Corporate Fashion on a Budget

I absolutely hate clothes that look and feel cheap.  Cheap often looks unpolished and unprofessional, but it' a fact of life that we can't all spend thousands of dollars on clothes every month.

Another problem for me is that shopping at cheap clothing stores is hard, you have to literally hunt for the clothes that might look alright.  It's much easier to walk into Cue and buy whatever they have in season.  Similarly, I can always find an Oroton bag that I want, but it's rare that I find a bag at Equip that I like.

The biggest problem is my credit cards.

So I thought I'd do a short run-down of where I try to find corporate clothing that doesn't break the bank, but also doesn't look hideously cheap.

Valleygirl

Valleygirl's clothes often copy those of other major labels, but without the price.   Beware of cheap material, shrinkage when you wash them and see-through clothing.

Midi Skirt Dress $24.95
Try this dress with opaque stockings and a collared long sleeve shirt underneath.

Long Loose Fit Shirt $24.95

Ruffle Frill Cardigan $29.95
Get the Alannah Hill look, for less.

Ebay

Ebay is a great place to get cheap second hand clothes.   Cue, Veronika Maine, Witchery, Country Road, Review... it's all here, you just have to be willing to check every so often and keep track of the prices.   Also, if you have old Cue clothes that don't fit anymore they go for good money on Ebay.   One of the best things about buying Cue etc on Ebay is that if you know your size and what suits you, you can pretty much shop without having to try things on.   I have two full Cue skirt suits I bought on Ebay for around $70 each.

Barkins

Barkins is not bad for a quick shopping fix, the quality is not the best, but this is more visible on some items than others.   It's best to go in store, try the stuff on and see it in real life rather than buying online.

Pleat Swing Shirt $19.95

Basic Suit Dress $49.95

Forcast

Forcast is like the SES of corporate clothing.  The store scares me a little.

Jacinta Major Frill Top $39.95

Jelena Collar Coat $99.95

Remember:  As Gucci once said "Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten";  on the other hand "If one wants to get out and stay out of debt, he should act his wage."