I don’t know about you but I can’t get enough of looking at style magazines or watching red carpet events. There’s something about watching my favorite celebrities show off the latest fashions that really gets to me. I mean I can get really bad with it. To the point that I’ll spend hours online trying to find the exact dress that J Lo wore to the Golden Globes or the leather jacket Beyonce wore on her last date night….
The trouble is, once I’ve scoured the internet for these fashions, the price tags scream “YOU CAN’T AFFORD ME.” And the truth is… I can’t. I used to think that the only feasible way for me to afford clothes of that caliber would be to live out of my car and switch to a ramen noodle diet, but with a bit of research and practice, I found out there are other solutions…..
Being the stylish yet savvy shopper that I’ve come to be, I realized that I can afford to dress like my fave celebrities without having to literally rob a bank to afford it. Here are some tips you might try yourself.
Start Crunching Those Numbers
Unless you have the means to earn more money, the best place to start is by evaluating your current spending habits and discerning where you can cut back. I like to call this method, “crunching numbers”. While your spending habits could be different than mine, I cut back in the following ways:
Cut the Cable Cord
How much are you spending on your cable every month? Depending on the types of cable services you have, the number of television sets you watch tv on, and the service provider you’ve chosen, you could be spending well over a few hundred bucks a month just to watch tv. Now I love binge watching my favorite shows and movies as much as the next person, but if you’re going to afford that celebrity wardrobe, you’re going to need to cut back.
There are several alternatives to cable television including the option to switch to satellite. Thanks to new technology, satellite TV providers can offer you the same channels and movies for entertainment at a fraction of the cost. Accessing authorized dealer sites such as http://satellitetv-deals.com/directv/ allows you to review deals that are often under $100 per month.
Bundle Insurance Policies
Another area of your personal budget that could be draining your pockets is insurance policies. Whether you have homeowner, renter, car, motorcycle, or life insurance, the monthly premiums can add up. The good news… many insurance companies offer discounts for consumers that are willing to bundle their policies. By switching all of your policies to the same service provider, you can cut your insurance bill in half each month. Before opting to switch insurance providers however, I highly recommend doing a comparison to ensure that you’re provided with the same protections.
Take a Brown Bag Lunch
Think that spending $10 a day on lunch is no big deal? Well, try looking at your bank statement at the end of the year. According to Forbes, you could spend close to $1,000 a year on take out. So, if you can cut back on that by taking a brown bag lunch 3-4 times out of the week, chances are you can afford a decent wardrobe.
Saving While Shopping
Once you’ve saved up a considerable amount of money, you’re ready to start shopping. Here are some tips on saving as you shop:
- Always Check for Coupons – You don’t ever have to pay full price for anything. Check online for valid coupons that can be used in store or online for additional savings.
- Don’t Overlook Secondhand Shops – If there are consignment or second hand shops in your area, don’t be afraid to go in and take a look. A lot of what you might find are vintage clothes that you can pair together and create your own styles.
- Skip the Labels – You can always find celebrity looks for less by simply skipping out on the labels. Unless you’re hell bent on having Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, or Chanel, you can find comparable styles in stores you can afford. Clip out that pick of your favorite celebrity and take it with you to department stores like Ross, Target or even TJMaxx to find similar items for a fraction of the cost.
- Buy Off Season – If you really want a bargain try shopping off season for your celebrity wardrobe. As stores mark their previous season attire down check the racks for a savings of 50% – 75%. Put the clothes away and wear them during the proper season.
In just a few short months you could completely transform your wardrobe so that you feel more like a celebrity. Remember, unless you have the means to increase your current earnings you’ll need to start by finding ways to save around the house. Put the savings away until you’ve accumulated enough for a decent shopping trip. Then use the shopping savings tips I provided you and you’ll be walking out of your home everyday feeling like the paparazzi is lurking somewhere around the corner.