Back to Basics
In my early, post-grad days in NYC, I thought I had to keep up with every fashion trend that came along. This misguided style mentality resulted in a pile of credit card bills and a closet full of mismatched items with no unifying theme or longevity. In my quest to be fashionable, I had forgotten about the basics.
For those of you on a budget (and who isn’t these days?), making sure that you have certain wardrobe basics in your closet is essential. From a white button-down to a neutral suit and sweater-set, certain key styles never go out of fashion. Once you’ve got the wardrobe basics covered, updating your look each season is as easy (and wallet-friendly) as buying new shoes and accessories.
(Image credit: PriceGrabber)
Cheap Travel Tips
It only took having to buy underwear in an airport once for me to make the decision never to check a bag again. While this decision means I have fewer shoes and outfits to wear on my journeys, it also means I spend less money getting ready for vacations (there are only so many 3 oz. bottles you can squeeze in that ziploc). Packing light is just one way I save money on holidays - check out the rest of my cheap travel tips here.
Wardrobe Bailout
Shop like mad to save the economy, or sock away every penny to ride out the recession? That is the question. My answer to the current financial disaster? Somewhere in the middle. Until the government decides to give us all a bailout, I'm planning on tightening my discretionary spending (sorry, Sephora) and saving more. Since this doesn't mean I'm going pull a Frauline Maria and start fashioning clothes out curtains, however, I still need to shop. To help me get the most out of my clothing budget, I've put together this handy list of easy ways to save money on clothes - all without looking like your 401k has just been decimated.
Is HD Makeup Worth It?
I purchased Healthy FX as part of my bridal beauty kit, but have fallen so in love with it, I can't imagine using anything else. Read my full review here, and don't forget to add your own comments and reviews to the mix!
Stealing Fashion
Shop it to Me and Save!
Sure, the daily email (aptly dubbed Sale Mail) is cutting into my productivity, but it's a small price to pay for being able to snag cute clothes for a song.
Mineral Mania
It seemed like an overnight phenomenon: bareMinerals went from being an infomercial joke (swirl, tap and buff, ladies!) to a beauty must-have. I resisted only until the starter kit was on sale at Sephora, and have been a convert ever since. It didn't take long for the drugstore brands to try to recreate the award-winning formula, but I have been unimpressed until trying Maybelline's latest offering, Mineral Power.
Check out my review of this budget-friendly beauty buy, and let us know which mineral makeup has stolen your heart (or wallet).
(Image credit: Pricegrabber.com)
Cheap Tricks
I’m not cutting up my Visa card just yet, but I’m definitely looking for ways to save money in this terrible economy – especially when it comes to all of the products and potions I slather on my body. That is why I am dedicating today’s post to my most favorite beauty product ever – Vaseline. This cheap multi-tasker can solve (or disguise) a myriad of beauty woes, from split ends to dry cuticles.
Check out my top 5 uses for the goop here, and let us know how Vaseline helps you stay pretty on the cheap.
(Image credit: Pricegrabber.com)
Shop for Jeans
The only jeans I'm wearing this summer are the white ones I bought at Banana Republic this spring. When the weather cools down, however, jeans are what most of us wear when we're not donning work clothes. If you're like me, you've got lots of pairs of jeans in your closet - categorized with labels such as "dressy jeans," "junk-y jeans" and (my most well-worn pair) "fat jeans." Whatever your labels, chances are you'll be buying a new pair sometime soon. Check out my favorite stores for finding jeans - from pricey to cheap - before you shop. Personally, I'm hoping to add a pair of "skinny jeans" soon. Banana Republic White Flared Jeans; Image courtesy of Banana Republic