Lately I’ve been asked how I afford all my clothes, because if you follow me on Instagram at @stylebybreedlove, you’ll see that I have A LOT of clothes. It may look like I have thousands to spend on clothes, but that’s not the reality.

Here’s the secret…

I keep my clothes for years and years and years. Let me explain… my style is not “super on trend” for a reason, because my soul simply can’t find creativity and individuality in the trend limelight. I sincerely HAVE to be me, and dress like ME. I can not do what the fashion industry is telling me at that exact moment and in that exact season.

Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE to incorporate fashion trends into my wardrobe. Why you ask, after all you just said? Because it keeps my style relatable. I want people to enjoy my outfit. Dressing myself is an art, and why wouldn’t I try to relate to the people who follow my style?

Fashion is a language. And if you aren’t speaking english to those who only speak english, you’ll lose them.

So for the trendy items, I buy them on super sale or buy them at a cheaper store. I do this because the will fall out of trend in a few months, and why would I spend $30 on a bandana to tie around my neck, when I can buy it at a craft store for $1 and it look exactly the same? Sometimes, the brand label just isn’t worth it.

For all my other clothes, I keep them as long as I can. I wash my clothes carefully and hang dry a lot of them to keep them lasting as long as possible. I don’t usually buy anything full price unless I’ve designed something in my head and have been waiting to find that perfect top for months (or even years!) So if I find that, I’ll splurge. Otherwise, I buy everything on super sale. A girl’s got to eat and pay rent!

Also, I’ll ask for my mom to take me shopping for Christmas instead of asking for things under the tree. That saves me money too! But instead of heading to the store with nothing in mind, I like to plan out what I’ve been yearning for. While I’m putting my outfits together day after day after day, I’ll be thinking…”if only I had white flats to wear with this.” After I find myself thinking of that item for a few weeks-months, I write that down on my Wishlist, so I know what to look for when going shopping.

In conclusion, save your clothes! Throw them out if you aren’t wearing them between the 6 month-1 year mark. You won’t wear those items anyway. But if you wear them once every now and then, but not very often, keep it anyway. It will eventually roll back around when it’s back on trend, and you won’t have to spend another $50 just to get it back into your closet 2 years after you throw it away. Just stick it in the back of your closet, it won’t be in your way ;-).

– Breed style, Breedlove.

The perfect picture to capture Style By Breedlove. Dancing in her element while wearing some of her favorites and at one of her favorite places, The Gathering LA in North Hollywood.