20 Favourites Under $150
It's the Friday shopping guide! + thoughts on affordable fashion
Happy Friday! And happy TTPD day to all those celebrating - I have it on in the background while I’m finishing up this post (a double album - not okay!), and also am holding out to watch the latest episode of Sugar tonight. It’s been a big day of new releases!!!
Earlier this week, Shameless Media announced the launch of their new fashion newsletter and podcast Style-ish. In the lead up to this, they pushed a poll out on the Shameless social media channels asking their followers a series of questions related to fashion, particularly their values when it comes to purchases. The response was overwhelming with over 15,000 people participating, and the results were very interesting to say the least. When asked what the main priorities were when it comes to fashion, the vast majority (79.8% to be exact) responded with affordability and brand affinity. Not sustainability - but affordability.
There is sooo much to be said about this topic (and I will start saving and sharing Substack posts that can articulate the nuance of this issue way better than I could), but with the state of the world and economy right now, I’m not surprised that this is the current sentiment. Despite the best of intentions and the fact that consumers would love to only be able to shop sustainably, it is simply just not realistic for a lot of people to be spending a premium for the same item they could get for less. If they need a new coat, they’re buying the one that looks the best in the price range they can afford, and that’s the reality. There’s so much to be done about this, but I don’t believe the burden falls (or should fall) solely on the shoulders of the consumer.
Conscious affordability is definitely one of my main focuses when I bring you shopping guides and content, because I know the reality of loving fashion but not being able to afford it very well. Only a few short years ago, I had spent my life savings to start a tech startup in the beauty space. I learnt the hard way that there’s a reason why founders go out and raise capital - playing in the startup world (especially in tech) is expensive. Everything I made outside of the business was funnelled straight back in, until eventually I suffered extreme burnout (being a solo female founder in tech is the fastest way to ruin you!!), decided to shut it down indefinitely and got back into a 9-5 buying job.
During this time, fast-fashion was quite literally the only thing I could afford. And as much as I was strict on my no-shopping rule, there were genuinely things I still needed. There is a lot that I learnt about fast-fashion and my own shopping and spending habits during this time, but one of the most valuable takeaways was gaining the awareness of what is worth the cheaper price tag vs what isn’t (followed closely by you don’t need more things - you just need the right things, and if you wouldn’t pay full price for it, don’t buy it on sale.)
Right now, my personal philosophy on fast fashion is this: it’s a necessary evil, but there’s also a line to be drawn with who you shop with. I also steer clear of any fast-fashion company that is purely online.
In today’s post, I wanted to share with you 20 of my current favourites finds under $150 (AUD) for those who are wanting to shop on trend, decent quality pieces that won’t break the bank.
I really enjoy putting together guides like this because the feedback I get whenever I do one is it’s genuinely practical and useful. So if you want to see more (or less) of these affordable guides, please reply back to this email or leave a comment to let me know!
BAYSE // Cassia Tank - $59.95
Bayse is one of my absolute favourite brands for good quality staples and basic trending wardrobe pieces. $60 for a tank that is good quality is absolutely worth it in my opinion compared to the $29 tank that will probably get holes after one season. It’s worth spending that little bit extra on something that will be one of the most worn items in your wardrobe (like socks and underwear). The Cassia is my favourite cut of theirs, but unfortunately many sizes are out of stock at the moment. They do however have a range of other similar styles (I notably also love the new Carrie tank too).
HENNE // Leila Tank - $89
Another one of my favourite brands for basic tops is Henne, although they are on the slightly pricier end. Whether you’re after a tank like this or a long sleeve top, they have most bases covered for anything you could possibly need to put together a traditional capsule wardrobe.
SNDYS x REVOLVE // Emiliana Top - $102
The way my jaw dropped when I saw the price of this button up top for what it is. SNDYS makes some great on trend pieces, although the sizing can be super hit and miss sometimes. I love this for Summer styled with shorts or a black mini skirt!
As a note - when I added this on here this morning there was a full size run and now it is saying most are sold out. Unless there was a glitch or someone posted it between then and now and sold the top out, I’m keeping this here just incase this is a mistake or they decide to release more!
LE SPECS // Outta Love Sunglasses - $70
Le Specs is always a great brand for inexpensive sunglasses! This style in particular is one of my favourites from them at the moment.
GLASSONS // Cotton Fold Over Flare Pants - $39.99
Glassons is also another brand that can be a bit hit and miss, so I generally steer clear of any of their PU styles/fast-fashion trending pieces that I know I’d only probably wear once or twice. These fold over flare pants however are similar to the sold out CSB style I have been waiting for a restock on. Their singlets and basics I also quite like (although they are on the cheaper quality end).
GLASSONS // Longline Denim Jacket - $89.99 & Low Rise Denim Mini Skirt - $39.99
Another thing I surprisingly like from Glassons is their denim. I have had a few pairs of jeans from them that actually fit and wear quite well. Double denim is a big thing right now, and I love this jacket and mini skirt set for a fun alternative to a classic blue wash. I’d wear this to dinners or as a casual going out/party outfit.
