The Budget Fashionista on Buying Watches
From LoveToKnow Watches
What an honor to interview The Budget Fashionista on buying watches. Most of us love the trendy, designer watches, but many of us can't afford the hefty prices associated with those brands. Kathryn Finney, better known as the Budget Fashionista, offers tips for buying women's watches.
About Kathryn Finney
Kathryn Finney is known as "America's Favorite Bargain Hunter". Her blog has become one of the top fashion blogs on the Internet, and her first book How To Be A Budget Fashionista: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Fabulous for Less is a bestseller. You may have seen Ms. Finney on television shows such as the "Today Show", "CNN Headline News" and "Good Morning America".
She was raised in the Midwest. After eight years of shopping, attending an Ivy League school to become an Epidemiologist and working as a budding politician, she was completely broke. When she had to use a credit card to buy Ramen noodles, Kathryn decided it was time to take charge of her finances. She married husband Tobias, who was very frugal, created Budget Fashionista, and has never looked back.
The queen of budget fashion answered the following questions on her inspirations, finding the best inexpensive watches, and how to save money on accessorizing.
Budget Fashionista Basics
You created the Budget Fashionista in 2003 and have also written a book by the same title. What was your inspiration?
The Budget Fashionista was created from a love of fashion, but a lack of cash. My inspiration was equal parts the need to get my financial self together and my love of designer handbags.
You list coupons and sales on your site. How much money can women save by using these deals?
A lot! Sometimes an additional 20 to 25 percent. Always, always check online to see if there's an online coupon you can print before heading out to the stores.
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends?
I attend New York and LA's fashion week, I read great sites and blogs, like Style.com and Women's Wear Daily, and just hang out in New York City.
Tips from The Budget Fashionista on Buying Watches
What is your number one tip for women who are on a budget but want the latest styles, particularly in watches?
My number one tip for women who want the luxury accessories, whether it be purses or watches, it to head to the off priced stores like TJ Maxx or Marshalls. At these stores you often find high-end watches for up to 75 percent off their retail price.
Let's chat about advice from the Budget Fashionista on buying watches... Some of the really hot styles are also really expensive. How can women choose a watch that looks in style, but will also save her money?
Shopping the off price stores and online at sites like Overstock.com can really save you a ton of money. I purchased my husband a Movado watch for 65 percent off retail price on Overstock. Also, try to find "inspired" versions of the watch at stores like Claire's, Target and Wal-Mart.
What is the better deal, a high-end watch you'll wear for years, or a lower end watch purchased more frequently?
It depends on who you are. If you're a watch person and like to collect watches, then the higher ones will do. If you just wear a watch to tell time or as a fashion statement, it might be better to stick to the lower end watches.
What is your take on used watches? Are they a good investment?
Used watches, especially luxury used watches, can be a great investment if purchased from a certified dealer. It's a great way to get that luxury piece at a fraction of the cost. Just make sure you stick with established known names such as Rolex, Skagen, etc.
What about women who put together their own looks, such as making a charm bracelet watch or adding a watch face to a handmade bracelet?
I love it.... Anything you can do to personalize your watch and make it your own.
Easiest Ways to Save Money and Stay in Style
Explain to our readers how you use sales to save even more money on fashionable items...
Everything eventually goes on sale, and the only reason to buy something at full price is because you absolutely must have it right then and there. Most stores put things on sale six to eight weeks after they hit the floor. Wait a few weeks and you'll find it on the sales rack.
What is your location-based strategy for hitting store sales?
Head to the back and to the corners. Stores rarely put their sales items along the hot spots- which is the aisle.
What are your future plans for Budget Fashionista?
Well, we're working on a TV show as well as another book.
A special thanks to Kathryn Finney for sharing her insights on buying watches at a fraction of the cost. In her spare time, Kathryn jokes that she likes to crank call credit card companies, use her glue gun with reckless abandon and drink low-fat soy chai lattes with her imaginary best friends Andre Leon Talley, Isaac Mizrahi and Oprah. With her wit and sense of humor, it's easy to see why her blog has become so successful. Be sure to stop by The Budget Fashionista to read her latest tips on saving money with style.
This page has been accessed 540 times. This page was last modified 17:13, 30 April 2008.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
