Monday Musings: Budgets For All
This week, I’m musing about budgets in all its forms…yours, mine, and the lady across the room.
This was one of the rare moments of my weekend when I wasn’t either getting rained on or freezing my tail off because I’d mistakenly thought it was warm enough to skip a jacket😆. My daughter is in the market to buy her first home, so we hit the open house circuit on Saturday and Sunday, and wow, some people have NO idea how to clean their home for a showing.
We checked out places above and below her budget and have been musing about what matters most for a first home.
Do you remember what it felt like to purchase your first home? What a special time.
Save or Splurge – Floral Edition
I love a nice denim jacket, and I’m always on the lookout for ones with unique details. Since quilted denim jackets have been so popular, I thought it would be fun to style them with a floral blouse.
Floral blouses can be tricky to style for a modern look, so I paired them with a woven bag and shoes, which are trending this spring. Silver earrings, white jeans, and blue-framed sunglasses also keep the look light and fresh. The cost for both outfits is significantly different, proving that great style is available at all price points. Can you tell which is the save or the splurge, just by looking?
My Look For Less
Women all have varying clothing budgets. Some are still working full-time and may spend a significant amount on their clothes. Some have retired on a small fixed income, and others may have retired with a substantial pension, large savings, and love to travel the world. I know that my readers fall into all of these categories.
On that note, I thought I would share a more personal save or splurge because readers often ask for alternatives to what I wear.
I’m wearing a washable silk blouse under a navy blazer with slim jeans. I accessorized with my pre-loved Chanel brooch (that I love but, keeps losing pearls), a navy bag, and casual sneakers. PS, I think the save brooch in this look is a unique workaround and totally doable 🙂
Buying things pre-loved and at resale shops is a great way to get more elevated pieces at a price your wallet loves.
Do you shop for pre-loved items to help you stay within your budget? How has your shopping budget changed over time?
Think of myself as a frugal shopper so do mix high and low ends however do have a weakness for 2nd hand vintage jewelry even though I don’t overdose on it. As to house shopping; has Vanessa considered ‘for sale by owner’ as though not in real estate I have sold three homes myself within the time frame of two weeks and recently shared the formula with a niece who had the same success by listing it lower than similar on the market (as no concern about a commission fee) with no frills attached (just bare bones and clean) but in good condition (inspection optional) BUT with the clause ‘as is’ included in the agreement of purchase prepared and overseen by a Lawyer at a reasonable charge. In other words, cost wise it can be a win-win situation for both parties if the price is right and if both have done their home-work. (Pun appropriately intended.) -Brenda-
Lol..you’re one smart cookie, Brenda. I never considered for sale by owner but that sounds very smart!
I look for Eileen Fisher clothing on eBay. If it’s something I absolutely MUST have, will buy online, have it sent to our local store (a good 40 min drive away). Same with J Jill items. Then, I can try on and return if needed in one trip.
Have a love of Rothys shoes…they cradle my bunions. The loafers are favorites since being retired and living in FL, life is very casual. I have bought 4 pairs of Rothy’s on eBay as well.
I like the idea of recycling clothing, especially with high end items.
Rothy’s are really comfy on my feet too.
I am just back from a shopping trip. I thrifted a sweater NWT for $6.99. I also bought shoes at regular retail, so I shop high and low. The silk blouse in your comparison gave it away for me. Notice how beautifully the print matches? I tried on a floral blouse, which I loved, but it was very sheer and would have required another purchase of a cami or something. I’m trying to rein in my spending. Just because something is pretty doesn’t mean I need it.
I made good use of Poshmark five years ago after my house burned down in a wildfire (which is becoming too frequent in California.) I needed to replace a bunch of things I really liked but were no longer available in the stores, mostly Eileen Fisher. I have used the consignment sites less often now, but I never had a bad experience with any of them.
When we sold our big house up on the mountain, I followed advice on HGTV from designers on how to stage my home. It worked as we were able to get a good price ten years ago and build this small home down near town. Clean is a must. Good luck on house hunting in today’s market.
I’m 80 and a retired nurse so small pension and small clothing budget. I actually like the clothes on the left better than the expensive ones on the right so woohoo! The Coldwater Creek watercolor blouse is beautiful but still pricy for me. I have a JCP and Kohls budget. I’m pretty good at making my clothes look like yours on a budget. It can be a challenge but fun. I add Chicos jeans because they fit me so nicely.
Good luck on your IPL treatment. Skin cancer is really scary and unpredictable. Melanoma can appear even where the sun never shines.
What Susan M said is true! I can spend large amounts on clothing, but I prefer not to do so. I’m 73, and it somehow seems kind of wasteful to buy new trendy things. Maybe it’s me! I will buy things as needed, like a new Ralph Lauren raincoat this year, and some new Chicos blouses. And new cashmere sweaters every year, like you do Jennifer! Now shoes are a different matter…
Ah shoes…yes they are a different matter because comfort is so important.