Very Official Shopping Guide

About a month and a half ago, I posted on Instagram asking you all what content you would like to see from me. Now that I am on summer break from school, I have much more time to focus on blogging. One of you requested I write a post on where I buy my clothes. I now present to you my Very Official Shopping Guide! Let's break it down. 

American Apparel

Okay, so, they went bankrupt, and are a shopping destination of the past, but I have many pieces from AA that I love. Their tennis skirts, halter dresses, and turtlenecks will always hold a special place in my heart. The store on Newbury Street here in Boston is now closed for eternity. RIP to an iconic clothing oasis and my teenage fashion dreams.

Aritzia

Aritzia has the most elegant, effortlessly-chic pieces of clothing. They make their pieces in the most luxe fabrics, from suede to silk. I am obsessed with their dresses, skirts, and outerwear especially. Aritzia is a go-to for me for quality wardrobe staples and special articles I will have for years to come.

ASOS
I love the variety ASOS has. The online-only shop sell clothes, shoes, and accessories that suit any look for anyone. Their range of sizes is incredible, which I give them serious props for. The ASOS Petite collection is my fashion life-saver. The proportions are perfection; pants and dresses are never too long for my barely 5-foot-nothing frame. Plus, the vast majority of items ASOS sells are reasonably priced and the 10% year-round student discount is a win. If I'm looking for something I can't seem to find anywhere else, ASOS almost always carries it.

Brandy Melville

As I write this, I am wearing a Brandy Melville T-shirt, sweater, and sweatpants. Brandy Melville is a go-to of mine for basics. Their simple T-shirts never disappoint and are so soft and cozy. However, unlike ASOS, they are "one-size fits all." SAD! I own all sorts of pieces from Brandy Melville: tops, skirts, shorts, jeans, dresses, chokers, bags, and hats. I've found their items to be very good quality. I've had some pieces on rotation for over three years now and they still look great. Brandy is also one of my favorite accessory destinations. Their jewelry, hats, and bags are not to be missed. 

Buffalo Exchange
This thrift store is vibin'. They carry secondhand as well as new pieces that are "in" at the moment and make a statement. Their collection is meticulously curated. I found my beloved Ramones band T-shirt there as well as a pair of jeans I'm absolutely in love with (I bet I have worn them over 100 times) and a chic, heather grey knit bodycon dress. I haven't been there in a year, but I want to go back soon because it is a fashion goldmine, although they are a bit pricer than your local Goodwill. 

Emerson College

Yes, this is my college. Yes, I am including it as a place I get clothes. Yes, I am being wicked serious. Here's why; at the end of the year, everyone on campus has the opportunity to get rid of clothes they don't want at what we call the "Shop & Swap." I have found the most amazing pieces through this, from J Brand jeans (major win) and pieces with tags still on, to vintage items, all in impeccable condition,for free! Thanks, Emerson!

Forever 21

In my opinion, summer is Forever 21's best season, followed by fall. It's high tide for the fast-fashion retailer right now. Forever 21 has it all. Their jewelry is A+ as are their tops and skirts. Although it can often times be a hit or miss, when I find the right F21 piece, it's a big deal. I either leave Forever 21 empty handed or with a haul; there is no in-between.

Free People

When I want to go boho, Free People is my go-to. Their pieces are so unique and intricately made, like they were designed by woodland fairies. Their dresses and tops always make a statement. Side note: I recently purchased a sequin rainbow scrunchie from them and it is my everything.

Goodwill

Another fab thrift store. Thrifting is honestly one of my all-time favorite activities. (How many times have I used the phrase "all-time favorite" in this post?) Pros of thrifting: it's eco-friendly, incredibly affordable, often times benefits a charity, and is a lot of fun. I get a rush from scouring the racks trying to find that one special piece. Goodwill has a great selection most of the time, but it of course varies by location. 

H&M

What can't I find at H&M? They have practically built the foundation of my wardrobe. Everything is on point all the time. I'm obsessed with their denim, basics, trendy pieces, knitwear, you name it! A trip to H&M has rarely left me disappointed and empty handed.

