separate email account to receive codes and special deals from stores (so your Berkeley email isn’t more flooded than it already is!).
Borrow, Don't Buy
This may seem obvious, but ask your friends to borrow their nice dress for that formal, or check online to rent dresses for the next Date-Dash. My friends (and sisters) can tell you how much I like to shop in their closets! If your friends’ wardrobes aren’t cutting it, I hear Rent the Runway, an online shop that rents out designer clothing and accessories, offers quality clothing and reasonable deals. This way, you can wear looks only once without being wasteful, yet another way to respect Mama Earth!
Shop the Off-Season
Basically, shop for your winter wardrobe during the summer and find your summer style during the winter. Wait for the awkward in-between seasons (before stores get their spring collection in, but after the winter season is over, for example), to sift through the sale rack! I know, I know, this one takes a lot of patience. You might have to wait a whole year to wear that cute Christmas sweater, but trust me, saving those extra bucks will be worth it. Think about all of the slices of Sliver or YoPo you could buy!
Not only are you saving money using these tricks, but you can feel smug when people ask you where you got your fab look. Sometimes, I do fantasize about a wardrobe of complete designer wear. If money were no object, you’d catch me head-to-toe in Supreme, Chanel, or Louis. However, if you like the challenge, it can be super rewarding to find the perfect outfit after scavenging coupon sites and searching every outlet store. Sometimes, it’s more impressive to make something inexpensive look expensive than it is to sport something extremely costly. So, what are you waiting for?! Channel your inner Macklemore and go hunt for your come-up!
Words By Emily Mustoe