Shopping Investigated…

9Feb/1024

Shopping Investigated…

Hello Darlings,

Happy Tuesday Everyone! Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend; mine was pretty awesome. Most of the time was spent studying, but I also had time to relax. Movie watching was by some drinks with friends. To be quite honest, I am not a sucker for lovey-dovey movies like “Dear John,” but this one made me weep like a little girl. The movie itself was not great or not even good…but the concept was very touching. On the other hand, Up in the Air was absolutely amazing. I love movies that get you thinking, and this one was definitely a conversation starter.

I spent Saturday was shopping with mommy...

....first picking up a beautiful Avoca silk dress for spring (actually, it is the one I am holding in the picture) at Liv by Au Lit and taking some pictures. This was followed by a stop at Holts Last Call to see if I could score some deals, and boy did I, picking up an amazing Mike&Chris leather jacket for 80% off.

So here’s the thing: I know many of you have asked me on springform and e-mail as to how I can afford luxury items on a student budget. To be quite honest, I almost never pay full price on any “expensive” item. I think part of shopping fun is scoring awesome deals on really expensive items. It’s more like shopping hunt. However, this can be only done with items that are timeless, otherwise you will look “so last season” (*eye roll* if you actually believe in the concept, I don’t). If you love it, enjoy it!!!

I’ve decided to share my top ten tips that I keep in mind when “hunting”:

1. Quality over quantity, always (these tips usually work when that is your goal)

2. Do not fall for the sale! Consider this: only buy it if you need it or if it will enhance your wardrobe.

3. You want to buy pieces that are individually interesting (rather than seconds of what you already have) that work with the rest of your stuff. Try to venture out and try new things, but of course within your comfort zone. If you do not feel comfortable in your clothes, it will show.

4. If the price is too high or you do not think that it is worth spending, check online. If you can wait, give it time and see if it goes on sale. I can usually predict which items will go on sale or will sell out.

5. Make sure that the fit and size are right, it is not deal unless it does your body justice.

6. Make sure that there are no defects (here’s a link to know how to detect them), it is not a deal if it is not perfect.

7. Classics are worth spending more on; trendy items will go out of style soon (unless you have an eye for predicting what trends will become classics).

8. Know the difference between an item that is cheap and an item that is inexpensive. Cheap item will make the rest of the outfit look tacky, meanwhile an inexpensive item will add that extra sparkle to it. You do not have to spend a lot to look fabulous, but certain items can make you look like hot mess.

8. Check out higher end outlet malls: oftentimes, they offer amazing choices.

9. Go often, purchase only periodically. Going to stores often will offer you the best selection. But this does not mean that you have to buy something every time you go.

10. Do not expect to find amazing deals on all of your clothes in one go. It takes time to build a strong wardrobe, so do not panic if you don’t…. (add something to “do not panic”- - I think the reader’s reaction is to say “I wasn’t panicking!” Maybe “Do not expect to find amazing…one go, so don’t panic if you don’t come across the perfect find right away” (or something along those lines). Just give it time, trust your instincts and HAVE FUN!

I am wearing: Junk Food Official Mickey Mous Club Raglan (from Revolveclothing); Free People Skirt (gift from Andrew); Marc by Marc Jacobs Scarf (from Holt Renfrew); Michael Kors Watch (gift from Andrew); Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc Studs (from Nordstrom Soho); Stella McCartney Sock Booties (gift from parents).

Shopping takes patience, practice and passion. Do not fall into trends, unless you really love them. Do not feel pressured to wear certain items if everyone around you is wearing them. Fashion offers the ability explore and discover who you are, so it should not be intimidating. Remember, you’re fabulous! If you do not believe it, take a look in the mirror and you will see it!

Do you have any secrets or tips? If so, please do share.

P.S. Also be sure to check out my outfit on Liv by Au Lit blog... click here!

Wishing Everyone a Lovely Day!!!

With Love...

Marta

Filed under: ♥ With Love... Toronto, ♥ Style, ♥ Thoughts Leave a comment

Comments (24) Trackbacks (0) ( subscribe to comments on this post )

Becca
February 12th, 2010 - 21:06

Some great tips, and such a fabulous post!

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Erika
February 12th, 2010 - 18:48

Great tips martha!
and I really like your clothes
and also agree with what you
said about following trends! anyways, thanks
for postig this! and if you don’t
mind please visit my website too!
uchiha
and post some comments! Thanks and God Bless

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laurenlanzaosias
February 11th, 2010 - 11:39

great, now i want to shop. i have to stop, i have been going crazy lately!!!! shoes, shirts…i need to chill, but great advice and cute outfit, as always.

http://laurenlanzaosias.blogspot.com

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Etrapar
February 10th, 2010 - 01:31

every time I go shopping I don’t expect to find something spectacular…I just want to have fun or relax. Because generaly when I’m looking something, usually I don’t find it. And as you said, you need time to build a greate wardrobe *.*
kisses

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Sher
February 10th, 2010 - 00:50

great tips! I’ll try to remember these!

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S.Elisabeth
February 9th, 2010 - 21:00

Such perfect advice! I agree with all it, and must keep your quality post in mind when I go shopping again. I have to add that good stores for “inexpensive” items are H&M, Urban Outfitters (clearance is even cheaper!), and American Eagle.

