TFM Fashion

Lessons From a Top Fashion Blogger: How to Dress High-End for Cheap

There are some people who need to spend thousands of dollars to look chic,and then there are people who just have really incredible style – and one of those people is Martha Graeff. On a daily basis this crazy beautiful lady is wearing the chicest outfits, and shows them off on her amazing fashion blog Around In Style. Most women would kill to have access to her closet, but I wanted to know if everything she wore was super high-end. I was happily surprised to find that some of her favorite pieces were actually super affordable. Here are her tips on how to to stay up on the trends and still look super high-end on on a budget.

You always dress super chic and on-trend. What is the best way to stay up to date on high-fashion trends so you know what to look for when you’re out shopping?

I try to follow blogs that inspire me – some of my favorites are Luxury Shoppers and Man Repeller. Everyday I visit fashion blogs online, as well as sites with street photography like Street Peeper. These show the latest trends on the coolest people around the world. I also check into Style.com for the latest fashion scoops.

What is your advice for picking out items in affordable stores that look high-end?

* When I’m shopping and spot something I like, I always try to imagine the item on a full look already accessorized. Sometimes the clothes on the racks are crumpled, and don’t always look their best in the middle of thousands of other things. Realize that when you take it home, wash and iron it – it will look like a thousand dollars!

* Beading and other embellishments can also make a top or dress look more expensive. Zara and H&M are great for pieces like this.

* Try and choose materials that don’t wrinkle very easily. There’s nothing worse than wearing it for 5 minutes and looking like a mess the rest of the night.

* Store collaborations with designers like Prabal Gurung for Target or The Maison Martin Margiela for H&M are a great opportunity to grab high end designs for less – so try and get to them before they sell out!

I asked Martha to put together a few of her favorite affordable looks for some inspiration: 

high-end for lessThe trend: Peplum

Cap: Urban Outfitters $19

Shirt: H&M $14.95

Skirt: RiverIsland.com $33

Bag: American Apparel $46

Total Cost of Outfit = $112.95

 

high end for less

 

The trend: neon knits

Top: Prabal Gurung for Target: $22.99

Bag: H&M $29.99

Skirt: Boutique $100 (mixing more expensive pieces is ok!)

Necklace: Top Shop $30

Clutch: Top Shop $59

Total Cost of Outfit = $241.98

photo copyThe trend: florals & lace

Top: Prabal Gurung for Target $26.99

Shorts: Top Shop $64.00

Total Cost of Outfit: $93.99

 

 

photoThe trend: Biker chic

Vest: H&M $34.95

Shorts: Urban Outfitters $39

Yellow Clutch: American Apparel $46

Total Cost of Outfit: $119.95

 

Special thanks to Martha for showing us how to dress high-end for cheap. Get out of your fashion comfort zone, have a little imagination, and have everyone asking where you got your cute little outfit.

 

 

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