A recent survey of 1,000 British women discovered that we spend on average, £482.51 a year on 12 key beauty products. Imagine how much bigger that total gets when you factor in clothing and accessories too! If you’re trying to save for something major like a holiday, car, or even a deposit for a flat, you know you need to cut back where you can, but happily you don’t have to give up on your style. Read on for ways to shop smartly and indulge your love of looking good while still being savvy with your savings.
Clear the clutter
Start with a good old clear-out. A rather revealing study from Weight Watchers shows that UK shoppers own at least £10 billion worth of clothes that they don’t wear. Empty out your wardrobe and get savvy with your selling. Try an online selling site (national or local) or find your nearest car boot sale. Anything else will be welcome at a charity shop or recycling centre. The same goes for your makeup bag; ditch the ancient dried mascara (it’s unhygienic anyway) and streamline your products to the ones you really need.
Investment pieces
Ideally your wardrobe should be built on a few classic pieces which will last longer and mix and match with most things. Think crisp white shirts, great-fitting jeans, or heels which make you look and feel fantastic. Look for hard-working items like coats and boots in the sales. There’s no shame in mending or patching up older items either; actually it’s vital at a time when an estimated £140 million of clothing goes to landfill each year. For beauty products, decide your priorities and spend more on what matters to you; skincare is usually a good place to start as the base for everything else. Supplement with high street or supermarket bargains. Practising putting money aside for fewer, bigger purchases is also a smart way to prepare for future investment and portfolio planning; your future self will thank you for it.
Try a trend now and then
Having a core of trusty fashion and beauty buys will help you look stylish every day, but a little change now and then is good. While a recent poll found that almost a third of Brits can’t remember the last time they tried something new, working a new trend now and then will make you feel right up to date. Add a splash of this season’s hot colour with an accessory or nail polish. Browse charity shops for vintage pieces that have come back round, or simply try a new hair trend for an instant update without undoing your sensible saving.
It’s perfectly possible to look and feel good while still taking a sensible attitude towards your finances. It’s important too; not just for your future bank balance but for the planet. Investing in fewer, better quality items means less packaging and less waste going to landfill. That’s not to say you can’t have fun with fashion; small nods to trends will help you feel up to date without going off track. It’s time to get chic and cheerful.
Do you have any tips? Drop me a comment below.
Much Love, Eltoria x
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Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber be sure to check out my recent YouTube videos (click here)