Hey Lauren - I was wondering, have you ever done a post on anything having to do with how your family manages finances? Since you are also a style maven and a shopper who tries to do things on a budget; I was just wondering how you make it all work. My husband and I are currently setting up a budget and I am trying to find ideas/boundaries for myself so I can learn to be a better steward with what God has provided us.
Here are some tips that will hopefully help:
1. Tithe first! "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." -Malachi 3:10 The Bible commands us to give 10% back to God. I truly believe my husband and I never want for anything because we have been faithful in the area of tithing to our local church.
2. Always check the thrift store first. I would say about 50% of my wardrobe is from Goodwill. Depending on where you live, you can find some GREAT classic pieces at thrift stores or consignment shops. Before you hit up a mall, check and make sure you don't find what you're looking for at Goodwill!
3. I usually only go shopping with a list of what I need. Here's a past post that talks about some staples I think every lady should work on building in their wardrobe. Honestly, at this point, I pretty much have all the staple pieces that I need at this moment, so when I go shopping nowadays, it's just for random accessories or new tops to remix with my staples. The reason you want to go shopping with a list, is the same reason you go grocery shopping with a list, to prevent you from buying things on a whim that you don't really need.
4. I try to not spend more than $10-$20 on any classic staple piece. Of course, I do sometimes, but that's a rare occasion. For example, if I need a staple piece like a solid pencil skirt or a solid cardigan or blazer, I will spend up to $20. Remember, if you are going to wear the same pieces a lot of different ways, (which should be your goal), then you will get your money worth on a staple piece.
5. I do not spend more than $10 on trendy pieces. Trendy pieces that you know are going to go "out of style" eventually are not something you should spend a lot of money on. I try not to spend more than $5 on my statement necklaces, because they are extremely trendy! Charlotte Russe often has $5 scarves and necklaces.
6. Always check the Retail Me Not app for any coupons. When I do go shopping at the mall, I always use coupons. Almost every store has some kind of 20% off deal at all times, so download that app, and save some more money!
7. If you don't have an income, save a little at a time, and then go shopping. My friend Melissa, a stay at home wife, says she saves $10 a week, and then when she feels she has enough saved, then she goes shopping. She follows all of the above tips as well.
I LOVE the "Feminine in Floral" outfit!! Aaahh! So cute! :) And great post, by the way. I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteGrace
theshortendofthings.blogspot.com
Day 12 is my favorite! I love black. You V-day outfit is so beautiful as well. The shoes go so well with the outfit.
ReplyDeleteThrift shopping is always the best. I have found shirts before still with the tags from the original store on them. Great post. I wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award.
http://catearsandcoloredhair.blogspot.com/2015/02/versatile-blogger-award.html#.VOI-4C5kmu8
Wow, great advice! You won't believe this, but all of those tips you gave are actually like the tenets of my faith as far as fashion/style is concerned lol You are such an encouragement with your blog because so many blogs have these trendy, stylish women who are wearing $50 skirts, $30 shirts, etc. You show us that you CAN be stylish and still be frugal. You don't have to choose between being on a budget and being stylish. To illustrate my point, I just got a dressy dress from Sears originally $70 for $15, including the shipping!
ReplyDeleteYay! I love proving you can be stylish & frugal!
DeleteLove those tips! Glad I stumbled across your blog today :) Oh, and my favorites are Days 11, 13, and 15 (but they're all great!)
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by!! :)
DeleteGreat advise, Lauren. I love that. I've slacked when it comes to tithing. I would love to go into details as to why I stopped paying, but its a debate in itself, so I'll let it slide. Praying about it. When it comes to your outfits -Love me all. I'm a budget shopper too. Pretty woman! :))
ReplyDeletemissymayification.blogspot.co.uk
Lauren, what are your standards as to where the hem of your skirt hits? My personal standards are right above my knee, but I am a taller woman so it isn't very short on me. Just curious. I love your blog, it is such an inspiration! I too am a Christian school educator and know that I need to be a good steward of what the Lord has blessed me with. It isn't easy at all, LOL!
ReplyDeleteMy personal standard is knee length. I'm short, so I don't usually have a problem with pencil skirts being too short.
ReplyDeleteFantastic tips! Thanks so much for the inspiration again, I'm just in love with your blog & style ideas. Loving Days #9 & #11. I love the feminine feel but I also teach Youth Girls... You Rock!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Have you ever checked out modest clothing online? My sister and I have a small business selling modest dresses, and we regularly have sales! www.skylarkclothing.weebly.com
ReplyDelete