A Shameless Plug in Style

For the better part of a year, I have been selling clothes to afford a lifestyle that, as has become part of my identity, involves not repeating an outfit.

It started when I worked at J.Crew when I’d buy “kill priced” items, or clothes that were damaged, out of season, unsellable for whatever reason, etc. I’d get whatever items, bring them home, “revamp” them, and wear them for a while until I chose to sell them in Facebook groups or to close friends. The result was a side hustle that, until recently, was part of my private life.

Since starting The Fall from Grace, I have found that my most effective writing is personal, raw, emotional, and a side of me that is hidden for whatever reasons. Baring my heart and soul for this blog has been a journey that I am truly grateful for.

When I was between jobs, I was trying to afford a lifestyle that involved regular commuting into the city, eating out with friends, and of course, looking stylish on a budget. And boy, it is hard. Transportation and food has always taken precedence over new clothes, but I had to stay true to myself.

So what did I do? I thrifted. And for those of you who “could never,” I have rocked high-end and designer clothes for a fraction of the cost of buying brand new. And when I had worn my pieces in 3+ ways, I’d restore and resell them. The profit would fund something new and the cycle would continue.

My point is that you don’t have to sacrifice your paycheck to look good. As my point tends to be, you have to make use of the resources you have. And in the meantime, you can learn and pick up a new skill.

I’ve learned how to sew, learned how to restore darkened leather (which is long and tedious, so I don’t usually do it but it IS a great thing to know), learned how to crochet and repair sweaters, and make bleach stains and rips in old jeans to make their value jump to American Eagle prices.

I decided to make the hustle public because I have way too many things to sell and not a big-enough audience to buy. As I’m sure anyone in or just out of college would agree, clothes are an investment. Especially good clothes. So this post is sort of a shameless plug to BUY MY STUFF (https://www.instagram.com/gracesclosetwoohoo/), but also to remind you that there are still options for the budget-strained student to look good.

Need further proof? I bought an authentic Gucci belt for $25, which was sold at a damage price because the inside of the belt was scratched. Scratched. I bought a $250 J.Crew coat for $35 because the buttons were missing. After an hour and a few added buttons later, the coat was restored to its former glory.

Anything is possible with a little creativity and a determination to look good.