Each week, we're turning to some of our favorite fashion bloggers for tips on when to splurge and when to save. In this week's installment, we're chatting with the renaissance woman behind The Average Girl's Guide—Alyson!
WHAT IS YOUR GENERAL SHOPPING PHILOSOPHY?
It's all about the balance! I'm always searching for the deal, to buy something on sale, yet at the same time I recognize how some luxury pieces can make a big impact on the entire look. I add Tory Burch flats or major statement necklace to an otherwise basic or inexpensive outfit and bam! It automatically looks luxe.
HOW DO YOU DECIDE TO INVEST IN A SPLURGE? WHERE WOULD YOU RATHER SAVE?
Save on trends, invest on classics! It's also hard to know what will become a classic. For example, when skinny jeans became big a few years ago I was a little terrified so I hit up Forever21 and found an awesome pair for $10.80. I wore those things to death and realized how chic I felt -- and actually slimmer -- compared to the boot cut styles that were overtaking my closet. That gave me the confidence to invest in better-quality denim.
MOST-BELOVED SPLURGE.
Beloved splurge? That's a tough one! For my 30th, my husband got me a Louis Vuitton speedy bag, which I LOVE, but it's hard to now use because I'm with my daughter so much and need a bag with a longer strap (they sell straps now for nearly $200! Yikes). I know I'll have it forever so consider that amazing. I leave it on my dresser; it makes me happy just to look at.
MOST REGRETTABLE BUY
I'm a big fan of returning so luckily I don't have many regrets. Keep receipts and immediately bring return to your car so you have it handy in order to return. I once forgot to do that and "lost" a pair of poor fitting Old Navy jeans in my closet. By the time I realized and got there, 90 days had passed and the jeans were worth like $2. I donated them.
FAVORITE PLACE TO HUNT FOR DEALS.
Bloomingdales! I am obsessed with stores like Loehmann's and TJ Maxx, yet at least at my local Bloomindales at The Gardens Mall (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.), I do amazing when they have their Friends & Fam because they also often have an extra 40% off sale. It's crazy. I've bought heels still at Macy's for regular price for 60% off; designer brands for my daughter at major discounts (just found two pairs of Joe's denim shorts for $11 each!), and way more.
P.S…. YOUR BEST FIND EVER.
Found a pair of perfect-fitting AG white denim at a local Goodwill for $7!
Outfit Details: NYC Jaunt, Blue and Laced-Up, Tweed and Speedy, Black White and Zippered
http://www.MARTASFASHIONDIARY.com/
I love her blog!