Fashionable doesn't equal expensive

While I lust after many fashion designer's products (and who doesn't), fashion to me doesn't mean breaking the bank. I love fashion, I love getting up in the morning and putting together a funky outfit that is reflective of my personality and that I feel good in. To me this doesn't necessarily mean putting on the newest designer skirt or even the latest trends. I am not attempting to put down or make designer clothing seem unimportant, most is gorgeous, innovative, and un-reproducible. However, let it be said that it is perfectly possible to be fashionable even if you can't afford the latest "must haves" of the fashion world. I have an entire room in my house that functions as my closet, and more clothes than anyone could ever possibly need, and I am proud to say that the majority of the items in my closest cost under $20. I shop mostly as thrift stores, in which the average cost of a dress is $7 and shoes can be bought for $3-5. This never ceases to amaze me, or my friends, who lust after my thrift store finds the way most lust over designer labels. I also feel like this low cost of clothing allows me to be more free in my styling and more original (why not buy this tank-top for $3, I'm sure I can incorporate it into an outfit somehow). It says a lot about a person if they can make a $7 dollar dress paired with some unique accessories and $3 dollar shoes, look good. Furthermore, I can buy these ridiculously inexpensive clothes and cut them up or tailor them and make them like new again, just with a few minor adjustments. I am very petite, so I often can't find clothes (especially thrift store ones) that fit my perfectly, but simply sewing cloth doilies around the waste can make a dress fit me, and look new and hip! It's an impossible amount of fun, and allows my to insert myself into everything I wear, rather than just conforming to a designer's vision. Other stores, such as Target and T.J. Maxx, are amazing, and allow my college student/waitress budget to provide incredible variety of gorgeous styles and accessories. I believe this can apply to all aspects of life, you can decorate your entire house with flea market finds, if you approach it correctly and are creative. I suppose what I am suggesting is that fashion is grounded in creativity, rather than conformity, and what's better than the creative ability to put your own spin of life (and on clothes), and have the talent to make a $20 outfit look like it cost $2000.