Budget Chic

It’s so cliché but utterly true: budget style can be chic.

I don’t know how the fashion industry feels about the inevitable trend that the budget chic is getting real. I, or maybe most of us, still gravitate toward designer stuff when we can afford. But we cannot deny when style steals are added to the equation, they complicate things. It’s all relative.

Budget brands like Forever21, H&M, and Zara are nothing new. What’s new about them is their ever-more-precise razor-sharp market predictions. Their huge conglomerate of everything latest and unstoppable affordability are stimulating to say the least. Don’t we all get a sense of “I CAN too” in the face of these lines? Because why not? When most of consumers, in this whimsical fashion scene, are feeling like insecure puppets wondering when the hands on the other end are going to pull the string, we aren’t going to act until we make sure the arms and legs to shell out are well worth it.

Runway fine details are instantly transferred onto economical pieces, so speedy and overwhelming that some of us learned the latest trends from the knockoffs first. But not just that. Certain current “it” styles, minimalist for one, emphasize the beauty of basics and diminished designs. In that case, no more struggle on the comprised details; instead, we find ourselves debating between the pleasure from the premium quality of luxe basics, and that from saving bucks with the rest.

I tested it out, as Forever 21 approached me for collaboration. Here are the two things I learned:
– First, when it comes to minimalist basics, big budget labels have the resource to optimize the value. You won’t get the best quality but the opposite is usually also out of the question. I’d totally go for that.
– Second, the label can serve as a perfect place to test out certain trends. Not sure how a boxy jacket will work with your wardrobe? Grab one here and go from there.

But all in all, shop in moderation. Steal overdose is just one slip away. I’m speaking from experience here.

FOREVER 21 contemporary heathered rib midi dress | FOREVER 21 contemporary boxy buttoned blazer | Alexander Wang Ida lizard-effect patent-leather wedge sandals | Illesteva Leonard Streaked Sunglasses, Tuxedo

Also shop my looks HERE