The White Shirt Collection: Staying Chic on a Budget

Staying chic is a must for the fashion forward lady on the go, but going through the motions of "Confessions of a Shopaholic " is most definitely not a requirement to stay chic. Balancing a healthy fashion budget has been a dilemma for the fashion obsessed for quite sometime, so Confessions of the Collection decided to compose a list of helpful tips to keep you stylish but savings worthy.

Shop & Save with the following tips:

The Classic white button down shirt can styled for casual wear or dressed up.

• Stock up on quality staples ~ Purchasing quality staples that will last a long time and are outfit interchangeable is a huge way to stretch you shopping budget. Invest in a quality cotton button down white shirt, a great pair of dark wash jeans, a tailored fit pencil skirt and of course the LBD. You can mix these staples with just about anything and accessorize them with more trendy but less expensive  pieces to give them a updated feel.
• Your New BFFs: Designer Outlets & Sample Sales ~ Designer outlets and sample sales offer the opportunity to purchase amazing pieces to add to your wardrobe at phenomenal discounted prices. Most outlets discounts start at 40% or more off of the original price and can go as high as 90% of the price. The key to shopping outlets is to inquire about any additional % off days; Wednesday may be an extra 30% off in addition to normal discounts and outlet only coupons. Our favorite outlet stores are Saks Off Fifth, Nordstroms Rack, Loehmann's and Neiman Marcus' Last Call. Also keep in mind the designer owned outlets such as stores like Tory Burch & Kate Spade. We live for sample sales where there is often one of  a kind pieces that the designer will offer for just a fraction of the price. The key to sample sales is to get there early and be armed to purchase. Getting on a sample sale list is top priority since they are often done at impromptu locations. 
• Get on the List ~ Getting on the e-newsletter list for major retailers, local boutiques and online boutiques such as Q's Collections is often a great way to score an exclusive deal or savings. Fashion retailers often let their newsletter readers know about VIP deals, special sales events or previews and a host of other great deals that the general public won't receive. Hint: Join our mailing list :-) for  upcoming events and sales.
• To Consign or Not ~ Shopping consignment and resale shops is another way to get a great deal on clothing. Often these shops are reselling barely or slightly used pieces that are practically new. Many of the upscale consignment shops carry a host of designer items along with unique one of a kind items. This is also a great opportunity for you to sell items of your own that are in good condition but not in use.

Our Confession: Filene's Basement, an outlet store since 1909, it's a fashionista's heaven. We crave the day they make way to Houston.