Budget Fashion in New York City: Is this for real?!

image via www.souvenirs.nyc

Upon hopping onto the Night bus to NYC, I immediately check all my apps dedicating to the City, read some blogs on how to fully utilize my time in the city, flip through some photos of the attractions. Everything looks fantastic, finally my dream came true, finally, I am going to New York. That’s the time that I decided: I am so not going to wear those T-shirts I wore to hike Yosemite!
No this is such a wrong thing to do in this highly fashionable city. I dip into my purse with high hopes and instead I found some cramped-up notes. "This is not going to work", I thought. I was so wrong, extremely wrong.

New York despite having the reputation of being expensive, have some share of budget boutiques all around. I am talking about $4 for a cute one piece dress and $1 for accessories. Let me break it down for you, promise all of them won’t even “crack” your bank (so don’t worry about them breaking it!)

Let’s start with the ones you probably knew

1. Macy's 
Address: 151 W. 34th St.

2. Uniqlo 
Address: 546 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 (between Prince St and Spring St)

3. H&M
Address: 435 7th Avenue @34th Street

4. ZARA 
Address: 580 Broadway (between Prince St & Houston St)
               101 Fifth Avenue (between 17th st &18th st)

5. Forever 21
Address: 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

6. American Apparel SoHo Factory Outlet
Address: 285 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012

Let’s move on to shops screaming “New York City”

Aquamar nyc

image via groupon.com

1. Mystique Boutique
Mediocre at it's best! Make sure you don't miss it if you’re walking South on Broadway! Great place to shop if you're up for vibrant colours, trendy looks, "Forever 21" price without having to see everyone on the street wearing the same outfit. Don't expect too much from the staff though (I don't blame them, it was just too hot and too busy in the store.)
Value finds: crop top $4.99
Address: 547 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 (between Prince St & Spring St)

2. Aquamar
The moment you see Aquamar, you will be thinking thinking "oh, this is a high-end store" and you are about to turn away. Hold it right there! Don't be fooled by the exterior, THIS is the place you can nab 2-3 trendy pieces (and pay less than $10) until you walk away as a happy-shopper. and oh! friendliest staff here! They made my shopping experience so enjoyable.
Value finds: Dress $4
                     Accessories $1
                     Denim $10
Address: 444 Broadway, New York, NY 10013 (between Howard St & Grand St)

3. Necessary Clothing
The apparel here is either a hit or a miss. Personally not a fan. It is a popular store, too crowded in the first place. The store is huge but there are only few fitting rooms inside, there is always a long line.
Value finds: Crop top/ necklace / shades: $5
                     Denim $10
                     Asymmetry semi formal dress: 10
Address: 442 Broadway, New York, NY 10013

4. Amsterdam Boutique
Odd policy on trying on outfits, however you can find some really cheap club wear here. Don't expect too much from the quality. You get what you paid for. Majority of the clothes are clubwears, but you can find some casual/graphic-Tees too.
Value find: Top $5.99
                   Party dress $9.99
Address: 454 Broadway New York, NY 10013 (between Howard St & Grand St, just opposite of Necessary Clothing)

5. Brooklyn Charm
I adore this place! Firstly, due to the fact that It's success story is so inspiring (google about Tracie Howarth!), secondly, you can have a custom charm jewelry with an affordable price! Staff here are really friendly. Its a place to be for all ya' crafty people!
Value finds: Vintage brass lockets $7
                     Swarovski rhinestone charms $3
                     Go crazy with the DIY concept!
Address: 145 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211(Between 10th St & 9th St)

6. Harlem Goodwill
Good selection of clothes donated by Target, Loft and some other brands. Note that some are used items donated by Newyorkers (at least I was told so), I did not know whether to put this store under New York or secondhand...hmm. Be prepared to dig around extensively for good deals. Personally I am not too attracted to the clothes but take a look at the books section, you'll find some treasure if you look properly.
Clothes $6-10,
Address: 2196 5th Avenue.

7. Goldy + Mac
Classier, edgy fashion staples ranging from $20-30. and yes, good quality. Wait til you see their sales, you will be surprised.
Address: 396 7th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11215 ( between 5th Ave & 12th St)

Extra cash and want something vintage? 

Beacon's Closet

I didn't really shop here, they are out of the way. But according to some New Yorkers, they are fabulous!

1. Finderz Keeperz 
They have all these genuine vintage, and still deserve to be labelled "Thrift store". How cool is that! Be amazed by the wide selection of sequins, satin and jewelry. You can find something nice ranging from $3 to $30.
Address: (multiple location) 121 W 116th St, New York, NY 10026, United States

2. Beacon's Closet 
A lot of digging through racks, a lot of trying stuff on, but it could be well worth it. Sometimes you could even find some top brands like Prada and MiuMiu (affordable, and still "in"!).
Address: (multiple location) 74 Guernsey St, Brooklyn, NY 11222, United States

Visiting New York? Save On accommodation here

Thank You for Reading! 

This post is based solely on my honest opinion or personal experience. 

 If you have a different opinion, feel free to share your thoughts with me by commenting below!