Getting an expensive looking wardrobe on a budget

With the influx of fashion bloggers, Influences, celebrities and fashion editors with their pricey and aspirational wardrobes we are constantly bombarded on social media and magazines with images of Anya Hindmarch Handbags, Acne leather jackets, Gucci loafers and Common project trainers among the many other items that do not come with an affordable price tag. 

Don't get me wrong I would love to be able to purchase these items, but in a realistic world and when you live in London and on a budget this isn't an option (😢). However even if you may not have the budget to have a designer wardrobe by following a few tips you can achieve an expensive looking wardrobe. 

I've put together a couple of my top tips below; 

• Sample sales - Since living in London, I have attended quite a few sample sales, with some beings complete successes  and others not so much. I attended an Ottoman Hands sample sale in west London and although a bit of a mission to get too, the prices were so good. I got £20-£30 rings for £5 so it was worth the mission. However, I have also attended sample sales that were not so successful such as the Mulberry sample sale, where prices are not dirt cheap (👎🏻) the bags still tend to cost around £400 for an Effie satchel & around £900 for the Cara backpack, however the Lily was at £199 but only in metallic and bright colours.  There were smaller products such as wallets, scarves and bracelets where prices ranged from £40-£120 but nothing at the time took my eye. If you live in London then sign up to these emails to hear the latest about sample sales - A Little Bird & Ldnfashion. 

• Good quality shoes & a staple coat - I am a firm believer that good leather shoes in a timeless style will keep you going season after season and add an extra touch of quality to your outfit. Old lady comment, but make sure you protect your  shoes with protector as this will keep them looking newer for longer and keep them going for seasons to come. The other staple for winter would be a classic and simple camel, navy, grey or black coat, basically a colour that is neutral and will go with everything. Try and find a coat that within the fabric composition has wool within it as for one, will give the coat a better fit and two, will not start to pill quickly and look cheap.

Images Pinterest

• A Leather Jacket - Real leather jackets can be pretty pricey, but investing in one will keep you going for years to come. ASOS, Topshop and Mango have a great selection of real leather jackets, I have my eye on a Topshop boutique jacket at the moment which is so great 👌🏻. If its just a bit too much to make that jump, try and look around in store for a good imitation leather jacket. High street retailers are getting better at using fabrics that are far better than the cheap looking fake leather that we have all seen. I would recommend looking at H&M, Zara and Topshop for higher quality imitation leather jackets.

Images - Pinterest 

Charity shops - I do enjoy a good charity shop rummage, you can find such amazing finds. The key is to find charity shops in nice areas where you are going to get great donations, for example there is a charity shop in Hampstead where I found a Mulberry jacket for £45 and JCrew cashmere for £10 so it's worth popping in your local shops to have a look. 

TK Maxx - I know that some people cannot stand TK Maxx but I personally love it as it's a great shop to pick up some bargains. The trick is finding a good store, I have to say some of the shops in central London I have never found to be that great but the Wimbledon and Clapham Junction stores are good for shoes and knitwear. 

Sales - Sign up to emails for more expensive high end high street stores such as Cos & Other Stories, Hobbs and Whistles to name a few, so that you hear first when they go into sale.  

Junior Trainers - If you are lucky to have size 3, 4 or 5 feet you may be able to buy certain trainer brands in the junior section which are about £10 - 20 cheaper than the adult styles. Adidas and Converse both do junior sections, it just takes a little investigating to see if you can get the trainers that you want in junior.  

Fabrics - Try and avoid certain fabrics that look cheap such as acrylics and certain viscose items, however this can change depending on the garment as some stores such as & other stories tend to use viscose quite a lot but with their use of prints they achieve an expensive looking item, so apply this rule on a garment by garment basis.