WIW: Black and White + Bargain Shopping Tips

Creating stylish looks on a budget is my motto. While I love designer brands just like everyone else, I know it's not reasonable to only wear big labels. Plus it's not really my style to flash a bunch of labels. I love stores like Forever 21 and H&M because they allow you to create on trend looks without blowing your budget. Other stores I love are Nordstrom Rack and J. Crew Factory. Some online retailers I'm sure you've probably heard me raving about too are ASOS, Groopdealz, Very Jane, and Shoe Dazzle. All which provide trendy pieces at great prices and even free shipping.

I think when you're able to mix high end and low end pieces is when you're most fashionable. Then you aren't dictated by labels and can create your own looks. Like this black and white look I wore this weekend, all the pieces were purchased at bargain prices and from most of the retailers I listed above. Aside from my bag and sunnies all pieces were under $20 per item. 

The best way to score bargains is to sign up for email subscriptions. Yes, they are annoying to get all the time in your inbox, but honestly there are some great deals. For example, recently Forever 21 sent out a "Friends & Family" offer of 21% off your purchase. Come on, Forever 21 never offers discounts on their full priced items. So I was definitely all over this sale checking out things that I had put on the back burner because I wasn't sure it was necessary. And if you're a J. Crew addict like I am then you need to join their Factory mailing list. It gives you first dibs on new items plus free shipping the day before they go public online. Another little tidbit about J. Crew and their Factory websites, they always update their site at exactly midnight or 9pm for all us west coasters. Which means sales immediately go up at that time and they restock then too.  I almost always check both websites before going to bed. Call me crazy, but I've managed to score major sales on in demand items this way such as the sequined chevron tee last Fall.

Another little secret of mine is the Wrapp app. If you don't have it yet get it. It works with several large retailers like Old Navy, Victoria's Secret, and H&M, allowing you to send e-gift cards through their app. But what makes it so great is they often have promotions where you can get free gift cards. H&M, always offers a $6 gift amount that you can give to friends and receive from friends for FREE! I am constantly giving friends them and getting them in return. They sometimes even offer a $10 one and all you have to do is send your friends the free gift amount. I've saved so much money at H&M through this app. Gap and Old Navy sometimes offer free gift cards worth $5. So I'm telling you this app is a must have if you're a shopaholic like me. 

Outfit Details

Shirt & Skirt: H&M [recent] | Shoes: Shoedazzle [old, similar here] | Bag: Lockheart via Nordstrom Rack [old, similar here] | Necklace: Groopdealz | Bracelets: Groopdealz and Forever 21 | Sunnies: Coach Factory

Lastly, don't forget to stop by and enter the Blue Nile Earrings giveaway, today is your last day. 

Happy Shopping!

Linking up on: Style Sessions