Wisdom Fashion Talking - Budget

Nowadays there is so many trends on marker, whenever it comes to fashion, interior, diet and lifestyle in particular, it is really hard to follow. 

Every season - and there is at least two of them, every year, when it comes to fashion industry, we would have to re-build our dressing room (not to mention re-painting walls - two weeks ago it was all about baby blue, but from yesterday mint took over,changing furniture, etc...) in at least 70% (in my personal opinion) every 6 months. 

And I am not going to lie - I need to pay bills, I have unhealthy relationship with make-up and I love traveling as well as fashion and I couldn't choose between. And I'm pure evil when hungry.

How I'm planning to make it all work smooth and well together?

Here are my tips, how to stay on top without stressing out about your budget.

1. BASICS.

If I had a privilege, I would call myself The Queen of Basics. And there is so many reasons! You can always trust them, you can wear basic white shirt and ripped jeans and add to them something extra-this-season (shoes, accessories, jacket, hat and many-many more), and look fantastic! Obviously they are never out of style, so if you are starting your journey with fashion and planning your firs investments in luxurious pieces, I would recommend holy grail basics. 

2. Ask.

  Do I feel comfortable and confident in that?

  Do I have something similar already? Do I even wear it?

  Where do I plan to wear that? What occasions? 

  Is it even my style?

  Is it even worth that money? Is the quality of the product adequate to it's price?

Always ask yourself - if the first question I mentioned is answered 'No.', do not ever consider going for it. My motto is: 'It's you who wear clothes.'. Believe me - it may look stunning, but if you do not feel yourself in that, you will wear it once, maybe twice, if at all. If you have any doubts, even the smallest ones - it's a red light. Listen to yourself and your body. Always.

3. Don't pay for logo. 

I'm a strong believer of quality over price and quantity, but do I want to spend that amount of money on that white, plain shirt from designer, when I can find almost identical (if not the same!) one, with the same composition of fabrics in high street store?

4. Don't delay returns.

If you loved it in changing room, or it looked amazing on that picture (touched maybe to heavy with Photoshop), but you came back home, tried it on and it turned out to be disaster, go back there as soon as you can and return it. Your mother may not like it, it may be too small for your sister. Returning is not going to make them ban you for the store. Simply as that. 

5. My Holly Rule. 

I've been dreaming about that bag for about 1 year. I would have to spend more money than my 2 months rent. I've been saving my money. I love it, it's my style, I'm living for that bag!

So let's calculate. That bag would cost me, let's say, £1.200 (but I could find it with some discount), I would wear it every third week day  and every other weekend maybe. In 2018 we will have 52 weeks, which gives me approx. 260 days in the year (not counting weekend days). If I am right, I would wear it 86 days a year, considering every third day. It gives me about £14 per day in only one year. 

6. Try shopping with your wallet full. 

I don't know if it's only me, but when I'm broke, I would have to have every second thing I see on hangers. When I'm straight after pay day, I am the picky queen - I don't like that color. Everyone wears that, I'm not going to. Look at that seam - who would place it in there? I look like potato. And so on. If you don't have 'full wallet symptom', just ignore number 6. Actually - do opposite. 

7. Make a plan.

Do you need a pair of jeans (and I mean real need of pair of jeans), but instead you end up with fourth pair of red high heels?

Make a plan. During the rainy weekend reorganize your wardrobe. Check how many pairs of jeans you have (when it comes to that particular example), think and ask yourself, what kind of jeans, or other piece, do you actually want AND(magic word) need, make a list, research online. Stick to your list nomatter what. If you passing by that shoes shop you love, and suddenly you realize you need that pair of black heeled sandals, go on - try them on, take some photos, but ask yourself question above (number 2), then give them back and if after 4 weeks you are still crazy in love, go for them. It's highly possible there is some discount now!

8. Sales/discounts.

Sometimes it's better to wait. While on 'waiting process', you may realize you don't even need, whatever you have been hunting.
You can find timeless pieces on sales for next year as well - just make sure they are really worth your space in wardrobe.
Try checking online and do your research. Some of the companies have discounts on the first purchase. Check your e-mail's 'Offers' folder - male-up brands are the best ones, when it comes to find a little % down.
Check prices in the store and online - you could be shocked with price differences, especially on sail seasons!

9. Recycle!

I have habit to re-organize my wardrobe and house stuff in general every month or two. It gives you general review with what you really need to refresh next season. Always with my notebook and pen on site. Whatever goes away, I'm taking a list, marking what needs to be replaced, what doesn't, so I don't end up with no sweater next winter!
Whatever you did not wear for last year, you can donate, give another, beautiful life with friend or family. You could get extra money (for that new bag you are saving for) by selling clothes and things you don't need online. There are so many free apps it's hard to decide!
Many of stores offer discounts in exchange of used clothes as well and it gets more and more popular.



Hope you enjoyed and find my tips useful!

Love, A xxx