The Little Locals

I'm sure we all have our own favorite stores that we dream of being able to shop at. Nordstroms, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, Free People, the list goes on and on. However much we dream about shopping at these stories, the actual act of shopping at them is a rare occurance. 

While the clothes stores like these sell are undeniabley cute, the price of them will in turn undeniabley break the bank. 

I personally love the faux vintage, boho style and this leads me back to Free People. Free peep is a type of store that carries vintage looking clothing, for prices triple that of ACTUAL vintage clothing. 

For example, take a look at the shirt to the left. No matter how cute it is, it's $148...bank officially broken. 

However much I love Free peep, I love having having a bank account more and there is just no way we middle fashionistas can justify spending 148 dollars on a single shirt.

My secret for today is to seek out what I like to call, the '"little locals." In order to do that, we must consult...the 'Gram. Instagram that is.

Instagram is stuffed with little personal accounts created by people who make their own jewelry, and clothing. They promote their pieces through the pictures that they post, and provide links to the websites where they sell their products.

I love these little online stores because not only are you getting some amazing pieces, you are also supporting those who work hard doing what they love and making their dream possible.

Now, I am going to give you ladies, a couple of examples of jewelry from Free Peep, and a just as cute equivalent from a little local 'Gram business. My personal favorite is found on the site Etsy and is called "TheInspiredSpirit"

To the left is a quartz stone necklace from Free People listed for $178, and that's a lot for a necklace.  




To the left is a picture from TheInspiredSpirit on Etsy, and it also is a quartz stone necklace. This necklace, looking almost exactly like the one from Free Peep, is listed at $44.45


The comparison is insane, and the prices are insane. To be able to get virtually the same necklace, for a total of $133 less, is truly the work of a middle fashionista. 

This goes for almost anything girls, even undergarments. Victoria's Secret is everywhere, and they have hooked thousands of girls into not just buying their products, but growing obessessed with the need to have only their products.

Take a look at this...
This is a bra that has been taken from www.victoriassecret.com and it has been priced at $258.  That's right, $258. 

Now, take a look at this one... 

Hand-made and found on Instagram account name "LA with Love." Link to their online store provided, this bra is priced at $44.99. BAM. 




Why pay more for something that does the same thing? Clearly it makes more sense to shop at the little locals than the big chain stores that suck your last quarters from your pocket!

If you liked the quartz necklace here is the link to where you can find it, TheInspiredSpirit: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheInspiredSpirit?ref=l2-shopheader-name

If you just want to take a look at the online shop and have your life changed, here's Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/

If you liked the bra from LA with Love: http://lawithlove.storenvy.com/products/12072911-eyelash-strappy-bralette

Your fashion homework for today is to search the 'Gram for little locals that make and sell their own products. Do so, and your bank account will thank you. 

What are your favorite online, little locals?! Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time, my middle fashionistas!!