British Philosopher Francis Bacon stated, “Fashion is the only attempt to realize art in living forms and social intercourse.” Fashion is one of the most monumental forces in culture. What we choose to wear is actually just highly functional art. Now, this art form has given way to the artists behind the art. Fashion designers are on another level, bridging all knowledge of fashion together to perpetuate a new era of style. That being said, in this age we have the upper hand (too much of an upper hand) on fashion trends. If Kanye West wears something today, it’ll be sold out tomorrow. These swagger-jacking “hypebeasts” crave the attention that the celebrities have, so they steal their appearance. I’m sure Mark David Chapman would be proud… Some of us are more expressive in our style; we dig deep into that special place that allows us to create combinations that make us look and feel good. Confidence is everything in someone’s personal appearance and can only come from within. It cannot be found in the price tag of your garments, but how you wear them.
For those of you who are always looking how to expand your approach to clothing, check out these reviews on my favorite spots around the area to stay sharp for less than the price of your lunch. So skip a meal and step your style game up kids!
- (2$-10)
With less than 10 dollars, you could walk away with some killer stuff from these places.
- Salvation Army (Across the Tracks 115 E 3rd St, Lafayette, LA) – Thrift shopping is no secret. Go to this location right now and find some cool stuff. Men’s shirts are priced at $2.50 and you can always find some with like new quality. You’ll find great things like high quality men’s dress shirts worth $50 (95% savings!!)
- GoodBuys Good Will Outlet (On the Frontage Road 4712 Hwy 90 E, New Iberia, LA 70560) – May be a road trip to some, but if you want to get some serious thrifting done, look no further than here. EVERYTHING is priced at 2 dollars. No Tax. Just some incredible finds. You can go here and get a full, matching suit (tie included) for 8 dollars even (10 if you throw in the suspenders). After you get that tailored, you are ready for business. Less than 30 bucks later, you’ll have a high quality suit that looks like a $750 suit.
2. ($10-50)
Let’s take it up a notch.
- Burke’s Outlet (Right past the Ambassador intersection 5700 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA 70503) – This Burke guy is known for bringing us low prices. Outlets on items still popular today. You can find some cool stuff here. It’s a good place to find some solid staples, such as a white dress shirt. If you want cheap athletic wear I suggest this seller as well, if you want to look good while you workout for less.
- TJ Maxx (Conveniently next to Burkes Outlet) – TJ Maxx reigns supreme ruler of the slogan, “Designer clothing, without the designer prices”. If you stumble in the right location you may even find some Maison Martin Margiela. For those of us that aren’t into the Italian fashion scene, you can find some serious heat here. Ralph Lauren is usually priced half off, so whether you have a polo match coming up or you just have a thing for Americana, run over there and make a good steal. TJ is best place to find nice designer pants; corduroys, joggers, chinos, etc., some are even priced at $15.
3. ($50- up)
Who spends this much on lunch..
- If you made it this far, I will just give you some sound theology. I call this the 50 dollar rule. Given these above places, among others (do research) I believe that you should never spend over 50 on a garment of clothing. You can get high quality stuff for way less. If done right, you will look like you dropped $100s on your outfit every time. One thing that I do do, occasionally is spend over 50 on certain accessories. Shoes, Jewelry, and other accessories can and will take you over the top in your appearance (in the best way possible). Pair a 75-dollar pair of shoes with your 10-dollar outfit and look like a million bucks.
Never tread lightly. Always dress nicely.
Freetown Press 