Fab Sab: Outfit Under $50

I am a firm believer that having style has nothing to do with how much you paid for a piece in your wardrobe. It's all about what inspires you, how you put it together, and knowing how to rock it.True style is eternal and you can not buy it- it's a bit like rhythm, you either have it or you don't. With that being said I definitely can dance but I am also a bargain shopper, have always been. I prefer to get most of my pieces at thrift shops, garage sales, department store sales, vintage expos and I do buy the occasional cheap & chic piece from lower end mall stores. I prefer to buy pre-owned clothing and accessories when I can. Not only is it economically friendly there is nothing like the hunt. I enjoy sifting through a round rack of old clothes that once was stuffed to the back of someone else's closet. Its true; one persons trash is another person's treasure. There also is no comparison to finding a unique piece that has already lived a life before you purchased it. I enjoy knowing that the pre-owned clothes I buy have a story and that once purchased it's next page is a chapter in my life. I also know that what I buy in a used clothing store usually means only I will be wearing it, since its mass production trend life cycle has already passed.

The cheaper price doesn't hurt either. I refuse to pay retail for anything! Working retail both on the front lines and behind the scenes as a buyer has ruined me. Since I am now aware of how much things actually cost to make, the ridiculously cheap quality the fashion industry has come to depend on and the super high mark up, not to mention a built in markdown cost I can no longer buy anything at retail price because I just feel like I am cheating myself. And trust me they are cheating you too - but I won't get too ranty right now- that's a whole other blog post.

Bottom line is an outfit does not need to cost an arm and a leg.This outfit costed me a grand total of $38.94! I styled everything around the striped denim pants I got at H&M last week for $4.95. Yes, these amazing ass-flattering pants were under 5 bucks! I originally got that too-good-to-be-true feeling in my gut when I picked them up to try them on because well, something that is on promotion for $4.95 has got to have some major flaws, right!? Like maybe the fabric is paper thin, or maybe they are capable of showing your thong because they are so low when you crouch down, or maybe the cut is just weird? Turns out they are not that bad. I mean obviously the most picky person in the world bought them, me.I even got a few compliments on my ass-et if ya know what I mean. Also only 5 bucks were these cute booties I got at a garage sale last Spring. Can't beat that price! The backpack is perfect for my commute. I picked it up a few summers ago at a thrift store in San Diego for 3 bucks! I find myself wearing it everyday now. Why backpacks ever went "out" of style is beyond me. My blouse is the most pricey at $17.99 from Forever 21. Hello, on trend outfit for under $50 dollars.