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Luxe for Less
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(Jun.24.10)
I dream in Tory Burch, and Marc Jacobs. I buy at Old Navy and Joe Fresh. Sound incongruent? Well, it’s called SIF: single income family. I’ve turned into a full-blown budget fashionista.
I realize that I can no longer shop with reckless abandonment. It was easy before children to go without certain things for the love of fashion -- spend too much shopping, don’t go out for drinks on Friday. Not now.
With two kids and a third on the way, the bottom line is there is no “me” column in the family budget (hence the small unhurtful lies I tell my husband). I have found some clever ways of making the most of my pathetic wardrobe, so I'm here to share some tidbits for successful shopping.
1. Start with basics. Blue denim. Black leggings are a must.
2. Scarves. Stores like Old Navy and Winners are a goldmine for inexpensive accessories. This week I picked up a $3 scarf and a $4 belt. (Even my husband had nothing to say about that).
3. Magazines. Rip pages out of looks you like. Take them shopping with you. It gives you focus and direction: two things that are critical when you’re on a budget or suffer from lack creativity in your wardrobe.
4. The power of two. Take your bestie (best friend that is) or sis. Someone that will offer an honest opinion and push your fashion limits slightly.
5. Have two great hats. At least one for fall/winter one for spring/summer. They’re a great time saver.
6. Duality. Look for pieces that serve more than one purpose.
7. Stretch the truth while you stretch your dollar. Lastly, little lies every now and then for the sake of fashion, well... they’re okay. If you’re partner doesn’t ask, don’t tell.
Leigh Combrink is the mother of two girls, ages three and one, with another on the way (a wine-induced decision). She’s a former footwear and accessories designer who has lived and worked in Toronto, London and Cape Town. Leigh has never met an affordable fashion challenge she couldn’t match. Check out meandmeg.com for daily updates, fashion advice and a laugh or two.