A Thrifted Look for Spring

You may look at this outfit and question how black or leather are spring trends, but the truth is that they are classic looks. Black can never go out of style, no matter what season; and leather is one of those trends that comes and goes but you can be confident that it will always come back. The main spring piece in this outfit is the emerald green lace dress. Bright colors are a must for spring! Check out Alexis' thrifted look below.

Believe it or not, but this entire outfit was thrifted! Some people are surprised when I show up in an outfit where every piece is second-hand, but I like to be living proof that you can dress for success without going broke getting there!

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This emerald green lace SHIFT dress was just $3.50 at Salvation Army during their weekly 50% off Wednesday sale, and my jelly wedge shoes were $4 thrifted there too. They both even came NEW WITH THEIR ORIGINAL TAGS!

The leather leggings were a $7 investment from Platos Closet– a second-hand clothing store that sells gently used name brand items! The classy cameo earrings are a vintage-inspired gift from a friend. Lastly, although the white oversized handbag is Jessica Simpson brand, it was actually found for a couple bucks at Goodwill.

My ENTIRE OUTFIT totals to about $20, but it makes me feel like a million bucks!

Unfortunately because all the items are thrifted, we can't link back to the original ones, but here's a few similar looking pieces:

Emerald Green Dress Macy's Price: $89 | Thrifted Price: $3.50

Leather Leggings Macy's Price: $7-22 | Thrifted Price: $7

Jelly Wedge Shoes Lulu's Price: $28 | Thrifted Price: $4

Cameo Earrings Overstock Price: 20 | Gifted Price: FREE White Handbag Forever 21 Price: $20 | Thrifted Price: $4

TOTAL SAVINGS: About $150

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I encourage you to flip through some positive fashion magazines and our Instagram feed to get your latest inspiration on fashion, make a list of the items you want in your wardrobe, and go on a thrift shop hunt to find them! When purchasing the items for this look, I knew there were a couple things I wanted: jelly shoes, a statement purse, and leather leggings. The lace dress was an added bonus!

How To Shop The Latest Trends Without Breaking The Bank

It's not always affordable to keep up with all the trends, especially when the brands marketing the hottest new items are typically expensive and the trends change so quickly that by the time we make one investment, something new is in stores.

Something I love to do is go to designer websites like Free People and Levi for my fashion inspiration, and then Google search the key words from those items to find something similar but more in my price-range!

By no means am I saying to stop shopping at the more expensive stores altogether, because the truth is they have QUALITY long lasting products... but I am suggesting you choose wisely which trends you're willing to invest more money in than others.

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Here's two side-by-side comparisons showing just how much money you could save by purchasing your items elsewhere!

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If you like what you see, here's where to purchase:

Free People Exaggerated Fringe Necklace | Walmart Fringe Statement Necklace

Levi Boyfriend Jeans | Walmart Boyfriend Jeans

Five Money-Saving Shopping Tips

 

1. Know what you're looking for.

• Have a general idea of the styles/trends that you want by making a list or bringing pictures of outfits with you.
• By doing this, you'll only purchase the things that you really want or really need.
• Pictured above is a Winter Trend Inspiration board we put together featuring some of our favorite looks, such as an army green utility vest, a maroon beanie, cut-out shoes, plaid shirts, and more! Carry something like this with you as you shop, or keep Pinterest and TopButtons handy.

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2. Compare prices & shop the sales rack.

• Before going to the mall, look up your favorite mall stores online and compare prices of similar trends so that you have a general idea of which stores offer what you're looking for. Keep in mind that online stores often vary in merchandise than their actual store, but it will give you a starting point.
• Go STRAIGHT to the sales rack when you get to a store. Put your "horse blinders" on and don't even look at all the cute stuff you can't afford, or else nothing in the sales rack will satisfy you.

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3. Don't buy on impulse.

• Ask yourself: do I REALLY want this, and have I wanted this for a while?
• Chances are, if you put the item down and come back to the store a few weeks later, it will still be there, and probably at a more affordable price.

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4. Use coupons.

• Never underestimate the power of a good coupon, rewards program, or a promo code!
• Stores like American Eagle, Styles for Less, and Khols all have rewards programs that benefit you the more frequently you shop at their stores.
• Type in the name of a store at RetailMeNot and they will usually have some promo codes you can use.

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5. Give yourself a budget.

• Tell yourself you're only going to spend X amount of dollars and STICK TO IT!
• Shopping on a budget can be a fun challenge if you approach it with the right attitude.
• You'll feel really good about yourself for NOT spending too much money.
• Make it a REALISTIC budget that works well with other bills or purchases you may have to make aside from fashion.

Our Fashion Cents Contributor and friends love a good sale.

Target is 'The One Spot' for All of Your Needs

Upon the entrance of nearly every Target store there lies a sectioned called The One Spot full of inexpensive knick-knacks and treasures. Believe it or not, they offer an assortment of beauty products, DIY project materials, and even fashion accessories. TopButtons has done the hunt for the must-have items so that you don't have to.

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Pictured above are just some of the items The One Spot carries. The selection will vary from store to store, but each one is worth a perusal. Some items come in travel-size packs or even sample sizes, which is the perfect dose when you don't want to splurge to try out a new product.

1. Burt's Bee's Intense Hydration Lotion - Most often associated with their Chapstick, Burt's Bee's is a brand to trust. It'll leave your skin feeling smooth and healthy.
2. Kwik Mani/Pedi Kit - This is both cute AND functional. Now you can carry all your manicure essentials in one compact case. The boot comes in a variety of prints.
3. Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream - This is one of the biggest beauty releases of 2014! Everyone loves their BB Cream, and now you can lather it on your entire body for the same effect. It's shea butter hydrates the skin, while its other ingredients add a shimmer and help with skin-strengthening.
4. Garnier Skin Renew: Dark Spot Treatment Mask - This NEW intensive treatment clings to your face and captures bacteria caught in your pores. You'll feel like a new woman in just 10 minutes.
5. Scotch Lint Roller - I'm sure you've been stuck in a situation where you've had lots of lint or dog hair on a black pair of pants. Fear no more! Scotch has a compact lint roller that will fit in most handbags.
6. Shout Wipe and Go - You no longer have to panic when you spill sauce on your white pants moments before an interview or important event. Carry these Shout wipes in your purse and they'll clean the stain right out of nearly anything.
7. Chevron Pencil Cup - This cute pencil cup comes in a variety of colors and is the perfect addition to dress up any desk or home office! (Our Fashion Cents Contributor - Alexis - has a floral one!)

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Two fashionable items that Alexis took home were a pair of white-framed sunglasses for $1 and a straw fedora for $3. Both items are super versatile and perfect for Spring. The One Spot also carries hair clips, headbands, and jewelry and handbags from time to time. Keep your eyes open for what your local Target may carry. Every trip is as affordable as it is surprising.

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Pictured above are some of the items Alexis saw at her local Target's The One Spot. TopButtons purchased the rest of the stock on those buttons pictured in the bottom left. We think they're as cute as button and perfect for crafting.

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To save even more money, visit The One Spot during a shift in season or holidays. A lot of their inventory is catered to the current and ever-changing events and seasons, so their stock is always changing. When they have left-overs on their old stock -- for example, right after Christmas -- they discount those seasonal items 50-70% off. With prices already so inviting, these deals are steals!

Feel free to comment below and share your Target finds with us!