The Justice catalog came every month when I was younger, and I always flipped through it immediately. I loved flipping through the pages and circling the outfits I wanted to buy. I’d save the coupons for 40% off. If I was going to be a shopper, I wanted to be one who saved money. I continued to look for ways to save money as I grew older and started spending my own money. As a college student, I try to save every dime I can while still getting what I want. Here are seven ways I’ve found to look good while saving money.
- The Kate Spade Surprise Sale
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I wanted a Kate Spade purse for a while. I finally got one for Christmas, and it was everything I dreamed about. It was the perfect pink color to go with all of my girly outfits. But I knew I wanted to get a larger tote bag, too. I searched for a black leather tote for months. Finally, I got the email that Kate Spade was having another sale. When I looked the first time, the tote bag was 75% off. I decided to wait another day and see if the bag was still on my mind before. When I checked back on the site the next day, the bag was $10 cheaper. I took it as a sign that I should commit to the purchase. I ended up buying the bag for $69. It was retailed at $329. If you want to catch a deal like this, keep an eye on Kate Spade.
- Levi’s for less
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I love a good pair of Levi’s, but I don’t love the pricing. I’m always trying to steal a deal when it comes to shorts or jeans. With summer right around the corner, I was on the lookout for shorts a few weeks ago. In my search, I realized that Target sells Levi’s 501 shorts. This may not seem important, but I’m getting to the best part. While the shorts aren’t on sale, you can use your Target gift cards on them. If you have a Target debit or credit card, that discount also applies. I got two pairs of shorts for $54. One pair usually costs around $49. If that Target gift card is burning a hole in your wallet, I highly recommend checking out their Levi options.
- Get athletic in Aerie
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Before this year, I didn’t own any activewear from Aerie. But, when I started going to the gym, I found some great deals on their leggings and sports bras. The newer items are still too expensive for my budget, but their clearance is fun to browse through. They have cute matching activewear sets, bike shorts, tanks and more. I ended up making my order for $40 with a $5 coupon. I ordered two pairs of leggings and a sports bra for that price. If you’re going to purchase from American Eagle or Aerie, I recommend signing up for their rewards program. It’s not a credit card, and it can help you save some money after a few purchases.
- Visit the curated thrift-shops
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One of my favorite things to do at the beginning of each season is to visit places like Plato’s Closet and local shops that specialize in trendy clothing. I love to try new styles, but I don’t have the money to spend on the newest items every time something blows up on TikTok. Thrift stores give me a chance to look for new and exciting pieces that I can try without breaking the bank. Places like Plato’s Closet specifically look for the newest styles when they buy back clothes. I would try there if you know a trendier piece is on your shopping list.
- Browse through Belk’s clearance
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If you’re like me, Belk isn’t necessarily at the top of stores you frequent. But, hear me out anyways. Belk has pages of clothing on clearance, and most of the time, you can find major brands there. Their items range from bralettes and underwear to jeans and tops. I’ve seen brands like Levi’s, Free People, Nike and more on sale. Sometimes Belk has special promotions on certain brands. Then, shoppers can make their purchases on newer items that haven’t hit the clearance racks yet.
Shopping as a college student is difficult when the budget is tight. But, we can be fashionable and thrifty at the same time. Next time you’re on the lookout for new items, check out these deals and do your savings a favor.