Navigating Discount Stores

 In high school, I would have a lot of fun rummaging through Forever 21. For someone figuring themselves out, rows and rows of cheap and trendy pieces allowed you try out new personalities easily! However, as you probably know, those fun pieces don't have a long life. The man-made fabrics would pill, the faulty stitching would come undone, and the process of continually replacing pieces in your wardrobe can become expensive.

For the most part, I now avoid shopping discount stores like Forever 21, H&M, and Target. I really try to keep myself from even stepping foot in one, because I know I will see something cute and get suckered in, only to be disappointed after a few wears. However, as you saw here, there are times I actually encourage shopping these types of stores. Keep scrolling! :)

outfit details: H&M dress [new, $10], H&M flats [new, $20], H&M tights [new, 2 for $10], Rebecca Minkoff bag [new, $50], Tiffany & Co necklace [new, gift], Rayban aviators [new, $90]

This outfit is almost completely H&M, and I added a few higher end touches with the Tiffany & Co necklace and Minkoff bag. My first rule for shopping these stores is to always look at the tag. No matter how cute the piece is, if it is made with a man-made materials such as rayon and polyester, I always put it back. I have had a hard time with these materials pilling and falling apart. I always look for more natural materials, such as cotton and linen, because these materials are much sturdier and hold up against time better.

I also prefer to buy delicate, replaceable items (such as the tights above) at discount stores. No matter where I buy tights (Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, etc.), I have yet to find a pair that don't run after 2 wears! Suggestions?? Anyway, why pay $30 for a pair of tights when I can get the same quality in a $5 pair?!

I talked about these shoes in a previous post (was linked above in the first paragraph!). I wanted these cute, summer trend shoes without paying too much, because before I know it there will be another fad shoe "I have to have." ;) That's what sent me to H&M, and I even found them on sale! I've worn them 4 or 5 times now, and there are still no scoffs, and the soles are still very intact. Yay! If you think a shoes or piece of clothing (yes, I'm looking at your fringe) is just a season piece, my advice is to go cheaper. More money for classic investment pieces! Advice? Fancy finds? Share them with me here in the comments, or tag @fancyfreeblog on IG!
xo Sydney