The Recessionista

No, duct taping oneself with cardboard constructed garments (though very crafty) is not necessary. Although the current economic state in addition to our own thinning wallets (perhaps I only speak for a few of us) could perhaps cause us to pull our hair, stamp our feet, and feel as if we should simply abandon all hopes of ever attaining that gorgeous Louboutin, extremities need not be the solution!

Hi La C! I love love love your blog I read it everyday, and even when there are no new posts, I look at all the older posts and I find lots of wonderful inspiration. You are fabulous darling!!!

I’m a college student, and it’s really hard to be fabulous on a college kid’s budget. So my question for you is this; Could you please please please give me some tips on budgeting? I’d really appreciate it. And I totally understand if you’re super super busy and won’t be able to get to it. But thank you anyway, and keep being fabulous!!!

xoxoxoxox, Jillian

Ah, budgeting. Fiscal management is indeed quite the tough job, as we are ever tempted by beautiful items in window displays that come with hefty price tags. As difficult as it may be, once knowing yourself, your budget, and your spending habits, can help – recognition is the key to the first step in successful budgeting.

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The Beauty of Saving

Budgeting can be a pain that takes a while to adjust to; treating yourself with expensive gifts ubiquitously takes the joy and rush of excitement when you buy yourself that [insert choice designer bag/dress/shoe/etc]. Make these splurges special – not everyday.

Budgeting

I must first begin by saying that I had grown up in a household that valued spending money wisely, one where frugality was encouraged. It then allowed for the occasion splurge or petit shopping spree; it was then, during these purchases, where the items bought were treasured and felt like little surprises. Thus said, budgeting seems to be an easier concept for me: it has been instilled in me. So to others it may be just a bit more difficult; but have no fear – it can be learned.

The Basics

We all want a bit more allotted into our spending fund so we can buy more. Completely and totally human, so there is no need to feel ashamed! But in order allow our wallets to fatten a bit, we must begin by eliminating the excess stuff (for lack of a better word) from our lives. Living on a college budget (or any other, for that matter) is quite difficult. Skimp on the chips or junk food (however delicious) packed in dorm rooms for late night snacking – you’d be surprise by how much that would save you! Unplug all electronics once you’re done using them – electricity bills are quite costly. Instead of buying magazines issue by issue, order a subscription. Borrow books from the library instead of buying them. Invest in a water purifier (you can save up to a thousand or so a year in halting purchases of plastic water bottles!). Etc., etc., etc. Basics, almost common sense, but still helpful.

Join e-mail lists of online shops.

The thought of the potential spamming of your inbox with updates can be quite scary; but it is indeed worth it! From Topshop to Net-a-porter, Victoria’s Secret to Barney’s, joining their email updates is the easiest way to save! Sales are alerted of ahead of time, exclusive offers given. Makes saving much, much easier.

Get invites to exclusive boutiques!

Such online boutiques, offering exclusive discounts on designer pieces to members, like Cocosa, Gilt Groupe, Rue La La, ideeli, Regent’s Secret, etc. are godsend gifts to us ladies. **Leave your email address in the comment section below if you want invites (I do hope I can remember my passwords to these sites…).

Snoop around online for discount codes.

Simply google “[insert store/site name here] coupon” and you will be sure to find at least one valid code or coupon for online shops.

Head to the sale/clearance racks.

Many professional shoppers/stylists tell you to avoid doing so since a lot of the pieces are “unwanted, last season” items, saying that “there’s a reason why they’re on that rack and not in somebody’s closet”. True, to some extent; it might be tacky or embarrassing (who cares, really?). But many stores/companies overproduce a certain season’s collection, and thus, are left with more than a few garments that end up being reduced – it’s not unwanted. Sales and reduced prices make me giddy with joy when I see a piece I’ve coveted for the longest time and now can finally afford! They’re fun! Keep in mind, however…

Don’t buy for volume. Buy for quality and timelessness.

Just because it’s cheap or on sale doesn’t mean you should buy it. Buy pieces for quality, timelessness (as in their ability to outlive a few seasons and will forever remain classic), and versatility when integrating it into your current wardrobe. The cheaper price should only act as a form of encouragement in buying a particular item you’ve always wanted.

