We are all being careful with what we spend our money on right now – either because we can’t afford to treat ourselves, or because we feel the money should be going to help the fight against Coronavirus instead. All of the glossy magazines and fashion sites are still pumping out fashion shopping guides and tips on how to style the latest trends; but there are ways you can buy yourself new clothes without spending too much, or by spreading the cost. When spreading the cost of a purchase always make sure you can 100% make every repayment, or you’ll end up owing more than the cost of what you bought.
Buy a Mystery Box of Covid-Cancelled Clothing Orders from India
The guys over at Lost Stock have found a very clever way to help the workers in India’s clothing factories. Fashion brands cancelled over 2 Billion USD in clothing orders with factories in India, refusing to pay for stock already made. With the Lost Stock Box, you give them your clothing size and style preferances, then you get a mystery box of 3 pieces of clothing for just £35. They could be pieces designed by major brands! In return for a bargain price you might get a sleek designer dress for women, some pricey pointy toe’d heels, or some sustainable bamboo underwear for men. Buying one £35 box is enough for one garment factory worked in India to support themselves for one week.
Buy from an Online Catalogue and Spread the Cost
If you have your eye on something brand new, purchasing it from online catalogues with credit accounts would allow you to spread the cost of your repayment without any interest being added – so long as you pay all the money back on time! Having a credit account with a catalogue allows you to spread the cost of a more expensive item that you might not otherwise be able to afford. When you apply for a credit account with a catalogue, you will go through a credit check and you will be given a credit amount in accordance with the results of this. Over time, as you repay items back before the deadline, this will increase. Very, Littlewoods, Simply Be and Redoute are just some that offer this as a way to purchase.
Hire Luxury Designer Garments & Accessories
How many times realistically do we wear an item of clothing? If you have your eye on a really fancy dress or something that’s a real trend-led piece, you probably won’t wear it enough times to justify that high price tag. It’s much better for your wallet and for the environment if one piece of clothing or handbag is shared amongst many people. There are lots of designer fashion rental companies online, and some like Her Style AU also have very affordable sales on ex-rental pieces too.
Buy from a Charity Shop Online
Re-Fashion is an amazing website that promotes being more sustainable by re-useing clothing. One man’s trash is another one’s treasure. They do this in a way that supports small charities who can’t afford to open a physical shop on a high street. Over 99% of UK charities can’t afford to open a physical shop, and since shops aren’t open at the moment anyway, this is a great way to still buy second-hand and support charity at the same time. There are some amazing pieces for sale – the likes of Boden, Phase Eight and even Dolce & Gabbana!
Buy Vintage Clothing Online
If you are looking for pieces that are more unique, vintage fashion fairs are a great way to find some incredible stand-out bargains. I don’t see vintage fairs being able to operate any time in the near future however. There are lots of vintage clothing boutiques that sell online to tide you over in the meantime. Vintage clothing rarely comes in plus sizes, so if you’re not a 8/10/12, you might need to be more careful with what you buy to ensure that it fits. Vintage shopping is a great way to find that fashion piece that nobody else has!
However you choose to shop for clothes at the moment, please make sure that you can afford to make the purchases – and like always, don’t risk getting into any debt. Fashion just isn’t worth it, however much you love it! Always remember too, that the right underwear can transform an outfit.
You can see more of what I’m loving, and what I’m doing, over on my Instagram.