Lilliana Vazquez: How to look stylish while saving big

Looking chic on a budget is never a simple task.

That’s where Lilliana Vazquez comes in. Since 2008, the fashion expert has been at the helm of the blog CheapChicas.com, focusing on shopping stylishly while saving.

Now, the recent Philadelphia-to-NYC transplant has penned a book, “The Cheap Chica’s Guide to Style” ($25), which includes smart shopping advice, strategies and more.

"I thought it was time to have a much more in-depth conversation with women about three things that are never talked about in the same sentence: shopping, styling and, most importantly, saving," she said.

What should a shopper’s game plan be upon entering a store?
Always start your shopping trip at the clearance rack. That sets your price barometer. If you walk into a store and see something that’s not on sale for $100, that could seem like a deal. But you haven’t seen what’s on the clearance rack yet. Adjust your sensitivity to what’s expensive and recalibrate what things actually cost.

How can shoppers resist the temptation of buying something just because it’s on sale?
A lot of that has to do with making a master shopping list. See if [the purchase] fits into your list. Also ask yourself, “If this were full price, would I be willing to buy it?” You’re still spending money.

Which types of items should shoppers definitely not splurge on?
Costume jewelry. Right now, there’s such expensive costume jewelry. I buy 99% of my jewelry at Forever 21 and Aldo. And print trends ... because they are so trendy and indicative of a [particular season]. Solids are a much better splurge.

What do you personally splurge on?
[Items that] I can work around in my closet five or six ways. ... I'm all about well-tailored blazers. I wear them over everything. Theory makes amazing blazers. I actually end up buying [a lot of them] during friends and family sales [at stores]. I do tend to splurge on premium denim because of [the way it's made]. Shoes and bags I splurge on because those are the luxe items that step up your Hanes men's T-shirt and jeans.

Where are the best places to score deals: designer discount stores like T.J. Maxx, websites, big-box stores, thrift shops?
A combination. I love the runway department at T.J. Maxx. You can find Stella McCartney blazers there. I also love eBay. Most of my designer bags and shoes have come from eBay. I got Chanel shoes for $240. A woman had bought them at a consignment store and they were too tight. They were $1,000 shoes.

What’s the biggest trend in NYC style?
There is a massive street style appeal that drives their shopping.

Share with us a NYC insider shopping trick.
Most of the designer buys happening are at consignment stores. People are cleaning out their closets. Chelsea has the best consignment shops, around 17th and Seventh. 

Any quality-check tips for thrift store shopping?
Look at the construction. Yes, it’s designer, but if the armholes are too low, that’s something a tailor cannot repair.