how swapping on bonnee helped this college student travel more and spend less on clothes
image credit: @saraortizvey
image credit: @saraortizvey
meet sara, a 19-year-old college student with a love for travel, a passion for vintage fashion, and a budget that doesn’t always match her taste. like many gen z fashionistas, sara wanted to look good without spending a ton—or compromising her values.
we sat down with her to chat about how bonnee | the clothing swap app, became her secret weapon for leveling up her wardrobe while saving enough to book unforgettable travel adventures—like hiking in the scottish highlands and jumping into the fairy pools at the isle of skye.
q: hey sara! let’s start with the basics—what’s your style vibe and what made you try bonnee?
sara:
i’d describe my style as vintage meets modern minimalism. i love unique thrifted pieces, but I also like to mix in trendy items—on a student budget. i found bonnee on tiktok and was like, wait… I can swap my clothes for free and just pay shipping? that was an instant yes for me. i had so many pieces I wasn’t wearing anymore, and I loved the idea of giving them a second life and getting something fresh in return.
q: you recently took a trip to scotland. how did bonnee play into that?
sara:
bonnee literally helped fund that trip! i didn’t go on any fashion hauls this year—i swapped my entire seasonal wardrobe instead. i saved at least $500+ by not shopping fast fashion, and that went straight into my travel fund. hiking through the isle of skye and swimming in the fairy pools felt even better knowing my suitcase was full of swapped fits i loved. and I got so many compliments on my clothes!
q: so what’s the budget breakdown? was it worth it?
sara:
absolutely. shipping on bonnee is so affordable, and i’ve gotten everything from vintage levi’s to a free people top for less than what i’d spend on coffee in a week. plus, no buyer’s remorse. every swap is a win. i got at least 10 new pieces before my trip—and still had money left for airbnb stays and train rides around the highlands.
q: what’s your favorite swap so far?
sara:
oof, hard to choose! i think it’s this vintage bomber jacket I scored right before the trip. it’s cozy, cool, and gave all the main character energy in my travel pics. i styled it with everything—dad jeans, slip dresses, even over hiking gear.
q: what would you say to someone new to bonnee?
sara:
honestly? don’t sleep on it. you probably already have something in your closet that someone else is obsessed with. just post it, pick your new fave, and start swapping. it’s such a fun way to refresh your wardrobe without spending money—and you’ll actually feel good doing it.
final thoughts?
sara:
between school, saving for travel, and trying to stay stylish, bonnee has seriously been a game-changer. i’m not just swapping clothes—i’m swapping spending habits, and it’s letting me live the life I want now, not later.
ready to swap and save like sara?
download the bonnee app and start swapping today. save your money for plane tickets, not price tags.