Fashion and funds – surely, the two have a serious love/hate relationship. For most people I know, the combination is far from the perfect match. In fact, every fashion-fan I know has a Chanel fund (I’m pinching my pennies for a Prada!). But what do you do when you need a wardrobe update NOW and on a budget? Luckily, I have a few style pointers that won’t break the bank.

1. DIY – Take household items, a few basic tools, a sense of imagination, and voilà – you might just find yourself rockin’ your favourite new statement piece! Try making a cute feather headband, create a crazy chain necklace or re-imagine an old t-shirt. Photo courtesy of P.S. – I Made This…

2. Rework Your Wardrobe – Go to a tailor and update those old pieces that you have lying in your closet. Find new ways to wear old jackets, blazers and denim. Stud it, chain it, crop it, and heck, why not channel the Gaga and add in some shoulder pads? Photo courtesy of Park & Cube.

3. Shop your B.F.’s Closet – Boyfriends and best friends (B.F.’s) are always great sources for style inspiration. Try arranging a clothing swap with your girlfriends. You never know what treasures you’ll find! Photo: Looks like Megan Fox raided her BF’s closet! Photo courtesy of Nylon.

4. Shop Consignment – Consignment stores like Turnabout, Deluxe Junk and Changes are havens for affordable designer duds. Look for classic items in luxe fabrics and versatile silhouettes. Photo: Consigned treasures from Deluxe Junk. Photo courtesy of The Gastown Blog.

5. Shop for Cheap Thrills – Think H+M, Forever 21, Joe Fresh, Gap, Urban Outfitters and Zara. These retailers are great for buying current trends on the cheap. Just remember to avoid the temptation to binge shop at these retailers and keep saving up for those classic investment pieces. Photo: Cheap and chic trends from Joe Fresh. Photo courtesy of Joe Fresh.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Front and Company on Main Street. Photo courtesy of frontandcompany.ca.

Goodies from F as in Frank. Photo courtesy of fasinfrankclothing.blogspot.com.

Some of my favourite vintage finds. Left to right: Le Chateau Floral Dress, Black Leather Belt, Eel Skin Clutch; Ralph Lauren Blazer, Silk Print Scarf, Leather Contrast Driving Gloves, Faux-leather pouch; Rena Rowan Stripe Jacket, Silk Floral Scarf, Cornell Bag.

As a self-proclaimed fashionista, people often ask me how I manage to stay on trend every season. My solution is simple: by sprucing up my basic wardrobe with some chic (and cheap!) vintage pieces. My number one piece of advice? Be patient. Vintage shopping requires time and effort, so be prepared to make a day out of it. Before you head out the door, just be sure to slip on some comfy shoes and my list of the do’s and don’ts of vintage shopping.

DO hit up a mix of vintage boutiques and thrift shops. My personal favourites include Deluxe Junk , Retro Rock and F as in Frank. Consignment stores like Turnabout and Front and Company are great for classic vintage designer pieces. Value Village, Salvation Army and your local hospital thrift shops are also worth the trip for some stylish surprises.

DO inspect items carefully for damages and stains. DON’T buy if it is something that cannot be repaired (except if the distressed look is in season)!

DO read the tags! One of the best surprises is scoring a chic designer piece. It’s also great to find items made from lux materials like leathers, silk and furs.

DO instill a “no-go” rule when it comes to certain items, such as intimate apparel, earrings and shoes.

DON’T forget to shop the accessories and jewellery aisles for super trendy add-ons. I am always amazed by the amount of unique clutches, belts, scarves and strands of necklaces that I find on my thrifty sprees.

DON’T leave a piece behind if you love it. If you have a great tailor, items can be easily altered or adjusted to fit your body.

By: Valerie Tiu

Being half French, it’s no surprise Chloe Berge’s favourite city is Paris and that she’s fond of fashion. This UBC Art History Graduate and ex Vitamin Daily intern also adores art, food, wine, and red velvet cupcakes, and spends her afternoons perusing the VAG and South Granville art galleries or getting her shopping fix on Main Street and West 4, in Gastown and at Holts and Aritzia to satisfy her denim cravings. On a night out, she frequents her fave restaurants Hapa Izakaya, Coast, Market, Glowbal, La Brasserie (for the truffle oil poutine), Cielo’s and Pearl on White Rock Beach. Having grown up there, she admits she’s still a bit of summer beach bum. But don’t let that fool you as she truly is a girly girl who loves buying herself flowers, treating her toes to pedicures and picking up a great red lipstick or nail polish for instant glamour. If you see her out and about, buy her a glass of champagne. She won’t say no to a good glass of bubbly.

Valerie Tiu is a freelance fashion writer and stylist, as well as the marketing and pr gal for local label Noir Bonbon. Gastown is her shopping hot spot, especially Nouvelle Nouvelle and Deluxe Junk, and her mom’s closet and Value Village are her go-to’s for some killer 80’s and 90’s pieces. When she’s not immersed in fashion, she hangs out with her best friends at Kingyo Izakaya on Denman, Trattoria on 4th or waiting in line for a meal-on-the-fly Japa dog. She loves spending an entire day reading books and blogs in bed while listening to pop hits of yesteryear and indulging in dark chocolate with sea salt.

Seems I’ve found two great gals to join my team. Welcome Chloe and Val!