Wow, this is something my parents wish I knew more about. Growing up with hardworking parents, my brother and I lived comfortable lives. We never went to places we couldn't afford, and our parents raised us to be smart with our money — not stingy or overindulgent, but smart. However, any fashion-conscious person knows that it can be difficult (but not impossible) to look good without spending a lot of money, but that is only true if you aren't smart — which I am going to teach you how to be. I'll teach you what I have learned and how I manage to balance the things I want, the things I need, the things I can afford and the in-between.

1. Stop and think:
In times of economic downfall, people go crazy. Stop and think: that pair of Victoria Beckham jeans that you want, you don't need them. This is a simple rule that I never understand why people don't understand. Life is filled with decisions — smart ones and less smart ones. Do not act irrationally when you are trying to conserve money — it will not get you anywhere. You need to be wise and stop to think about what you are about to do.

2. Find an alternative:
Years and years ago, when I was away at a skating competition I saw this jacket at American Eagle. It was $70, I was 13 and it was half a size too small, but I could still fit into it. My mom would not buy it for me, and she would not allow herself to be persuaded. American Eagle isn't expensive, so I didn't get the point she was trying to make. Furious, we kept walking, and we popped into Bluenotes where I found a black jacket that was VERY similar to the AE one; it was $30. What I'm saying is, I found an alternative, I found something better than what I wanted. Look before you buy something, a $10 t-shirt is no big deal, but think twice before you buy a winter jacket. Consider quality, price and colour and whether it'll still be fashionable next year. You don't want to buy something expensive that won't last.

3. Value and vintage are always IN:
I shop at Value Village, so what? Chances are the people you look at and want the outfits from shop at Value Village. Yes, having really expensive clothes is cool, but have you ever noticed it doesn't take much effort to put them together? They all just magically go together and then that's the end of that. Wow, that's not fun or creative! So you know how to spend money, congratulations. Seriously, people like this bother me. Let me explain: you are not original. The people who go to Salvation Army and find cool '80s studded leather jackets and '90s leggings with a British flag print — those are the people who deserve a round of applause. They search and dig and appreciate fashion. People who shop appreciate spending money and status. The best-dressed people know how to mix both. You NEED to learn how to do this if you want to be fashionable. Mixing higherend clothes with lower-end clothes is VERY important; it allows you to recognize what fashion is truly made of and how style is created.

I regret if I sound like a parent, but realistically you know you should save money at a young age, and even sometimes when you get older. You need to be responsible and fashionable at the same time. And unfortunately this may require a little bit more effort than usual, but if you honestly care about fashion and can truly appreciate it, you'll learn. Happy thrifting.