In this day and age, it’s difficult for a young woman to live the glamorous lifestyle she’d always dreamed of. The economy is crappy, our bank accounts are draining as a result, and we’re getting tired of the same old routine. After some research and experimentation, I’ve managed to come up with a list of things that will keep both you and your wallet looking and feeling fantastic…
1.Designer duds.
To give them up or not to give them up? Hold on to them and shop smarter! There are plenty of places you can look for your favorite brands. For example, Nordstrom Rack, Filene’s Basement, Loehmann’s, and Off Saks Fifth Avenue are all great locations to scoop up a new pair of jeans. Stores like these are filled to the brim with 7 for All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, True Religion, Joe’s Jeans, and Hudson jeans. A lot of times, you can get them for right around $100, or if you’re lucky, even cheaper. Why not try a thrift store or consignment shop? Get real, it’s not like the previous owners have some sort of disease you’ll catch from from purchasing preowned items. Also, while on the subject of being thrifty…
2. eBay.
Your new best friend. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been browsing and I’ve seen brand new items with tags still attached featured on eBay for AMAZING prices. A lot of times, even items from the current season. It is so worth checking out! Perhaps the previous owner bought it and changed their mind later on for whatever reason. You can save tons of money using eBay. Even if an item has been worn once or twice, it’s still a great deal. My personal tip to bidding on eBay? Don’t bid until the last 10 seconds of the auction.
3. Coupon websites.
Log on to Groupon.com, LivingSocial.com, and Restaurant.com and subscribe to their daily emails featuring current deals offered. I know, I know, it’s annoying to open your email and see a million coupons. But really, once in a while, you might just find a fabulous deal that is SO you. A lot of these websites will allow you to purchase a gift certificate of a higher value, and pay half the price for the certificate. You then print it and redeem it at the location like a coupon. For example, I purchased a $58 Groupon today for a Spirit dinner cruise in DC. The actual value of a dinner cruise would be $113. What a steal!
4. Ditch the gym and go outside.
Of course this is not recommended in the winter, but for every other time of the year where it’s warm, cancel your gym membership and get your workout outside instead. If you’re like me, you’re probably not a body builder and don’t need all of the extra machines. You can go for a brisk walk or a run around your neighborhood, swim laps in the pool, or go for a bike ride. Kick it up a notch on rainy days by purchasing a Jillian Michaels workout DVD, which you can find on Amazon.com for less than $10. I will warn you…she is like a drill sergeant, but so motivating.
5. Bring a bagged lunch to work.
I found myself becoming entirely too lazy to bring lunch which later resulted in the unnecessary midday fast food run. Not only are the greasy yet delicious french fries hundreds of extra calories, but the $7 transactions certainly start to add up. For 1/3 of the price and calories, you can pack a Lean Cuisine or Weight Watcher’s Smart Ones meal. They’re only about 300 calories each, and packed with fruit and a yogurt you’ll be good to go. Personally, I prefer the Weight Watcher’s meals. They’re delicious, you wouldn’t even know you’re eating something with so little fat and calories in it.
6. Sales, sales and more sales!
The entire point of my list is to tell you how to save money. So why am I telling you to pay attention to sales? Because if you don’t, you’ll miss out on great truly savings. Wait for Victoria’s Secret’s semi-annual sales in June and January. Stock up on your fall gear during Nordstrom’s July anniversary sale. New York & Company constantly has 50% off the entire store sales. It’s not a bad idea to shop when you know you’ll get two for the price of one. Also sign up for stores’ mailing lists. They’ll send you special offers you wouldn’t otherwise get.
7. Do you really need that pedicure every month? DIY.
Buy an at-home pedicure kit and take it upon yourself to keep your toes looking fabulous. If you keep up with it, you’ll find that you won’t have as many urges to run to the nail salon and spend $40. My suggestion– OPI polish and top coat. Done correctly, it will stay on without chipping for a few weeks, and there’s always magnificent colors to choose from.
8. Start a savings account and USE it!
With all of the money you’re saving from staying frugal-fab, why not open a savings account and put in $100 or $200 here and there? You never know when you’ll need it. There are plenty of reasons to save up– spontaneous last minute vacations, a unexpected speeding ticket, or annoying car issues that come out of nowhere. You’ll keep yourself covered and your plastic can stay buried in your wallet.
9. Trade a sloppy bar night for a classy wine night.
Instead of getting all dolled up every Saturday evening for an expensive night out, why not convince all of your closest friends to ditch their heels and party panties once in a while and host a wine night at someone’s place? You’ll spend quality time with the girls, indulge in your favorite snacks and drinks, and you’ll wake up the next morning happy that you had a great night where you didn’t see your enemy– the $60 bar tab including the cheesy fries you thought would be a great idea at 3AM.
10. Go outside.
It’s Saturday, so obviously that means lunch and shopping with the girls and spending hundreds in just a few hours. Why not do something else for a change? Even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, it couldn’t hurt to toughen up and try something new. There are plenty of things you can do that are of little cost, if any at all. Get in touch with your wild side and go for a hike, try tubing through a river, or even the unthinkable to some–camping! You may find yourself enjoying something you would have never imagined. Tubing is a personal fave of mine– you can have a great time and get a great tan out of it– all for around $20 a person.
Mostly Chic and a Little Geek 