Check the garment for quality and perfection.

Never buy imperfect pieces. Never. Check every stitching or detail!

Think of it as a hunt for some buried but unknown treasure.

Or just thrifting in a vintage store, if the cheesiness doesn’t cut it for you. Sometimes the most amazing and divine pieces in your size are simply waiting for you to find it. Proof? I’ve found sooo many gorgeous tops that have become favorites. All you need is patience.

Ask yourself the following questions when shopping for clothing… Silently, of course.

Since talking to yourself may arouse unwanted stares from nearby shoppers.

1. Does it fit properly/perfectly? If it doesn’t, leave it. It isn’t worth the hassle getting a garment taken in/out, nor the extra money.

2. Is it in pristine condition? Rips, stains, loose threads, etc. are  no-no, regardless of whether or not it’s the last one in your size. If it really is the “one”, buy it elsewhere. Not to mention, giving yourself time to think about the practicality of the purchase is always a plus.

3. How often will I wear it? If you know that they will be well worn, sometimes a pricier tag is worth it if it is to go in the washing machine more than a few times.

4. Does it work with anything else in my closet? Sometimes special pieces are worth it; but if you have to go out of your way to buy something to match it, perhaps it’s not worth the time or money.

5. Can I wear it in the future? Classic, my dears. Go for classics.

6. Are you buying the garment/accessory/product/etc. for the designer label? Or because you love the actual piece?

7. Do you need it? Or do you simply want it? It’s the ultimate question really, one that I always ask myself when shopping. There’s a difference between the two. Sometimes you may find yourself pining away at this particular bag (guilty as charged). Walk away and come back much later (as in a few hours, or perhaps a day or a week). Think about it. If that particular item still lingers on your mind after that amount of time, perhaps it is worth the buy. Giving yourself time to breathe assures impulse buys from occurring.

Make shopping lists.

Shopping for clothing/accessories/beauty products is no different from grocery shopping. Before every major shopping trip, I make a list of what I need. New Jeans. Some v-neck tees (my absolute favorite). A cardigan. Red dress. Etc. That way you don’t forget anything, nor are you tempted to make any spontaneous purchases. Not that they’re always bad, but for all intensive purposes, list-making is good.

Drugstore beauty products are just as good as designer brands.

The ingredients in the majority of designer or name-brand products are the same as drugstore beauty products. I find that Rimmel, Covergirl, Victoria’s Secret, etc. products are just as fabulous as Chanel.

Forever 21 is your best friend.

The best place for picking up basics (v-neck tees for $4.99 makes my heart giddy with joy) and of-the-moment pieces at affordable prices. Trendsters, rejoice! Though not always made of the best of materials, few things here and there will surprise you.

Embrace trends through accessorizing.

It’s the easiest to (1) save money! (2) avoid looking too trendy. Through scarves, jewelry, tights, and beauty products, the season’s latest trends can be incorporated rather seamlessly into your current wardrobe without completely revamping it or infringing on your personal style. For example: if animal prints dominate the current runways, integrate some leopard print into your outfit with a printed scarf. If a certain color, say, purple (fall 08), is particularly omnipresent, add a shade of it in small doses, whether it be through purple eye shadow/liner, beaded jewelry, etc.

Look for classics; then build the rest of your wardrobe around it.

You’ve heard of some, the rest are personal opinions. Black/white V-neck tees; medium wash jeans; dark rinse jeans; black high waisted pants; pencil skirt; white button-down; leather gloves; trench/peacoat; LBD; fitted red dress; black cardigan; butterfly sleeve tops; leather boots; black flats; black pumps; black tights (opaque); cocktail rings; silver jewelry; tailored shorts; black three-quarter length sweater; strappy heels; leather gloves (winter); clutch (black is lovely); leather everyday bag (most practical material). Phew. What a list.

Invest in Bags, Boots, Denim.

The trinity, the holy three, the BBD. Because these three are the things that get the most wear and tear (for me, at least). So invest in something classic, sturdy, and well made.

xoxo,

La C.