ZARA // Snakeskin Print Cowboy Boots - $139
Every shoe I’ve bought from Zara I have loved. Some take longer to wear in than others, but generally speaking I think the quality for what they are is great and lasts me through multiple seasons. I am obsessed with these snake print cowboy boots they have out at the moment. I would style them with the set above for a night out, or under jeans for a day of shopping/in the office.
HEAVEN MAYHEM // Mini Knot Earring - $140
I don’t think there will ever be a time this brand will put out a style I don’t love. If there’s one thing I have learnt not to skimp out on - it’s jewellery! Especially pieces you will be wearing everyday. Most of their earrings are beyond the $150 mark, but these mini knot earrings fall just under. I think these are the perfect statement earrings for everyday wear.
PS - I have a few pairs of their earrings and they did hurt my ears the first few times. They’ve stopped now, but just an FYI incase the same thing happens to you!
ZARA // Oval Shoulder Bag - $55.95
I am an avid fan/wearer of Zara’s accessories, and like their shoes, every bag I have bought from them has ended up lasting me through multiple seasons. I also find myself picking up these unbranded bags over my designer bags lately. When buying from Zara, it’s all about knowing the right things to buy. With their bags, I usually stick to purchasing their shoulder bags, and I love this staple black one they have out at the moment.
ZARA // Faux Leather Puffer Jacket - $119
Last week I posted a leather puffer jacket roundup, but have since also come across this faux leather puffer too. I promise this post isn’t dedicated to Zara, but their outerwear (specifically jackets) is another thing I can’t fault from them.
STYLEADDICT // Camille Cardigan - $88
Styleaddict is one of those brands that has great basics for the office, but with a Bella Hadid vibe (once you see their range, you’ll get what I’m talking about). Knitted cardigans worn half-buttoned up with skirts and pants is a huge theme right now, and I love the design and affordability of this one!
UNIQLO // Socks - $4.90
If you’re looking to incorporate the red trend into your wardrobe, an inexpensive way to do so is through… socks! I love the look of a red sock worn with black ballet flats and a skirt, or with loafers and jeans.
ADIDAS // SL 72 - $150
A new and popular style from Adidas climbing the ranks at the moment is the SL 72. I love both this green and the brown colourway (that a few celebrities have also been spotted wearing out lately). If you’re wanting to add some colour into your sneaker rotation, these would be my pick!
AIM’N // Ribbed Seamless Flare Tights - $99
Now that we’ve entered the activewear part of this post, these are my absolute must have go-to flare tights (I’m wearing them right now). Ribbed pants aren’t everyones style preference, but the thicker waistband on these are SO flattering and snatch you in all the right places, while also being extremely comfortable. These are a 10/10 in my books and the best $99 I have ever spent on activewear tights (I do everything in these including working out).
LEELO ACTIVE // Sculpt Fitted Tee - $69.95
If you’re looking for more affordable activewear brands, one of my other favourites is Perth based brand Leelo Active. Not only have they nailed the fit, but their colour palette and sleek designs are just so good too. One of my favourites from them is this sculpt fitted tee - which I find surprising that not that many brands do (or do well)!!??
LIONESS // Olsen Coat - $139
This Lioness coat has been a staple style in their collections for a few years now. I’ve added the blue here (for a bit of colour to this list!), but they do make this also in a black, grey and beige. Lioness is a ~relatively~ fast fashion brand with collections dropping monthly and their quality can also be a bit hit and miss sometimes. Personally, I’ve found that everything I have bought from them I wear often (as long as it’s not a trend piece). If you’re on a budget, I think this is a pretty decent option.
LSPACE // Ryder Bag - $136
Revolve is a treasure trove of hidden gems if you know where to look for reasonably priced items. If you’re coming into Summer (or travelling to Europe this summer), the number one bag I reached for over the summer is a black raffia woven bag. This one from LSPACE is the perfect alternative to a leather bag for your vacations or everyday summer wardrobe!
ZARA // Leather Ballet Flats - $105
I included these in my Autumn Shoes Hot List post - but these leather flats from Zara at only $105 are too good not to include again.
CSB // Isabelle Mathers Oversized Knit Sweater - $139.99
When CSB’s flare yoga pants restock, I have them along with this 1/4 zip ready to go in my cart. This looks like the most perfect, cosy, oversized throw on jumper for morning walks/everyday lounging!
KITTE // Bond Earrings - $99
When I first came across this jewellery brand a couple of months ago, one of the pieces that stood out to me immediately was these earrings. They aren’t exact copies, but they’re very similar to Tiffany’s link earrings. They also make them in a diamanté version for a dressier option which I LOVE for an event like a wedding if chunky earrings aren’t your style!
I have so many other small brands on my list to be included, so let me know what you think and if you want to see more of these roundups! See you again in Monday night’s post!!
Alexa x