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Sasha
February 9th, 2010 - 20:38

I love the second picture, where you’re laughing – you have a great smile : )

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Megan
February 9th, 2010 - 20:03

Love that scarf!! I have been looking for it, but can’t seem to find it anywhere.

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- With Love... Marta
  February 21st, 2010 - 17:49
  
  Hi Megan,
  
  I picked it up a holts in yorkdale during Christmas time, but you can find a similar one from Sonia Rykiel pour H&M.
  
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Jo
February 9th, 2010 - 19:43

Marg: I completely and totally see where you are coming from and am in the same boat as well. I guess what we should do is just take Marta’s advice and see where it gets us. I mean, perhaps its not the $300 leather jacket that we will find, but maybe its the process of finding one that was marked down from $400 to maybe $150 or something along those lines.

Marta: I definitely see eye to eye with your point about finding pieces that are interesting. I have a tendency to buy tops that are of the similar silhouettes but recently, I have been trying to venture out of my safety zone finding pieces that might be similar, but have something similar. I picked up a wonderful Wilfred top that I adore recently which I will be posting on my blog soon.

Spring really cannot come sooner! I have been living in Canada for over 16 years but I still hate dressing for the cold. Great post as always!

xo alittlereverie.blogspot.com

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Marz
February 9th, 2010 - 19:43

Love the tips. The most important one I think is quality over quantity, but sometimes its just hard to follow. There are times where I feel like I need to buy something, but absolutely cannot afford it, but its in these times that you really have to sit down and ask yourself the reasons why you want a certain item. Sometimes, the reasons just can’t be justified. Oh, and going to Winners is my other tip! Best place to find amazing quality items for cheap as long as your in the mood for hunting around.
-Marz

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marg
February 9th, 2010 - 14:32

Good advice, and I think you are very good at being patient and waiting things out, and that does say alot about your practicality and maturity….but I think the problem and where your readers might be confused, is that your idea of a “student budget” is alot different from what peoples’ questions/comments may be talking about. You live at home and have said that your parents support you and buy you things. A $300 leather jacket may be a bargain to you (and from its regular price of over $1000, it is!), but to a student who lives on their own, pays their own tuition and all expenses, $300 is a month’s worth of groceries, or a winter-time heating bill. You are lucky to have so many resources at your disposal but I think it’s important you realize that not everyone is as well-off or has the parental support that you do, and this is why people don’t understand how you can afford all these things on what you call a student budget. At the same time, I get the sense that you really appreciate everything you have, and the fact that you don’t just run around spending aimlessly on every little whim makes me have a lot of respect for you….I guess I’m just jealous that I’m a poor student and completely fashion-obsessed, but my sky-high downtown TO rent and insane tuition mean I can’t afford half the things I want to buy :$ Oh well, only one more year til I graduate and start makin the big bucks

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- With Love... Marta
  February 21st, 2010 - 17:56
  
  Hi Marg,
  I think everyone has a different opinion on what student budget is and I realize that, however in this blog I am speaking from my point of view and what student budget is to me at this point in my life. I know what it is like to be a student and living on your own, I have many friends who are in those situations. I have one view and others have another, and I understand that. Student budget was not the topic of this post so I had to reason to explore it, I just wanted to share my ten points on shopping as requested by the lovely readers. I did not mean to offend or confuse anyone
  
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daisychain
February 9th, 2010 - 13:49

Fabulous post sweetheart

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FASHION SNAG
February 9th, 2010 - 11:33

I love that Free People skirt on you! I still want to get it. So cute. I think your tips are excellent Marta. You really do sound very similar to me. I do not like any defects in my clothing AT ALL and it has to fit, otherwise I will not get it, no matter how great the deal. Quality is always better. Track the item till it goes on sale! xo

http://www.fashionsnag.com

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Sher
February 9th, 2010 - 10:40

These are such wonderful tips, Marta! I really need to remember all these when I go shopping!

I also love your cutesy outfit, the stripey scarf is gorgeous:)

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Leia
February 9th, 2010 - 07:12

Great tips darling!

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Anna
February 9th, 2010 - 06:43

Those dresses look absolutely fabulous and I love your scarf
Thanks for sharing these tips – I have to say I am a fool for over-spending or not being patient enough to wait for the sales at times!

- Anna Jane xxx
(PixelatedBlonde.com)

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Miss Neira
February 9th, 2010 - 06:37

awesome tips marta!! I will sooo abide by them!

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Insomnia
February 9th, 2010 - 04:00

These tips are amazing!
Recently I changed my shopping technique, now it’s pretty similar to yours. I’m sick of worthless pieces and bad quality. My closet is just too full with it!

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Brooke
February 9th, 2010 - 03:28

Is that your room or the Liv store in the picture with the bed in it? I love the setup, love the chandelier, love the window and the light, love the chaise, love the armoire, love it all!!

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- With Love... Marta
  February 21st, 2010 - 17:57
  
  Hi Brooke,
  Nope it’s in Liv…I wish that was my room
  
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Stephanie
February 9th, 2010 - 02:16

Awesome tips Marta!
There is nothing quite like finding that perfect piece with an amazing price tag.
Also, I love how you add a pop of color to your outfit with your scarf =)

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♥Lola
February 9th, 2010 - 02:03

Great tips Marta

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