LF Stores

LF has a total Coachella vibe. Their pieces are very unique and inspired by the edgy, bohemian LA aesthetic. Three words for you: shop the sales. They have end of season sales and they are incredible.  I found a pair of jeans for $28 that were originally $238 and they are one of my favorite pairs I've ever owned. Seriously; shop the sales.

Madewell
Madewell is another one of those stores that sells great quality pieces. They are a bit more expensive, so shopping sales is what I prefer. Their denim is incredible. I especially love "The Jean Jacket." Plus, they offer a 15% off student discount all year long.

Nordstrom
Nordstrom. Where to begin. My all-time favorite department store. I buy everything here: clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories, makeup, you name it. My most-loved brands and designers they carry include Topshop, Free People, Adidas, Michael Kors, and Rebecca Minkoff.

Nordstrom Rack

Fantastic for shoes and accessories. I got all my big hoop earrings here for $10 a pair. Can't beat it. I'm Nordstrom obsessed, so the fact everything here is on sale 24/7 is a huge win. The savings are incredible. 

Rebecca Minkoff
Rebecca Minkoff makes some of my favorite handbags. Her designs are chic and timeless all at once. My favorite handbag I own of hers is now discontinued, which makes me sad. It was called the "Mini MAB" aka the handbag I carry 99.9% of the time. I was hoping to get it in other colors someday. She has other bags similar to it, but the "Mini MAB" will forever be my fave. 

Reformation
I've only ever shopped the sales here. I will say, I own two dresses from them and they are two of my most-loved dresses I have. What I love most about Reformation is their clothes have a far less environmental impact than clothes from typical fast fashion retailers and are made in LA. Plus, everything they make is adorable and I want all of it.

Sam Edelman

A go-to footwear destination of mine. I own their oh-so-comfy and chic sandals, loafers, and booties. They suit any outfit. If I'm not mistaken, the brand offers a student discount in stores.

Savers Thrift

My favorite place to "pop some tags" is the Savers in my small New Hampshire hometown...who knew?! Whenever I come home for school breaks I stop by. I already went twice this summer and found incredible pieces like a velvet dress that looks like something straight out of Stevie Nicks' closet and Levi's. Honestly, why spend $80 on Levi's jeans when you can find them at a thrift store like Savers for under $10? They'll have that lived-in feel and be just as good of quality. 

T.J. Maxx

T.J.Maxx has been I store I've loved for years. I've been wearing their clothes since I was little. I am never disappointed on a trip to T.J.'s. Clothes, shoes, handbags, and jewelry are my favorite departments. What's great at T.J.Maxx is they carry clothes from a whole bunch of brands and the savings are amazing! I have scored Free People and Tularosa pieces for a whole lot less. 

Topshop

Topshop is very special to me. One of my favorite stores for sure. Their petite line is perfection. I own a few pairs of the "Petite Joni Jeans" and they are my favorite high waisted skinny jeans ever. I swear by them. Their skirts are fantastic as are their dresses, tops, knits, and outerwear. Topshop's shoes are also gorgeous. Oh, and their jewelry is really good! If it's Topshop, I'll buy it. Topshop has a 10% student discount.

Uniqlo
HeatTech Turtlenecks. That's all. I shall say no more. 

Urban Outfitters

I come here every now and then just to shop the sale racks. Can you say $10 flannels?! Their dresses make me swoon. 

Zara

Where do I begin with Zara. They are another one of my favorite stores. Zara has filled my wardrobe with beautiful, fashion pieces that have a haute couture vibe. Seriously. Zara is so good at what they do. I love their outerwear, jeans, rompers, tops, dresses, and knitwear the most. Zara slays the street style game every time. They keep getting better! Idk how they do it! I have done school projects on this store I could go on and on. #Obsessed. 

There you have it; the places I get my clothes! Where do you love to shop?

~Bitsy