"Cheap-Chic" : Try It for Satisfying Your Desire!
There are many attractive items that we want to get. However, we are ofter frustrated at the high prices. It is true that ordinary students can't afford to buy these expensive items. How about finding a cheaper product? You may be reluctant to buy a cheaper product because you think that a cheap product will be of a poor quality. But, that is not true. There are many 'Cheap-Chic' products these days. How, to find products with high quality at low price?
What is "Cheap-Chic"?
Most of you may be quite accustomed with some brands such as Uniqlo, H & M, Missha, and so on. What do these brands have in common? all of them are not only cheap, but also practical and attractive. We call them "Cheap-Chic" produces.
"Chip-Chic" is one of the general consumer trends in 2012. The Cheap Chic trend has risen dramatically in recent years. Under usual consumer market conditions, the name expensive products and cheap products. However, today, in this highly polarized market, 'cheap chic 'products are drawing attention as a new alternative. Now, many Cheap-Chic products take a big part in the market. The long recession and slow economic growth also contribute to the development of cheap chic products.
In fact, cheap plane flights, that took 0.1% of market share in the domestic market in 2005, had grown to 34.9% in 2010. For the last five years, the low-priced cosmetics market has expanded market share. In addition low and middle priced fashion brands like ZARA. H&M, and UNIQLO were loved by many people. Today, these Cheap-chic brands are attracting people more than luxury brands.
Why Are You Looking fur Chip-Chic Products?
Then the question arises as to why people want to get these Cheap-Chic goods. People want goods that have best value for their money. Through the Internet, consumers have access to information and can decide more carefully when buying something. They can compare various products by searching discount stores and online shops. Also, through the Internet, they also can learn about global trends.
The young generation prefers to purchase goods that have unique style and good quality regardless of brand names. They want to express their own styles through Cheap-Chic products. They are called (PRAVs: Proud Realisers of Added Value). As such, Cheap-Chic trend is forecasted to continue.
Being clever to save money is the absolutely key in maintaining a reasonable clothing budget. It is good to maximize your money by shopping at discount retailers like Target, junior store like Forever 21, and department shopping during seasonal cleara nces. The trend is to mix inexpensive vintage with luxury designer pieces. You can work this combination with your cheap chic pieces and higher-end department store brands (or designer pieces if you have any).
Let's Share Ways to Achieve Designer Style on a College Student's Budget.
ㆍTry to limit your Cheap-Chic pieces to one fit.
ㆍOnly use one main Cheap-Chic piece per outfit if possible. (ex: a H & M Shirt paired with Banana Republic slacks and a Michael Kors belt). This combination balances your look and keeps the luxury factor in full effect.
ㆍWhen purchasing Cheap-Chic items, makes sure they look luxury. Check for the weight of the fabric, extra detailing, nice buttons, and stitching.
ㆍUsing quality accessories like a fine leather belt, silk scarf, or quality jewelry can help you to balance your Cheap-Chic look and add more of a luxury factor.
ㆍCertain fabrics work better for Cheap-Chic apparels such as heavy jersey, sateen, cotton, and some wool-blends. These pieces tend to hang or fit better if the fabric is of a decent quality, making your item look like it cost more then what you paid.
ㆍBuying items that have basic prints, colors, and styles can help you to keep Cheap-Chic style. It also gives you the ability to style there pieces more frequently into different looks.
There are many famous Cheap-Chic brands. Let's explore them!
Uniqlo, the Japanese apparel brand that has become a huge hit In its home marker, has set out to invade the global fashion marker dominated by Western brands and designers. Casual wear at low price is not a unique business model but Uniqlo says it stands out from rivals because its innovation in fabrics. The simple label has already begun to make its presence on the high streets of London and Paris (and soon New York) alongside famous names such as Channel, Hermes, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada.
Zara cranks our stylish but affordable clothes with many items in the $50-$80 range and attracts mostly a young and tech-savvy crowd. 'Inditex' (onc of the wond's largest fashion retail-ers) forgoes traditional advertising, relying instead on carefully selected stores to market its brands.
forever 21, Inc. built a retail empire by selling the latest fashion trends, but when it comes to running its own business, the company isn't following the crowd. During the recession, when Mervyns and other chains were going bankrupt and shutting stores, Forever 21 snatched them up. At a time when competitors worried about taking risks in a down economy, Forever 21 focused on basics like T-shirts and jeans and continued to churn out fresh and trendy merchandise.
Do you want to get well-made products? Do you also want to get cheap ones? Then the answer is cheap chic products. If you are a practical and sensible consumer, why don't you try to cheap chic products?
By Shin Ji-hye Reporter
oaxpr4974@cnu.ac.kr