How Amazon Has Become My One Stop Fashion Shop

Amazon.com. One domain name and a million items populate the mind. From celery juice, fine cheeses, lingerie, long-lasting succulents, athletic gear or natural deodorant, you name it and Amazon has totally got it. We all know Amazon is perfect for our daily home needs, but what about using this infinite resource to budget consciously update your wardrobe?!

During a recent closet refresher (I recently moved in with my boyfriend and had to do some SERIOUS closet condensation), I realized just how many items I needed to get rid of to usher a new era of stylistic energy that I wanted to achieve. But with a new wardrobe comes inevitable spending, which we’re all trying to avoid. With this in mind, I embarked on my closet makeover with a frugal outlook while keeping a an eye out for comfort and an aesthetic that authentically reflects my current mood in life.

I'm all about a high-low approach to fashion, as I know the importance of purchasing key staple articles of clothing that I can get extended use of for years to come. For this reason, I don't mind splurging when it comes to those versatile items, such as a solid pair of jeans, nude high heels, a trench coat, or a structured blazer. However, when it comes to adding some flair or trying out a new trend, I try to shop more conservatively. Shopping on Amazon is especially useful when it comes to trying out new trends that could potentially be a risky, use-only-once kind of purchase. 

Yes, we love teeny tiny sunglasses, but would we actually want to spend precious funds to buy a designer pair, only to use for a music festival? I think not. Make the most of your Prime account and pair one of the below affordable trendy alternatives with some of your favorite designer go-to pieces.

Band T-Shirts

A staple trend that seems to make a resurgence every year is the classic band t-shirt. You can't go wrong expressing your musical taste in a chic and fashionable way, especially when you have good taste in music. Although I'm totally guilty of scooping up a high-priced Free People Dreamers graphic tee ($68) from time to time (they are just SO soft), Amazon is my new jam for incredible vintage band tees. As a die hard classic rock gal, my new tie-dye Pink Floyd tee purchase (under $25) has become a favorite, especially when paired with my go-to Alice + Olivia high-rise bell-bottom jeans or some cut-off shorts.

Platform Sandals

From the start of spring, I became fixated on finding the perfect pair of neutral, tan, platform sandals. Unfortunately, it seemed like a pipe dream for because I tried on an endless selection at various department stores and even ordered a few expensive high-end designer options, all ending in return for whatever random reason; the ankle strap was too loose, the sole was too wide, they were uncomfortable after a whopping 10 minutes of walking...etc. Regardless, the platform sandal and I just didn't seem to mesh. Cut to my virtual shopping and landing on what appeared to be the perfect pair of platform sandals that I had been seeking for only $33 (I believe I paid less thanks to a coupon!).

I didn't want to get overly excited due to my aforementioned history with platform sandal purchases and they were also the first shoes I had ever ordered on Amazon. A gorgeous four days later and my shoes had arrived in perfect condition. The true to size fit blew me away as they were literally the MOST comfy platform sandals I had tried on yet! My excitement could not be contained as I contently walked around town with my perfectly elevated sandals. These are great because I can literally pair them with ANYTHING, as they elevate a casual day-time outfit and tones down a potentially too sexy look -- yes there's totally a difference between a mini-dress paired with stilettos and paired with chunky sandals. I practically take these everywhere now and as I live in Florida they will work like a charm all year long.

Hexagonal Sunglasses

I must admit, I'm a sucker for trendy sunglasses. I typically don't hesitate to purchase a more expensive pair that I'm really longing for, as I use them so frequently and prefer they endure. I've been lusting over the Ray-Ban Hexagonal Metal Frame lenses ($106), but had no interest in shelling out for yet another pair of gold framed rays. So rather than bite the bullet, I found an exact replica by Amazon featured vendor HTMS for a whopping $14.95. Not only do I love the fit and look, they actually feel legitimately polarized and have endured many an accidental drop. They are so cool that my boyfriend even purchased the exact same pair in gold and black and he never buys anything new.

Sunglass Chain

An accessory I wanted to test out but not drop an hour's worth of my paycheck for, see funky affordable alternative from Amazon ($6). I love these now as I can use them with anything from my Prada sunglasses to my new HTMS shades and even my reading glasses.

Belt Bag

Fanny packs came back swinging onto the fashion scene, enough so that they accounted for nearly a quarter of the US accessories industry's growth in the first 10 months of 2018. Now stylistically referred to as "belt bags," the purse is more a luxurious commodity than hands-free storage method, with trending designers charging upwards of $500 for a basic belt bag. I'm guilty of refreshing the real real on repeat and telling myself that yes I need a YSL belt bag immediately. Proud to say my will power was stronger than my need to be extra, so I logged into my prime account and set out to find the perfect waist purse. I was pleased to see that the options were plentiful and I opted for a very basic and minimalist design. The thin brown belt actually functions as a belt, with or without the removable pouch, which also doubles as a purse with shoulder strap. Basically you're getting a three-in-one belt bag for ($14), need I say more?

White Bodysuit

An absolute wardrobe staple is the solid-colored body suit. You can literally throw on a body suit with any bottom and have a fitted foundation to any outfit. Depending on the vibe you're feeling, you can go from a boho-type long maxi skirt with sandals, to a structured skirt with stilettos (toss on a blazer for an even more polished look), or jeans with chunky platforms. Another great use is that they tend to suck in your imperfection and provide a sleek appearance to your body. I am always seeking a new body suit design, as I style them for everything from business meetings to date nights or even with sweat pants, totally not kidding. While a super yummy, knit designer body suit is always goals, give the look a try with this strappy white one-piece for under $15. For something with sleeves, try this style by MANGOPOP for $12.

Remember to always keep Galavanting! x Alexia