It's My Birthday—I'm Buying Myself These Chic Under-$50 Items

It's my birthday, and you know what that means—it's time to treat myself. I've never been one to resist the siren call of a Parisian-inspired hair clip and a cozy cardigan, so today, I'm tossing my 2025 low-buy goal out of the window and curating a collection of affordable yet luxurious-looking finds to ring in my 26th year in style.
Working in the fashion industry often has me itching to add something new to my cart, and unfortunately, my taste has only gotten more expensive as I've aged. It doesn't mean I'm opposed to a good bargain hunt, though. I've spent the last couple of hours scrolling through my favorite low-cost, high-joy retailers to find impeccable under-$50 items. If you're looking to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank, this is your guide to on-trend, guilt-free purchases. Scroll down to see what has caught my eye on my big day this year. I promise it's worth it!

Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.
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