Sisterhood of the Raveling Pants.

Our interview with local bargain babes, Seven Dollar Pants!

Courtesy of Seven Dollar Pants

When it comes to Toronto fashion blogs, there are many who show us what’s haute and what’s not. But for those of us who can’t afford McQueen just yet, Seven Dollar Pants is here to save you from bargain-hunting your booties off. Founders Julie and Christine scour the city for the best vintage, boutique, and chain-store deals – pairing them together in unique ensembles on their blog. Here’s what the Cowgirls learned today from these savvy-saving sweethearts.

Pony: What are the key components you look out for when determining what’s a good deal?

Julie: Mainly if I can foresee getting a lot of wear out of it. I don’t focus on brand names – never have and probably never will.

Christine: The price! So many pieces will catch my eye regardless, but the deciding factor will be the price tag as to whether or not I will take the next step to the fitting room – be it in Value Village or Holt Renfrew.

Pony: How do you find the deals in Toronto compare to other cities? Are they better here?

Courtesy of Seven Dollar Pants

Julie: I’m used to shopping in Toronto and have figured out where to hit and when. But I must say, small towns have great deals! Every time I go home to Niagara I find the best little gems. I think small towns are good for vintage finds especially because the thrift shops aren’t made to be trendy or cool – they’re simply thrift shops, and therefore don’t mark up their prices as much.

Pony: You say it’s important to know when to shop – buying items early before the season starts. Does this mean you oppose the sales at the end of each season?

Christine: There are key pieces that I will have on my list that I will purchase at the beginning simply because I cannot wait.  I also won’t wait to purchase good basics as they never seem to stay on the racks long enough. But the trendy items I leave towards the end; simply because I don’t mind being a couple of months behind everybody else.

Courtesy of Seven Dollar Pants

Pony: Do you ever disagree with each other on what looks good? How has your style evolved since working together?

Julie: Sometimes we disagree, but it’s rare. We genuinely appreciate each others style. I don’t think mine’s changed that much since we started working together, but we do tend to influence each other here and there when it comes to seasonal trends.

Christine: If anything, I believe we have positively influenced each other. I definitely think that I have been more conscious of what I wear every day since starting the blog. Julie is more of an accessories girl so I’ve learned from her.

Pony: And how would you describe your sense of style?

Julie: My style is a comfortable, unique-chic. I tend to wear stand out pieces; I always accessorize, and I like to look and feel comfortable in all my outfits whether it’s at a party, going to work, traveling, or walking around on the weekends.

Christine: My style changes everyday – I really can’t describe it.  I remember reading in Harper’s Bazaar that your twenties are the time to experiment with personal style and I guess I really took that to heart.

For daily updated tips on deals, Toronto hot-spots, bargain purchases, and living a fabulous life on a budget – head over to Seven Dollar Pants to see what Julie and Christine are wearing today!

Courtesy of Seven Dollar Pants

– Emma Farquharson