Showing posts with label frugal living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label frugal living. Show all posts

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Frugal Fashion - Another Reason I Wear Skirts!

I recently wrote a post about "Why I Wear Skirts."  If you haven't checked it out yet, here's a quick summary: I like them. 

But, I have a quick confession to make.  The real reason I first started wearing skirts so much?  I was broke.  Yes, I was broke, but I needed to expand my wardrobe.  Skirts were the most frugal choice!  

Whether you wear skirts out of conviction, preference or any other reason, I am sure we can all relate to the budget woes.  Here are my reasons why I think skirts are such a great budget friendly wardrobe piece, and some tips for the best places to find skirts on a dime!  (Affiliate links included) 

Versatile 
One of the main reasons skirts are a great budget stretcher, is that they are so versatile!    Skirts can be dressed up, skirts can be dressed down.  Skirts can be layered over leggings.  Skirts can be worn to work, to church, or to the campground.   Now there are some obvious limitations to this – I don’t suggest wearing a sundress on the ski slopes, nor do I think you should wear a corduroy skirt in August.  However, a simple cotton skirt can be paired with a button down shirt and cardigan for work, then mixed with a graphic tee and flip flops for casual wear.  I've never seen jeans or dress slacks pull of that versatility very well! 

Forgiving 
Another major reason skirts are more friendly on the wallet is that they are more friendly on the waistline.  It is much easier to hide a few pounds gained or lost in a skirt than in a tight fitting pair of pants.  While everyone looks for that "perfect fit," when jeans shopping, skirts don't require quite the same level of perfection.  Though I don't have children myself, I know many women wear their stretchy skirts, or high-waisted dresses well into pregnancy - try doing that in a pair of skinny jeans!

Second Hand 
This is a follow-up to the "forgiveness factor."  Since we (or at least I) are not you usually quite so focused on the "perfect fit" with skirts as we are with jeans, it means skirts are much easier to find second hands in thrift stores, on ThredUp or the like.  Since skirt wearing has generally declined in popularity, I find the skirt racks at  my local shops are usually a bit more full than the pants racks.  And, since skirts can be worn year round, they are always in stock!  

Frugal Skirt Tips
(1) Look beyond the size! At the thrift store, I try to look in my own size and the ones above and below, since brands run differently!
(2) Measurements - if you are visiting a thrift store without fitting rooms, know your measurements and bring a tape measure.  If you're not sure an item will fit, measure it. 

(3) ThredUp - One of my favorite places to buy second hand items!  A virtual thrift store with tons of variety, and search filters to make finding that special item easier!  If you're a first time ThredUp user, you can get a $10 shopping credit by using my link!

(4) Schoola - This is another online thrift store, with good variety, and which also donates money back to schools.  I haven't shopped here yet, but have heard good things!  If you're a newbie, use my link for a $20 shopping credit! 

(5) Instagram Boutiques - Lately I have been stalking the Instagram resale world!  Search hashtags such as #modestfashion #shopmycloset or #skirtsforsale.  Check out my IG Boutique - Second Hand Skirts Online - for lots of skirts for sale!  Comment #journeyliving on your favorite item, for a chance to win shop credit! 


This post is linked up at the following:
Tell It To Me Tuesday @ Foundational , The Modest Mom Blog,Titus 2 Tuesday @ Cornerstone ConfessionsNo Rules Weekend @ Sincerely, Paula

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

A TMMO Update

So I have discussed a bit about my goal of a Total Money Makeover and the ultimate goal of becoming debt free before - so I thought it was time for a little update for anyone who might be interested! 
Status: The ultimate status is that I am not doing so hot, definitely haven't been in gazelle mode.
 
 
The Bad:
* On a plateau - definitely not in gazelle mode
*  Struggling with a food budget - my grocery budget is in check, my penchant for getting fast food on my lunch break or the break between my two jobs is not.
* I quit my second job - not necessarily a bad thing, but definitely affects my abilities to take on the baby steps.
* No snowballing or extra payments
 
 
The Good:* I have been cash flowing everything, no additional debts
* I became a consultant with Lilla Rose - hoping to use this to generate some side income which I can apply toward my debt free goal!
*Received a promotion (and pay raise) at work
 
 
Goals:
* Use the time previously spent at my second job to support long-term financial goals.
*Generate side/secondary income.
*Pay off my federal student loans before Thanksgiving 2015