Great Style On A Budget

Alleben Purugganan, 24, sales associate

“Timeless not trendy” is Purugganan’s motto for shopping. “It helps to bring a friend who’s an innovator with similar taste,” says this petite gamine Torontonian, whose throwback style would be at home on the French Riviera in the ’60s. “Then I’ll pick up pieces from stores like H&M to finish the look—a balance of something new and old,” she says, showing us her closet, which is filled with second-hand gems. “The consignment stores in Yorkville and on Queen West are great, but I’m also a fan of Value Village and Goodwill,” Purugganan says of her open-minded approach. “Unless it’s for a special occasion, I try to find pieces I can incorporate into several different outfits.”

Smart Shopper: “I always do one big shop at the start of the season with very specific items in mind. I like to stay ahead of fashion, so I’m not a sale shopper. It’s best not to go crazy with leftovers from the previous season unless you know the trend will carry over.”

Lust List: A vintage colour-block dress, a tomboy jacket from Acne and oversize tortoiseshell sunglasses from Karen Walker.